Successful Collaboration Between Sinclair Volunteers, St. Mark and Redeemer Community

St. Mark and Redeemer residents learn ASL.

Community and communication, what do they have in common? If you can’t communicate, how do you build a relationship with a community? This has been a long term concern for the residents of Redeemer and St. Mark community residents, just steps apart. The Housing Services properties are located in Dayton and share a parking lot. Residents living at St. Mark community are deaf while residents at Redeemer are not.

When the residents see each other, they exchange a smile to express their visit is welcomed.  They can give and receive a warm hug to show how much they care. But without the ability to carry on a conversation, their interactions are limited. This inability to verbally communicate has created a barrier between the residents of the two communities.

Teaching ASL.

St. Mark resident Florence, a deaf adult, stepped up and volunteered to teach basic sign language to any interested Redeemer resident. There are six students in the class. The students say they feel challenged and are eager and determined to break the language barrier. They are looking forward to the day when they can cross the street and engage in a meaningful conversation with residents of St. Mark. Sinclair students from the ASL program volunteer their time to serve as interpreters for Florence. She greatly appreciates their time and support. Her volunteering exhibits the Graceworks mission of Faithful Caring.