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