Student Reflection: Core Member Anne N. on her trip to Macy and Winnebago and Considers Maslow

Maslow says that for anyone to truly achieve human dignity there are steps that must be met, the first being basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. I was able to experience the truth of Maslow’s theory of hierarchy when I participated on a service trip to the Winnebago and Macy Indian reservations. Because of the high alcoholism and unemployment rates on the reservations these necessities too often fall short of anybody’s needs.

Student Reflection: Core Group Member Art C. reflects on his experiences delivering food to the materially poor

Every Friday during the summer, a group of Prep students, faculty, friends, and whomever else is interested travel from Creighton Prep to the Open Door Mission Site to prepare approximately 1000 lunches.  The simple lunches contain a sandwich, chips or crackers, candy, and a cookie. After preparation is complete, the group then loads the food into a van and travels around Omaha to areas where the financially unstable and marginalized victims live or gather and offer them a lunch.

Students delivering lunches for the Streets of Omaha Project

I have completed this service opportunity a total of 3 times (twice during the summer and once during my Sophomore retreat).  Each time, the people I have met and the environments I have witnessed, affect and alter my perceptions toward our society. I understand that there is suffering and a lack of need everywhere, but the experience of being close and interacting with the people of these communities have forced me to feel a fraction of the pain and hopelessness they endure daily.