As part of the Cabrini Day activities many students, athletic teams and faculty participated in a walk/run for social change. The event was called, “A Mile in Their Shoes.”
The walk was a symbol of what homeless youth go through on a daily basis. According to the handout given at the end of the walk/run, one in seven young people between the ages of 10 and 18 will run away from home possibly because of physical or sexual abuse. Sadly, youth under the age of 18 make up 39 percent of the homeless population.
Abigail Pressimone, junior, double major in American and religious studies said, “This was a brilliant idea to do on Cabrini Day and it’s great that a lot of students showed up.”
Madeline Coutu, junior, double major in social work and religious studies said, “I think the title of this event is really special, “A mile in their shoes.” It’s to get to know what other people deal with and to see how prevalent homelessness is. Whoever did come, I believe they did get something out of it.” Couto is president of the Active Minds Club at Cabrini.
Dr. Phil Campbell, assistant professor of education and part of the Cabrini Day committee said, “Our route today is almost exactly one mile and all along the route we have signs posted that share different statistics and information about homelessness and how mental illness can be connected to homelessness. Hopefully it encourages students to follow the mission of the college and work for social justice by working to make things better for people in the world.”
The walk hopefully raised awareness to the connection between homelessness and mental illness. Approximately 50 percent of people who are homeless have experienced mental illness throughout their lives. From the homeless population about 75 percent of teens will turn to alcohol and drugs to deal with the pain of traumatic experiences and abuse. Unfortunately, nearly 5,000 young people die every year while living on the streets due to illness, assaults and suicide.
Maria Vizcarrondo, executive director of the Nerney Leadership Institute and part of the Cabrini Day committee said, “I hope it sends a message of tremendous inspiration that we have such an amazing community of talents and students and faculty here. It’s days like this where you get a chance to really celebrate all that you are as an individual, as a class and as a community.”
For the participants of the walk/run, A mile in their shoes is about learning and showing compassion for the homeless.
Cabrini College made a $100 donation to Covenant House in the name of all who participated in the walk.
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