Impact Boston 2012 Session 1
Posted on 06/25/2012 @ 11:00 PM
Impact: Boston - A Glimpse Into Charles River Center
Last night, after starting to get to know everyone, we found out what our service sites were going to be for this program. Ours is Charles River Center, a nonprofit organization that helps and connects people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Today, we had a short introduction about the organization. We learned all about their missions. As a group, we saw 2 videos -- the first video showed how people with intellectual disabilities were put into institutions with very few profesionals and nurses to help them and look after them. In these institutions, there was one professional for every 40 people. The people with disabilities didn't get any instruction or attention to learn basic skills. We were very disturbed by this video, but a lot has changed since the 1960s.
The second video was the complete opposite and very inspirational. The video showed how far everyone has come and the widespread oppportunities people with disabilities now have. For instance, people with disabilities today have the opportunity to become part of their community by having jobs. As a result, working in the community has given them hope, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
The Charles River Center has group homes for people with disabilities. We met with one man who gave us a tour of his home. The first stop on the tour was his room where we learned he was a Red Sox fan. We then went down to the common room which he shares with his 8 other roommates. He explained to us their hobbies and how they interact with each other. Together, they play Wii, do puzzles, have BBQs, and so many other things. Our new friend enjoyed showing us around his home.
Today we learned how such inhumane acts towards individuals with disabilities cannot be tolerated, the growth of awareness, and the importance of giving people opportunities in the community. We look forward to working with the Charles River Center throughout the rest of Impact Boston!
- Julia Cohen, New Jersey & Ben Alford, Massachusetts
Impact Boston 2012 Session 1
Posted on 06/24/2012 @ 11:00 PM
Impact: Boston - Welcome from Shimshon & Rachel
We are thrilled to report that Impact Boston session 1 kicked off today with great success!
After an afternoon of luggage, orientation and group building games, we all gathered together to set our intentions for two weeks of service, learning and community.
We gave the teens their site assignments, and took a few moments of quiet reflection about the great work to come. In small groups we discussed some core principles of service, and began to cultivate a whole-hearted approach to engaging with the people we will meet on site starting tomorrow.
Right now the teens are in their dorms, getting to know each other, and preparing for a good night's rest. We start bright and early tomorrow morning!
You can check out our photos on Smugmug for regular updates from Impact Boston. We are happy to answer any questions you have. Call us at any time at 781-736-8416 or email us at impact@brandeis.edu.
CLTC 2 Shira
Posted on 06/22/2012 @ 04:29 PM
Over the past 3.5 days of CLTC Nathan and I have had the pleasure of listening to Mikey (the song leader) grab all the CLTC participants attention. Each night after dinner all the participants participate in a Shira (song session). Songs that are normally sung at Jewish camps now have a new twist to them, and everyone is noticing. It has been a truly unique experience to watch the Alephs and B'nai B'rith Girls bond over something as special as Shira.
Submitted With Undying Love For,
Music, CLTC 2, and memories that will last a life time,
I remain,
Kara Simon
BBG CLTC 2 Coordinator
CLTC 2, 2012!
Posted on 06/22/2012 @ 04:05 PM
Here at CLTC 2, Kara Simon and I are having an incredible time. The teens have just started the best and most meaningful 12 days of their lives. I have never seen a group of young people have such a great time while becoming better leaders and learning how to better their community. We have just had our elections. Kavod AZA and Echad AZA have elected their boards, and they are ready to get down to business.
Every night we have had a friendship circle before we go to bed, which includes singing and eating snacks in order to wind down and get ready for the next day. I can't wait to see what the Alephs and BBGs of CLTC 2 can achieve over the rest of our time together!
Much Love and Frats,
Nathan Weinbaum
Joseph Charney CLTC1 Blog
Posted on 06/21/2012 @ 11:35 PM
Comments
Leave a Comment