Adi, July 5: Elsie Gaches Village
I spent my Saturday morning helping out at Elsie Gaches.
This outreach was part of my friend's pocket outreaches which he organized for his birthday month. So far, he has helped out One Million Lights and Habitat For Humanity.
Elsie Gaches Village is the only government-run residential care facility for abandoned and neglected people who have cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, and visual/hearing impairment.
We arrived around 8:30 am. From there, we were briefed by the coordinator on the Do's and Don'ts during our stay. The guys had to stay at St. Francis ward, which housed the male residents, while us girls were brought to Camia.
After a series of short introductions to the person-in-charge of Camia and the residents, we proceeded to do our own getting-to-know-you activities with the girls of Camia.
We provided some coloring books and materials for them to use, and guided them through it. I also read a few magazines to some of the residents, which they enjoyed. They like knowing what each picture is. After this, we gave them packed lunches.
I've always pegged myself as someone who has a hard time interacting with children, and even though most of the residents here are around 20 to 70 years old, their mental ages ranged from 0 to 6 years
Throughout the whole activity, I can feel their need for affection. They love to get your attention and hear your praises. They love to hug and sit near you. It's a bittersweet feeling. For that moment you are there to give them a semblance of that ... albeit temporarily.
I would like to help out again here at Elsie Gaches.