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Religion Forum Index » Christian Methodist Forum » UMNS: Alabama church group provides friendship to mentally d
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 Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 8:20 am |
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Alabama church group provides friendship to mentally disabled
Mar. 18, 2004
A UMNS Feature
By Amy Green*
Years ago, while working as a volunteer at a camp for the mentally
disabled, Margaret Alexander decided she wanted to offer campers more
than once-a-year activities.
She organized a social group to meet monthly at Saint Mark United
Methodist Church in Birmingham, Ala., where she is a member, for an
evening of games, singing, dancing and other activities. More than a
decade later, the group continues to draw members from across the
community, giving them a fun place to be themselves and their caregivers
a night out for dinner or a movie.
Alexander began the effort in 1989 as a small goodwill project with five
people. Now it draws 30, some who drive more than an hour to the church.
She receives more than she gives, Alexander, 58, who processes claims
for an insurance company, says. "I probably get more out of doing this
than they do," she said. "I work at the office, and it's a hard tough
day, and I go straight to the church. They uplift me. They make me feel
good. I can be tired, (but) they just uplift me so."
It is a diverse group, some as young as 18, and others, 60. Some have
Down's syndrome and autism, while others, considered slow learners,
attend traditional schools and hold jobs. They gather for a meal and an
evening of games, singing, dancing and sometimes a craft. They watch
movies and share stories. Sometimes they attend baseball games and go on
other field trips.
Alexander also helped start two other groups, and a third group run by
fellow camp volunteers has sprouted, too. Alexander sometimes joins that
group for field trips, Christmas parties and other activities.
She gets help from eight other volunteers at Saint Mark United Methodist
Church. Together they have forged a close relationship, she said. She
often gets phone calls from members who report big news or simply want
to chat.
"It's just a chance to give the participants a place to fellowship with
their peers, and also give a rest to their parents or caregivers," she
said. "People don't always accept people who are different. Whether
they've been mentally challenged or physically challenged or whatever,
this is just a chance for them to come together and have a good time
with their peers."
Jeff Jackson, 27, looks forward to participating in the group each
month. He said he sometimes is called names because of his disability,
but with the group he enjoys playing games, throwing parties and making
friends.
"We meet lots of friends here," he said.
Katherine Robinson, 31, enjoys the field trips but, like Jackson, values
her friends most.
"I love my good friends a lot," she said. "I love going out with them.
And I like being with them."
A friend urged Alexander to volunteer at the camp for the mentally
disabled in the early 1980s. She was touched by her campers' affection
and honesty.
"It was just something that grabbed me," Alexander said. "It just kind
of grabbed my heart."
Alexander's work has touched the congregation, too, says the Rev. Mikah
Hudson, associate pastor of the church, which draws about 450 on an
average Sunday. It has pulled the congregation together, he says. For
example, Sunday school classes help prepare the group's meals.
"They initially approach it as trying to help people that they feel like
are less fortunate," he said. "But yet they leave knowing that God's
love radiates through that person and touches their lives as well."
Alexander is proud the group has reached beyond her denomination,
drawing its members from churches across the community. She also
believes the group has raised awareness within her own congregation. She
is glad to hear about congregation members who strike up conversations
with group members when they meet in grocery stores and restaurants.
She plans to continue running the group as long as there is interest,
she said.
"They're just people like you and I, just wanting to have a good time,"
she said.
*Amy Green is a freelance journalist based in Nashville, Tenn.
********************
United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org |
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