Third times the charm

As I sit down at the end of our third day in Indianapolis, I feel physically and mentally drained. All I want to do is enjoy my small bag of Cheetos and a glass of milk while maybe making it to bed before midnight. However, it turns out it's my turn to continue the legendary story of UTK's Disability Awareness Alternative Fall Break. I'm not sure if I can do it justice, but I'll do my best:

The day started at 6:30 am on the floor of good ole Bethel AME Church in downtown Indianapolis. Our journey began with an organization named Outside the Box. This non-profit prides itself in a personalized day program for adults with disabilities. The volunteer coordinator, Cassidy, told our team that their goal was to "put this place out of business" hoping the time and efforts toward participants would eventually lead them to a life of independence. 

We did some indirect services for the organization including painting a classroom, weeding a garden, cleaning kitchens, and sanitizing tables.

Talking to Cassidy one-on-one, it didn't take long to realize how much volunteer help non-profits need and don't always receive. It's amazing to see how much our small group of 12 accomplished in just a few hours, and you can do the same and even more with consistent service in your own community.

At around 12, we grouped back into our van and waved goodbye to Outside the Box and ventured to the last organization we would serve on our trip: Agape. As we approached this rural location with peanut and jelly sandwiches in our mouths, we were tired yet excited to serve one last time for our fall break. Agape, located in northern Indianapolis, is a non-profit organization that uses recreational therapy through horseback riding to help children and adults progress through many problems including autism, abuse, lack of confidence, and more. Agape, which is the Greek word for unconditional love, was started by a former school teacher who started her business after the death of her daughter. 

"If you have a passion, and you don't build on it, the thing stopping you is fear. If there's one thing you remember today, remember that fear should never stop you from pursuing your dreams."

After taking a tour and almost having my fingers bit off by a horse (it was my fault, I promise), our group started our final service hours in the form of indirect service: first, cleaning up a garden filled with pesky walnuts, and second, cleaning an extremely dusty and allergy-prone barn. Although cold, our team did an absolutely brilliant job finishing these jobs with smiles on our faces.

After a hard day of physical service, we went out for our final dinner together before trekking back to Knoxville.

Windy Indy, you've been great to us. Thanks for a blast. As for me, my Cheetos and milk are calling my name. I hope I did this team Justice in telling our story.

Until next time, 

Mickayla Stogsdill

Freshman, UTK

 

A Noble Day of Service

Today we had a full day of service. We first started at Noble Life, which is a day program facility for adults with disabilities. We started by organizing the art room where the clients participate in all sorts of crafts. And then we got to have some direct service with the clients. For most of us, this was the most exciting and best part of our day. We got to experience what lunch time is like for the teachers and got to help with the most chaotic part of the day. Best of all, we got to directly impact the lives of these clients and see their smiling faces! 

After we said our goodbyes with sadness, we had lunch in the van and made our way back to ABC from the previous day to finish our projects. 

Finally, we got to get a taste of downtown Indianapolis and walk to some of the monuments and fountains! 

This even included walking up 350 stairs to get to the observation of one of the monuments, which in the long run may not have been our greatest idea, but the view was worth it. 

After a family dinner of tacos, we all got to talk about how awesome our experiences were and how pumped we are for tomorrow! 

Some of the group in the art room! 

Everyone outside of ABC! 

Needed a selfie stick for this one, oops 

Our view of downtown! 

Working hard at crafting 

And of course the best looking AFB group around! 

Until tomorrow, 

Yours truly Rach West 

Look Mom, we made it!

Today the Disability/Ability Awareness Alternate Break trip got started this morning as we headed out to Indianapolis, Indiana! We left UT a little after 6 and arrived at our first service site at 1. We went to the Applied Behavior Center for Autism and while there participated in lots of indirect service. We cleaned vans, organized closets, decorated rooms, and prepared Halloween activities as well as several other things that will help the agency to function smoothly. After we finished there we ran errands and then headed to the church we are staying at this week. One half of the team made a spaghetti dinner while the other half had the opportunity to explore a little bit of downtown. After dinner we played some get to know you games and also the chance to talk about our expectations for the trip as well as reflect on what all has happened so far. Most recently, our first secret buddy gift was given! Alex got 2 fish, wonder who gave them?? Now we're all going to bed, excited to see what tomorrow brings! 

At the work site 

The river canal 

Our fishy friends