ASB Knoxville, TN 2016: #SocialJusticeSunday - Our First Service at the YWCA!

Today was our first day of service on our AB trip. We went to the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) at the Phyllis Wheatley branch, which not only acts as a community center for women, but for their families as well. Our service project involved organizing and maintaining the art room, workout room, kitchen, etc. This involved wiping down fitness equipment, mopping floors, and tidying up art utensils. While we were there, we met Mr. Otto, who has been the maintenance man at the YWCA since 1984. He explained to us that unfortunately, there has been a lack of funding towards the community center and their associated programs (e.g., boys and girls basketball and multiple church groups). However, he mentioned that church groups are returning to the YWCA, so he seems optimistic about the future of the community center. Also, something that the group found endearing is that Mr. Otto has seen children grow up and return with their own families throughout the years, which showed us that there are strong community ties in Knoxville.

Afterwards, we spent the afternoon exploring Market Square and visiting the East Tennessee History Center. The History Center had artifacts (e.g., old fashioned drug store, their first trolley) and several paintings of important figures in Eastern Tennessee's history. We found that Eastern Tennessee has a very rich history and culture, which we learned a lot about.

For the rest of the evening, we relaxed back the church. A part of the team spent time with the church's youth group playing various games, such as bean bag tic-tac-toe and manhunt. For dinner, Mika, Daniel and Emilio prepared turkey and lentil tacos with Jill's homemade guacamole. After dinner, we did our nightly reflection where we learned more about each other and what we hope to accomplish by the end of this experience. Tomorrow, we will be attending a self defense class at the University of Tennessee, which we look forward to!