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Background: The University of St. Thomas - Houston (UST) mission includes a commitment to social service. Specifically, this commitment focuses on meeting the needs of the greater Houston metropolitan area and on responding creatively to some of the challenges of our time: poverty, inequality, and the lack of education. Aims or focus of discussion: This article showcases two of the major service-learning initiatives developed at UST: the Microcredit Program and the Math Education Initiative. Arguments/comments/suggestions: The success of these initiatives lies in the set of values promoted by the university but more importantly on the partnership these programs have made with professional learning communities. Local activists, businesses and other civil organizations are part of professional learning networks that boost service-learning initiatives into real pedagogical tools. Conclusion: Service-Learning initiatives at UST shift the service-learning paradigm from one that works for a community to one that works with a community. These initiatives benefit targeted groups, community representatives, and professionals but they also benefit every student and faculty member involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]