That is the concept behind Rooted in the Vine, a weeklong, inner-city immersion experience for high school students. Eleven students from local high schools spent last week seeing a different side of their city by hearing directly from the people who are dealing with challenges of social injustice and inequality in Cincinnati.
Vincent de Paul, which leads Rooted in the Vine. Throughout the week, students shared a meal with visitors at Our Daily Bread, which provides meals and social services in Over-the-Rhine. They also participated in a role-playing poverty simulation activity, went on home visits through St. They spent time at the beginning and end of each day in prayer and reflection. The idea behind the immersive retreat is to help this group of teenagers β who already have a history of more traditional community service activities such as canned food drives β think deeply and compassionately about the people impacted by poverty by sharing experiences with those affected, Hosmer said.
Rooted in the Vine is a collaboration between St. In , the program was renamed Rooted in the Vine and St. Vincent de Paul took over as facilitators. Students hear about the retreat either through their high school β if they attend a Catholic school β or through their Catholic parishes. The students reside at St. Issues of inner-city poverty were a central focus of the week, but the group also explored other topics.
One day was spent in Brown County to learn about challenges specific to rural poverty. The students also toured the Hamilton County Justice Center and met with a group of previously incarcerated people to learn about the roadblocks they face when trying to start anew. The teens learned more about complex immigration issues through a visit to Holy Family Church in Price Hill, which has a growing Latino community.
Actions Facebook Tweet Email. Inner-city immersion gives high school students glimpse into life of poverty Rooted in the Vine fosters compassion. Copyright Scripps Media, Inc.
