Notre Dame interns return to Holy Angels to make a difference
Two University of Notre Dame students spent the summer making a difference with the residents and staff of Holy Angels.
"Holy Angels is really an amazing place," said Notre Dame intern Amanda Arnold. "I love the variety of work they do here and how they integrate faith through many expressions of human dignity and the legacy of mercy. Everybody has been very friendly and welcoming."
The two interns spent eight weeks at Holy Angels doing everything from physical and creative arts therapy to shadowing physicians and nurses as they do rounds. The interactive experience offered the interns the opportunity to make connections with the residents.
"I like it when Greg asks me for hugs. It makes my day," said Arnold of one of the residents.
Both interns said they experienced many mercy moments while at Holy Angels.
"Kim always asks to go on the swing. We also listen to music. Every time it's over, she'll do a sign language 'thank you', which is really cool," said intern Matthew Gluckow.
The Notre Dame Club of Charlotte has partnered with the school's Center for Social Concerns to send an intern or two to Holy Angels for 17 years. The interns received three credits in theology through experiential learning on the values of Catholic social teaching.
"I am very proud of the Notre Dame Club of Charlotte's connection and sponsorship with Holy Angels. It is a cause very dear to the hearts of our local alumni," said Jim Mannix, club president. "This program provides a hands-on learning experience rarely available to college students. We intend to continue sending students as long as Holy Angels will have them."
A total of 27 Notre Dame students have been touched by the life-altering experience at Holy Angels.
"We have a special relationship with Notre Dame Club of Charlotte, the university and the interns who choose to come here," said Holy Angels CEO Kerri Massey. "The students provide an energy and passion during their time here supporting our residents and staff. We hope the experience impacts them for the rest of their lives."
Both Arnold and Gluckow plan on going to medical school when they graduate from Notre Dame. They say this experience has changed the way they look at people who are differently able.
"We were told not to look at what the residents can't do. There is so much that they can do, and that's really inspiring. They bring so much joy," said Arnold.
"I've learned so much here already. Don't judge a book by its cover. All of these residents are special in their own exceptional way," said Gluckow. "I hope I've made an impact on the people here. It certainly has made an impact on me."
Holy Angels was founded in 1955 by the Sisters of Mercy. The private, nonprofit corporation located in Belmont provides residential services and innovative programs for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities with delicate medical conditions.