Title: Supporting an Incoming Group Home for the Mentally Handicapped
Academic Areas: Social Studies Government and Economics
Duration of service: 1 Year
Character Virtues: Justice and Fairness
Service Areas: Advocating for the opening of a Group Home
Service Learning Project Description:
A local organization of advocates for the disabled is discussing
the opening of a group home for the mentally handicapped. There
has been some local opposition to the selected home site, and there
have been some heated debates. The high school advocacy club has
decided to work with the local organization to raise public awareness
on the issue of group homes. They intend to create information materials
and provide an informational meeting with guest speakers on the
subject.
Goals and Objectives
Academic
Learning Goal: Students will be able to discuss the social, economic
and zoning impact of opening a group home in the community.
Standard: Social Studies 4 Civics, Citizenship and Government
Service
Community need: There is a need for more information
about the operation of a group home in the community.
Possible Community Partners: Local Mental Health
Services and Social Workers
Objective: Help Local home owners make more informed
decisions about the location of a group home in the community.
Character
Virtue: Justice and Fairness
Objective: Students will be able to discuss both
sides of the debate about the location of a group home in the
community.
Key Activities
Key Planning Activities
1) Locate group homes in the surrounding area
2) Tour the Group homes and possibly volunteer to work with residents
3) Develop the Information Materials for the Community
4) Develop a 2 hour program of speakers and images from surrounding
area group homes.
Key Service Activities
1) Print and distribute materials in support of the group home
2) Hold a Public informational meeting about the operation of
group homes in NY State
Key Reflection Activities
1. (oral) Discuss the changes in attitude about the group home
over the course of the meeting.
2. (written) Write thank you letters, especially to group home
residents that provided help getting the message out.
3. (performance) Students will create and deliver a power point
presentation at the informational meeting.
Demonstration Activity
Host an awards ceremony with local advocacy groups. Students
will design award categories and give speeches to thank the community
organizations for their help in the project. School administration
and members of current group homes will also be invited to partake
in the ceremony.
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