Department of Social Work holds community service day

By Sister Johnelle Luciani, chairwoman, Department of Social Work

The Department of Social Work held its first Day of Community Service, co-chaired by Sam Insana ’14 and Laura Manning ’14, on Sunday, April 21.

Social work majors, family members, friends, alumni and faculty began the day with a prayer by Courtney Russell ’14 for those whose lives were forever changed by the Boston Marathon bombings and for those who came together to help in any way possible. Carolyn Artesani ’14 sang “The Prayer” in honor of those who died or suffered unspeakable trauma both physically and emotionally.

The day’s theme was “Spring Cleaning: Lending a Helping Hand.” In anticipation of Earth Day, much of the work focused on the environment. A group cleaned and prepared the community gardens at the MET School for planting. A room at the Women’s Resource Center was transformed with a new coat of paint, while the yard was cleaned and flowers planted. The Boys Town campus was raked, flowerbeds were prepared and flowers planted, beautifying the campus. At the Grand Islander, residents enjoyed nail care and hand massages while the outside patio area was cleaned and flowerbeds prepared for spring.  Lastly, the courtyard of New Residence was cleaned and the organic vegetable and herb bed prepared for planting.

The day was productive, invigorating and a wonderful opportunity to give back to the communities from which so much has been received. All involved – students, family members, friends, alumni and faculty – returned to campus tired but ready to process the experience and to plan for the second annual Day of Service.