Wednesday: A day in the life of YouMeWe NPO

Wednesday

DAA Salon: mural making and portraits

We visited St. Josephs for the day to focus on a fun day of art, photography, and fun. Volunteers and interns witnessed firsthand the power of art, camaraderie, and technology in fostering an environment of positivity and growth. From mural making to instant portrait photography, and a delightful pizza party to tech-driven playtime, the day was a heartwarming testament to the importance of human connection and self-expression.

Our first activity of the day was mural making – a collaborative endeavor that brought together children of all ages. Armed with brushes, paint, and an array of colors, we set out to transform a large panels of blank paper into a masterpiece. It was inspiring to see how each young child's unique perspective came to life through their strokes of pens and splashes of paint. The mural became a tapestry of stories, dreams, and creativity, reminding us that art is a universal language that transcends age and background.

After the creative burst of mural making, it was time to fuel our energies with a delicious pizza party. What made this gathering special was that it wasn't just confined to a single age group from the home – it was an open invitation to any children who wished to join. The aroma of freshly baked pizza filled the air as the volunteers and children formed connections over this shared meal. Laughter resonated throughout the room as individuals from diverse walks of life came together, building bonds that even transcended the confines of language.

While waiting for the photographer to arrive, the children were given time to engage with an array of tech toys and programming games. The room buzzed with excitement as they delved into interactive experiences that merged entertainment with learning. This segment of the day highlighted the importance of striking a balance between traditional activities and modern innovations, providing the children with an opportunity to explore their interests and potential in the digital world.

Next, it was time for an activity that combined nostalgia with modern-day fascination – instant portrait photography using a vintage film camera. The excitement was palpable as each participant had the chance to step in front of the lens and strike a pose. Many of the children did not have a tangible photo of themselves so this was a precious experience. The anticipation of seeing the photograph develop added an element of suspense and wonder to the experience. Participants could choose between solo shots or group photos, and afterward, they were handed their images to decorate as they pleased. It was heartening to see the delight on their faces as they held their tangible memories with their best friends and members of the YouMeWe team.

Leaving the group home that evening, I couldn't help but feel profoundly moved by the experiences of the day. The activities we shared, from mural making to instant photography, highlighted the human need for self-expression, connection, and the simple joy of creativity. As we navigated through our busy lives, the day at the group home served as a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful moments arise when we pause to engage with our fellow humans in genuine, authentic ways. This day went swimmingly compared to the minecraft night which was a very rewarding experience which gave us all the motivation as to why we do what we do. Taking the time to connect, create, and share can make a world of difference – not only for those we interact with but for our own well-being and sense of fulfillment as well.