Service Learning during the summer contains smaller number of students due to the enrollment; nonetheless, we still manage to have a productive time with the organizations that allow us to come and serve.
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During the normal school year, Service Learning classes generally meet with a P-12 school to enhance the desirable outcomes of service projects. This summer though, the class was able to participate at these non-profit organizations:
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New Cassel Retirement Home - July 11
Siena Francis House - July 20
Habitat for Humanity - Jul 27
Food Bank - Aug 1
“Love, care and treasure the elderly people in the society.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita, Pearls of Wisdom: Great mind
Students prepared questions to ask residents in order to get to know them. They spent an hour asking and sharing information about their culture, history and any other subjects they wandered into.
The residents were inviting and caring as our students listened and asked follow up questions.
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But more importantly, both parties ended up going home with a new memory.
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Going to the Siena Francis House is different each time - often times we are creating something visual for their residents to enjoy. Around the holidays, we make decorations, and sometimes we join their Creative Workshop (as you see in these pictures). We engage with the residences to create a more personal voice about who we are and share information about ourselves. It is very enjoyable and has been an eye-opener for our students. It breaks the stereo-type of who we believe to be homeless and thus building bridges!
Habitat for Humanity Omaha
Habitat is a unique experience for our students since they are able to see a part of the local community via bus tour. Mrs. Lopez explains the housing needs and the requirements of getting a home for the community who find it difficult to obtain a traditional bank loan.
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Turner Morgan, the Volunteer Coordinator joined us and gave the students a tour of the warehouse where materials are kept and created a hammering game for them. All the winners received a t-shirt for their efforts!
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All in all, it is always a fun experience for the students.
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