Last Friday, April 12, was Fontbonne Day, which is our community service day in mission together. On this day, faculty and students joined different service projects in the St. Louis area. First, we gathered together for reflection and discussion in the morning of Fontbonne Day. There was an introduction and an interfaith panel on Catholic social teaching. Then, we left campus to do our different group service sites in the St. Louis area.
One of my graduate classmates, three Fontbonne faculty, and I joined the service project for SarahCare Adult Day Service, a day care
organization for disabled adults. They have over 20 clients in their organization, and different adults have different needs to be taken care of. Our group did many activities with the adults. We played puzzles and games (candy land, Bingo) together. I’m not familiar with American games, and this was my first time to play Candy Land and I played with adults. It was so much fun. I also assisted them with walking, lunch, and anything they needed. During the day, I’ve learned I need to pay more attention to listen and chat to those with special needs.
I remember one of the clients kept telling me “I love you, you are pretty and sweet. Everyone here loves you so much.” She told 
me over 10 times in just 1 minute. Since she has dementia, she forgets easily what she said. Every adult in this organization had different needs, but they’re so cute and very open minded to express their love. They gave me many hugs and kisses, even though I just stayed with them for a few hours. Aw…, they’re so sweet to me. Even though they have some disability, their heart is so lovely and sweet.
For me, Fontbonne Day is a really meaningful day to contribute to the St. Louis Area. I will get involved in more volunteer and service opportunities in the future.
Tagged as:
Adult Day Service,
Fontbonne Day,
Individuals with special needs,
SarahCare,
service
One thing I’ve noticed since moving to St. Louis is that there is a large homeless population here. In the January 2010 census, there were 1,305 counted homeless persons in the St. Louis area. Almost every day on my way to school I pass at least one homeless man holding a cardboard sign. My heart goes out to them, especially right now during the cold winter months. I’ve always been told, as I’m sure many of you have, not to give money to homeless people. The question is, what can we do to help them? Well, a quick Google search will lead you to a number of organizations in St. Louis such as the St. Patrick Center, St. Vincent de Paul, or the Bridge, as well as countless other places that provide services to the homeless population. These are great places to donate money, clothing, and food, or to volunteer.
However, it is still difficult when we pass homeless people on the street. If you don’t feel comfortable giving them cash, or if you just don’t carry cash, then you might find yourself awkwardly avoiding eye contact as they walk by your window. Otherwise, you may give them a friendly smile as if to say, “I would help you if only I knew how.” I decided last year to do something more about it.
I was reading through the Bible in a year, and verses kept jumping out at me: Isaiah 58:7– “Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them…” Proverbs 21:13– “Those who shut their ears to the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.” These are only two of many similar verses. I made a resolution that I would not pass by a homeless person without giving them something.
On a regular basis, I set aside cash that I carry in my pocket solely for the purpose of giving to homeless people. I’ve found that it is much easier to be generous when I keep it separated from my own money. Like tithe, I never consider it mine to begin with. When it got cold, I started keeping a bag of wool socks in my car. You could also keep peanut butter crackers, snack packs, or other small non-perishable items in your glove box for these occasions.
This winter I made care packages that contained a pair of wool socks (Cabela’s: $3.33), a pair of gloves (Home Depot: $1.00), hand warmers (Home Depot: $0.80), and a Bible (Lifeway Christian Store: $1.99). I took them downtown and gave them out on Christmas Eve. It really surprised me how excited someone in need can get over a warm pair of socks and a Bible. One older gentleman started to cry and hugged me. To us, it’s just a few dollars, but to them it means everything.
Since I started doing this, I have found that when I see a homeless person, they are now an opportunity to be a blessing to someone in need.
Tagged as:
faith,
service,
St. Louis
