Today the group from Alvernia University participated in two service-learning experiences.

First, we ventured to HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Located in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia, HMS School serves children and young adults through age 21 who have complex, multiple disabilities usually resulting from cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury or other neurological impairment. Renowned for their success in empowering students, HMS’s day and residential programs maximize achievement and promote independence. Every child flourishes in a nurturing, respectful environment.

Each of the students went to various classrooms to participate in and to observe therapy and education.

I had the chance to drop in on music therapy sessions, speech and movement therapy, and various other activities that HMS’ wonderful staff lead.

After lunch, the group journeyed to Inglis House.

Since 1877, Inglis has made a commitment to helping people with disabilities. Inglis serves people living independently in the community, as well as those living in their residential long-term care community.

Inglis House is a specialty nursing care facility providing long-term, residential care for 297 adults with physical disabilities, including multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury and stroke, among others.  Residents receive rehabilitative medical and nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapies; and a selection of more than 20 social enrichment and therapeutic recreation programs every day.

Inglis is the largest provider of affordable, accessible housing in the Greater Philadelphia region with 208 housing units, and plans for 50 more units by 2015.

Our job today was to get the word out to residents about an upcoming piano and clarinet concert in Founders’ Hall. So we went around the three floors where residents live and told them about the concert. All the while, we interacted and got to know some of the residents and the very dedicated staff.

After the concert, a highlight of the day was meeting an Inglis resident who is an artist from Michigan. He showed us some of this paintings and even shared some of the poetry he has written.

Most importantly, he had us laughing our heads off! It was a fitting way to end our time at Inglis House.

Afterwards, we headed back to where the group is staying: First Presbyterian Church in Germantown.

I led a workshop that helped us explore the importance of asking good and curious questions in interfaith engagement and cooperation. Then, we explored the website Ravel/Unravel. The site, a program of Project Interfaith, includes over 1100 videos of people of various religious and secular backgrounds sharing their stories. I asked the students to watch a few videos and then to respond to them.

All in all, I appreciated their honest and insightful responses. I think the rest of this week will be very valuable and meaningful for us all. See you tomorrow!