Gannon ABST Washington, DC

One last group picture with us all wearing our Father McKenna shirts! Homelessness doesn't end on the weekends and the Father McKenna Center was in full swing today with Dennis as the main man in charge and we were fortunate enough to get one last picture with him!

Diversity surrounds us; in our country, states, cities or little towns we call home. Country, culture, background, religion, social status, ethnicity are some factors that play into how we base are opinions of other human beings. Sometimes people Ignore the spirit of the person and judge them only on what the eye can present. They don't even bother to give them recognition or aim for companionship. Something so pure and beautiful can come from just simply putting past a single difference. But instead people just judge and condemn people the don't even know. ...FDR said   "If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships - the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together, in the same world at peace."  Franklin D. Roosevelt . The prejudice in this world is not just another thing to ignore and what are we as a community doing about it? What can we do? Advacacy for vulnerable populations such as people experiencing homelessness...

While at the Father McKenna Center we experienced love, faith and protection. Seeing how the men at the center protected one another and loved one another helped me develop my faith in God and his love for all of us. The faith in all the gentlemen at the center also inspired be a lot and helped me become even a great person. I truly appreciate the  love and support we got trough out this whole week, and all the knowledge and wisdom that we gained from the brilliant gentlemen. This week have been a learning experience for all of us and I thank all the gentlemen at the center for giving us the opportunity to experience how it feels to be cared for and the opportunity to develop our faith.           - Foibe

Fed a squirrel 'bout a week ago... -Maggie 

We ran into this awesome band on our outreach run! 

After all of the services were over for the day, a gentleman stuck around to get ready for a job interview. As I sat journaling about the day, Natalie offered to help him practice his interviewing skills! It was simply amazing to watch as his confidence and comfortability grew! I am totally inspired by the helpfulness of everyone in our group, especially one of our leaders, Natalie!  -Carly Shean

Today our group was given the privilege of leading and facilitating  the 11 o'clock meeting. This meeting is the time Cortez speaks to the men and engages them in conversation about their next steps in life. He said as he handed the meeting over to us that he would not trust any other school to speak to the group. It was such a honor to be able to talk  and share our knowledge with them.  We introduced the men to the life core wheel which is Gannon's way of helping students keep balance in their lives. It includes aspects such as, spiritual, social, cultural, intellectual, life planning , emotional, physical, identity and political. Each one of us discussed and explained  a specific aspect of the wheel. They were so willing to offer words of widom throughout the discussion! Then we broke off in groups with the men and wrote down their favorite quote, bible verse or motivation phrase and hung them up on the wall. Lastly we sang " Don't be Afraid" as we all ( includ...

This afternoon, I had the privilege to sit and listen to one of Cortez's famous talks.  The topic and discussion revolved around expectations.  One of the first things that Cortez said was that expectations are normal.  His emphasis, however, was rooted in how those expectations are formed and our reactions when these expectations are not reached.  Prior to the talk, Cortez was speaking with a few of us Gannon students about how on occasion, he purposely doesn't open the doors until after seven o'clock (which is the normal time that the doors are opened to allow the men into the center).  He explained that he does this in order to see their reaction when their expectations of entering the center at exactly seven o'clock have failed them.  The men that react in a negative way tend to become angry.  While others simply wait and understand that not everything is set in stone.  Another focal point of the talk was the difference between unrealistic e...

The first couple of days have been great here at the Father McKenna Center. I had the opportunity to talk to several men so far and many of them have been so inspirational. I recently talked to Chris who was very positive and motivating. He told me to always follow and trust God because he has a plan for each of us. He also said to work hard and always keep your head up even when it's gets hard. Also, he said to always be kind to those around you because you don't know what they are going though.  Even though he has struggled through so much, he still comes in each day with  a happy and positive attitude and a smile on his face. I loved the talk I had with him and all the insight he gave me. Overall, I had a great experience so far and I am excited to see what the next couple of days bring! -Kim Demjanenko

Today after we finished serving lunch at the Father McKenna Center we headed to the National Coalition for the Homeless. While we were there we met with Shelly and John. Both Shelly and John were previously homeless themselves. First they explained what the National Coalition for the Homeless is, it's purpose, and what they actually do. Then, they told their own stories. Shelly's story was particularly inspiring for me. Although she went through many struggles in her life, you would have never known had you seen her in another setting. She was so positive and happy from the moment she walked in the room. One thing in particular that she talked about was the fact that each person has gifts. Everyone has different gifts but we should all use them for the same purpose. To serve others and spread God's love. Sometimes people may not realize their gifts at first. It may take a life event or relationship to make a person realize their purpose in life. This is so inspiring to me b...

Today I struck up a great conversation with a younger man named Jason. I knew when I saw him walk through the doors of the Father McKenna Center around 7:15am I needed to talk to him. His pleasant smile and genuine wave was so captivating! We talked about his journey through school on a football and track scholarship. He became homeless due to the financial struggles that come along with paying for college. It's crazy to think that his same situation could happen to anyone! However, he was excited to tell me he started his new job as a waiter at Denny's yesterday!! I told him how proud of him I was for going out and taking a step in the right direction. Throughout the conversation he continued to light up more and more! :) Eventually, we were both surprised to find out we both are involved in Greek Life! He was a member of Omega Psi Phi while in college. It's amazing to find similarities with people who you never thought shared your interests and passions. Today was a great...

What an awesome sight to see both Cortez and Dr. Baker speak with such wisdom and guidance to the men of the Father McKenna Center. I could feel the power of God speaking through them and I could see so many men moved by their words. Dr. Baker spoke a lot about the power of God and how God lives and dwells withing us. Cortez talked a lot about how can one expect God to do well for them and give them what they want if they can't love one another and be there for each other. Such inspiring words I heard today and I continue to he inspired by the men I meet here! -Natalie Richard

Today was only my first day serving at the Father McKenna center, but I can already say that I have met some extraordinary men! I talked for about an hour with a man who talked about everything from his past, his present, and where he hopes to be in the future. He told us to chase our dreams and find happiness in the small things in life. He told us to surround ourselves with people in our lives who will support us and bring us up when we are down. He told us to be assertive and go after what we want. This man, going through his own personal struggle, is incredibly strong in faith and love. His determination to get back on his feet without government aid is admirable, and the pearls of wisdom he bestowed upon us were a true jewel. I feel so blessed to be here.  -Maggie McKernan

Don't worry we have been reunited!

We made it to the national mall 

Waiting for the metro, heading to the Smithsonian 🚇🇺🇸

Hello everyone!  It's been an amazing first day serving at the Father McKenna Center! We have all been connecting with the men here and having great conversations. Around 7am I sat next to a man named Tyree, who made a lasting first impression on me. We talked about having a happy, successful life and career. He said, "if you are happy with your work, it's never a job." This resonates in me because I am so happy with my future career path and I know it'll never be a job to me. One thing all of the men taught me in just one day is their wisdom for major life experiences! Can't wait for more memories to come! -Carly

Here we all are preparing lunch in the kitchen! Raymond had to leave early this morning so we were given the reigns of the kitchen! I'd say we did a pretty good job!

Hairnets on and ready to serve the men at the Father McKenna Center. It was our first morning here and we were all eager to start the day! 

We will be sleeping in the church pews, curled up in our sleeping bags! 

Our first night in DC! We went shopping for the week and Maggie and I finished in 5 minutes! Talk about team work :)  -Carly

Grocery shopping for the weeks meals! 

Unloading the van!