What did MLK Day 2010 at Messiah look like?

2010 Theme:  "Exploring Dr. King's Vision of Equality & Justice for Persons with Disabilities"

Tour of Harrisburg:

Learn about the historical, social, political, and cultural aspects of Harrisburg and how Messiah has been rooted here through an interactive driving tour. You are encouraged to think about questions throughout the tour and bring them to lunch for discussion.

Panel Discussion & Luncheon:

A panel of local leaders will share about their work with persons with disabilities and how it connects to MLK's vision for justice and equality. Our guests speakers will be:

• Chris Book, Executive Director of Paxton Ministries, a home for persons with disabilities that provides a supportive and caring Christian environment. Mr. Book, an alumnus of Messiah College, will speak about his work and the long-lasting partnership between Paxton and Messiah College.
• Brian Funk, Area Director for Joni & Friends (Eastern PA), will share about his work in educating faith communities in our area to support and advocate for persons with disabilities in their communities.
• Edward Butler, Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, will speak to the government's role in his work to advocate for persons with disabilities at the policy level across the state.
• Kay Straw, Director of Area M Special Olympics, will discuss the work of the Special Olympics and the partnership with Messiah on Service Day every year.

Service Sites

After lunch, groups traveled to service sites around the city. Last year's partners included the following:

• Paxton Ministries
• Bethesda Mission-Women's Shelter
• Allison Hill Community Center
• Catholic Worker House
• Silence of Mary Home
• "What a Difference a Day Makes" with the National MS Society

Debrief Dinner

The evening concluded with a debrief dinner on Messiah College's campus where all teams gather to ask questions and share with each other about their service experiences.