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Two Pritzker Student Schweitzer Fellows Involved in Fellows Fest 2019

The Schweitzer Fellows for Life Network has launched Fellows Fest 2019, a campaign to help support our current Fellows' projects. Each of the Fellows has created a "wish list" of supplies and resources that will help them realize their service project goals. Readers are invited to join the Fellows Fest event taking place on September 17th in Chicago.

The Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program, named after noted humanitarian and Nobel laureate Dr. Albert Schweitzer, is a year-long service learning program for graduate students in health-related professions who will design and implement innovative direct service projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of underserved Chicago area communities. Through their community projects and participation in a year-long program that includes mentoring support, monthly meetings, written reflection, and interprofessional collaboration, Schweitzer Fellows are developing the skills and confidence needed to become Leaders in Service—professionals who will remain dedicated to public service and to creating change.

In collaboration with existing community organizations, each Schweitzer Fellow will launch a community-based project, providing 200 hours of service. Fellows will work to improve community wellbeing and target the social determinants of health—the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that have a profound impact on health and quality of life.

Daniel Ahn, MS2, is implementing a workshop-based curriculum and mentorship program for young immigrant men of color at the HANA Center. Daniel’s project provides a space for young men to discuss healthy masculinity and to support each other while developing long-term goals in higher education and employment. The workshops are designed to encourage participants’ self-expression through free writing, discussing books reflecting on the young immigrant male experience, and trauma-informed art-based workshops focused on identity and safe spaces. Furthermore, Daniel is helping organize an immigrant youth empowerment camp for high school- and college-aged youth on how to build campaigns for sanctuary schools and eliminating the Chicago gang database. Daniel is raising funds for books, art materials, lunch, speaker fees, and transportation for field trips. Support Daniel.

Itzel Lopez-Hinojosa, MS2, is developing and implementing a two-part curriculum at Holy Cross—Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Back of the Yards. For the first cohort, Itzel will be working in partnership with Casa Romero, a group of ten children, 3rd and 4th graders, will participate in different lesson plans covering nutritional knowledge, exercise, and a cooking activity. The second cohort is focusing on empowering young female mentees in Girls Reflection. These women will participate in several workshops around self-esteem, relationships, and mental health. Both groups of students will also have the opportunity to go on field trips. Itzel hopes to raise funds for exercise and nutrition equipment, arts and crafts supplies, and field trip opportunities. Support Itzel.