Mercy Students Join the Young Neighbors in Action

Mercy’s Frances Warde Service Learning Program, directed by faculty member Kate Bell, provides opportunities for students to do community service. Last summer some of our Mercy Girls participated with Young Neighbors in Action (YNIA). They spent two days at Beans and Bread and Paul’s Place, serving and interacting with guests as meal servers or as assistants in choosing gently-used clothing.
 

Beans and Bread is operated by the St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore and serves the poor and needy of Baltimore. Paul’s Place is located in Southwest Baltimore and provides programs, services, and support that strengthen individuals and families. YNIA is a nationwide Catholic organization that offers young people opportunities for service and community. Here are some thoughts from three Mercy Girls who participated.
 

At YNIA we saw what it was like to be struggling and need help. We learned how easy and fun it is to help others. We grew together as a community through service and religion...YNIA has helped me grow as a person in my religion and in my kindness towards others.
--Abby B. ’19

Although the week of service to our city was short, the attitude of "giving back" will certainly hold firm as we return to our own community...Through this experience, I have learned that changing other people's lives can inevitably change yours. In one of my service sites, I stepped into one of the clients shoes and connected with her in such a personal level that she said to me "I have never felt a love like that before." Hearing this made me beam with joy, knowing that I have touched someone. Even if this encounter brightened her day for just a few moments, it changed my outlook forever.  --Sarah C. ’19

This experience definitely reminded me of the significance of small things. The people we were serving were so appreciative for things like having a choice in where they sat at Paul’s Place, or a choice in their drink at Beans and Bread. Most of us choose where we sit at lunch and what we would like to drink every single day without even giving it a second thought. Additionally, many of the guests at Paul’s Place and Beans and Bread would smile at us and tell us to have a great day. Their kindness and positivity always made me smile because in a time where they did not have much, they were still trying to focus on the good, and I think that’s something of which everyone needs reminding.  --Kayleigh M. ’19