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EDGE Day Students Engage in Meaningful Service Learning with Sacred Heart Community Service

On Friday, EDGE Day students participating in Parkour and Cooking had the opportunity to engage in a powerful afternoon of service learning in partnership with Sacred Heart Community Service (SHCS). SHCS is a non-religious organization that has served the San Jose community for over 60 years. Their mission is to build a community free from poverty by fostering hope, opportunity, and action through essential services, education, and community organizing.

As part of the experience, students took part in a resource allocation simulation, where they imagined themselves as primary caregivers responsible for a household with a limited income. They were guided through real-life scenarios, such as job loss, unexpected medical bills, and childcare needs, that challenged them to make difficult decisions about how to prioritize spending.

This eye-opening activity led to rich discussion and thoughtful reflection. Students explored the emotional and practical challenges of sacrificing basic needs like healthcare, food, housing, and childcare. The experience helped them better understand the complex realities faced by many in our community and why some individuals and families may struggle to access essential services or even become unhoused.

Following the simulation, students, alongside parent volunteers, assembled Survival Kits and Hygiene Kits using items generously donated by the ACDS community. This hands-on project offered students a tangible way to contribute to community support efforts, reinforcing the value of compassion and civic responsibility.

As they worked, students shared that the activity "felt good" and expressed a desire to participate in more service projects in the future.

The day served not only as a powerful learning experience but also as an inspiring reminder of the impact young people can have when they engage with their community.

ACDS looks forward to our continued relationship with SHCS and expanding on additional programming opportunities where students can connect with our local organizations and individuals who are meeting the needs of our community.