Impact Boston 2012 Session 1

Posted on 06/27/2012 @ 11:00 PM

Impact: Boston - A Glimpse Into WCI

Over the time I've spent with the consumers from WCI I have gotten to know their personalities so well.  I have realized how great of people they are.  So far we have done art projects on site with the consumers, as well as gone bowling with them.  Overall I have had such a great time! - Haley, Raleigh, NC

At first, it was scary.  A different environment, with different people, and we didn't know what to expect.  Nervous to meet hte consumers, after the first firendly hello from an individual at WCI, the experience has become a blast.  From helping out with art projects like beading and painting, to bowling with the consumers and eating lunch with them, everyone is so sweet and friendly, and they appreciate all the attention we give them.  Everyone is so funny and loving, and the time spent here at WCI is so rewarding. - Amanda, Toronto, ON

I had a lot of fun today.  It was a really fun experience to go outside of Brandeis and hang out with everyone.  I really got to know them and formed a relationship.  I look forward to hanging out the rest of the time. - Lara, Charlotte, NC

In the beginning, I was very nervous about working at this site, but the second I strated seeing their smiling faces and tehir happiness, the nerves all went away.  On the first day, we worked with a few of the consumers in art and helped them make beads out of paper.  They were all so excited when they accomplished anything, even as simple as making beads.  I enjoy spending time with them because of the happiness in their eyes. - Jessica, Coral Springs, FL

At first I was kind of worried.  I had never worked closely with people who have disabilities before.  But the more time I spent with them the easier and more fun things became.  It's really fun and now I can't even remember why I was worried in the first place. - Grant, Winston-Salem, NC

Impact Boston 2012 Session 1

Posted on 06/26/2012 @ 11:00 PM

Impact: Boston - A Glimpse Into Community Servings

It has only been two days, but already we have received a massive amount of exposure to various community sites in Boston.  Even though we have only visited two sites that both serve food to those in need, they were very much different.

First, we went to Community Servings, a non-profit organization that makes, prepares, and delivers food to give to people who have chronic or terminal illness, including but not limited to HIV/AIDS or cancer.  The substantial cleanliness of the facilities was astounding.  They need to be clean in order to properly serve th clients.  We toured the kitchens and will begin working there tomorrow.  We're very excited.

Today, we took a side trip to the New England Center for Homeless Veterans.  This time, we got to talk with the veterans who were there.  We heard their stories, and they were incredible! The veterans were funny, intelligent, and incredibly interesting.  We learned a lot from them, and we left with a better understanding of connecting to others.

While both sites were very different, they shared a common trait: they allow us to see the world in a different perspective.  At Community Servings, we realize we have limited time on Earth.  At NECHV, we saw hope in a place we did not expect.  Both gave us a new perspective on life, and both allowed us to take something back from this experience.  The following days shall bring even more powerful insight, and we are very excited to experience it.

The Community Servings Group:
Blake, Devyn, Diana, Emilie, Hayes, Jessie, Jillian, Katie, Kayla, Melanie, Melissa, and Sarah

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.

Spotlight On...

Posted on 07/07/2011 @ 08:00 PM

Impact: Boston

GWArc

We were assigned to work with Greater Waltham Arc, a nonprofit that focuses on serving individuals with an assortment of developmental disorders. GWARC is not a rehabilitation center, but a habilitation center, which means that they focus on skill retention rather than skill development.

We have painted birdhouses, gone grocery shopping for foods to donate to a food shelter, played games and danced with the consumers (the term GWARC uses for their clients). We have all grown close to the consumers. Not only have we provided companionship, they have also made a deep impression on us.

To exemplify this we would like to share one specific interaction between a 28 year-old consumer and Maddie, an Impact Boston participant:
GWARC Consumer: I’m in love with Miley Cyrus, I’m her biggest fan.
Maddie: Why do you like her so much?
GWARC Consumer: Do you know her song The Climb? It’s about overcoming obstacles in pursuit of a goal.
Maddie: Yes I do know that song. How do you relate to it?
GWARC Consumer: I connect to it because I don’t want to keep scrubbing dishes working in a kitchen for the rest of my life; I want to go out in the real world. I want to have a real job, and go places.

We hope that this small exchange exemplifies the sense of the determination and passion of all of the consumers that we are working with at GWARC. We have all enjoyed our time immensely.
- Joanna Lubkin, IMPACT: Boston Site Educator, GWARC