Cleveland Urban Plunge

The Cleveland Urban Plunge is part of the senior-level community practice class. The students and professor go to a changing neighborhood on the west side of the Cuyahoga River where the process of gentrification has brought Victorian homes and streetscapes to new life. However, low-income and ethnically diverse families, homeless people, and social service agencies and churches that serve them are still part of the community. Students talk with residents of the area and eat at local soup kitchens. We are housed by St. Patrick’s Parish and are hosted by the Catholic Worker, which provides transitional housing for persons leaving mental health and substance abuse programs and a drop-in center for people who lack permanent housing. Some students say this weekend is life-changing.

 

Orientation to the Cleveland Weekend Experience-Class of 2007

 

2008 Senior Class leaving for Cleveland with Professor Stratton

 

2008 Senior Class leaving for Cleveland

 

Navigating the streets of Cleveland-2007

Mary Raitano, Adjunct Professor, at the West Side Market

Heather, Teresa and Ashley eat lunch in the park

Having some fun after a busy day in the neighborhood.

Going to church on Sunday

Jessica, Christie, and Professor Udolph trying to keep warm on the park bench.

Julie and Lizzie write in their journals