Last summer, we began a great partnership with S.P.A.R.K. a local organization. Their purpose is to design and manage service-learning opportunities in our community. They have a summer camp program called SPARK’Dwell to engage youth from across the country to live in community, engage in hands-on volunteer service, and explore systemic justice issues. Last year we were visited by several great groups of young folks who had a wonderful time engaging with our residents and learning about the population of those with disabilities. They really felt like it was alife-changing experience and so we invited them back this year.
This summer they ran mini day camps for our residents with structured (and unstructured!) activities. Our residents are really enjoying themselves and made new friends. We are very grateful for this partnership. At the end of each week we asked our visitors what they enjoyed ot learned during their time. Here are a few of the responses:
- I really enjoyed when Malia was pulling me around, and I was swinging with Katie and Matthew.
- These experiences allowed me to feel like I was really making a difference in their day because I could see the joy and excitement.
- My favorite experience was when I was sitting by myself and B.J walked over to me from across the way and sat down with me. I scooched away to give him room to sit, but he pulled me back and held My hand. (this was captured in one of the photos below!)
- My favorite experience was seeing how happy Ronnie was to throw balls, even though I got hit a few times!
- My most rewarding experience was playing connect 4, with Thad and being able to stretch his arm and enable him to participate more actively, gave me much joy.
- Matthew’s smile from some of the sensory stimuli will remain in my memory always. He showed the joy we can bring from being present and serving.
- It can be challenging to know if the residents are enjoying the activity you choose to do with them, but when they smile or dance, it’s the best feeling and I will keep them all in my heart.
- I enjoyed putting smiles on people’s faces.
- Getting to play with Dale and watching his smile really touched my heart.
- Dylan will stay in my heart because of the joy he spreads.
- The most rewarding part was seeing the residence laugh Because communication is hard for them.
- Anything they did to show they were happy was beautiful.
- My most rewarding experience was watching the residents going through water during the wheelchair wash and April singing will always stay in my heart.
- Helping to move people was an experience that made me feel like I was helping.
- I enjoyed making a collage with the residents to put up in their new home.
- I loved how every patient is shown love and is valued by the staff.
- I enjoyed doing the crafts and seeing the residents excited to pick colors or draw. You could really see their personalities.
- I enjoyed reading Pinocchio to a resident.
- I enjoyed being able to connect with some of the residents and making them smile.
- I enjoyed playing in the water with all the residents and having a good time dancing to the music.
- This is a place of pure love.
