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Kelly Canning did not have a typical Spring Break.

Canning, a sophomore elementary education major, went to the St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia, Penn., as part of Alternative Spring Break, sponsored by the Newman Catholic Center.

The St. Francis Inn allows for people to get a meal once a day.

“Not all of the guests are homeless, some are working and only have enough money to pay for necessities and come to the Inn for a hot meal so they can stretch their money,” Canning said.

The center offered nine different ASB options during this spring break.

Canning and five other Eastern students arrived in Philadelphia on March 9 and left on March 15.

ASB allowed them to participate in many different activities at the Inn.

“There was a women’s center to go to, the meal to prepare and serve. We also had the opportunity to drive around the city and pick up donations at various places,” Canning said.

Canning, who participated in the same ASB option last year, said spending time at the Inn made her have a new appreciation for everything.

“It’s easy to pass judgment and look down on people who are poor or homeless, but spending time at the Inn has taught me that nothing is guaranteed in life, and I need to help out those who may be struggling,” she said.

The stories of the men, women, and children at the Inn were one of Canning’s favorite parts of the trip, she added.

“I loved meeting the men, women and children who were there and hearing their stories. I also felt like I really made a difference during my time at the Inn, which is part of what makes the trip so rewarding,” Canning said.

Canning is going to continue to go to the Inn in future years and after college as well, she said.

“This year I had the same feelings as I did last year and I plan on going back again next year,” Canning said. “My plan is to continue my involvement with the Inn throughout my next 2 years and hopefully after college as well.”

Laura Jennings, senior special education and elementary education major, went to Canada for ASB as part of the international program L’arche and was a site leader for the trip.

Jennings and the rest of the group volunteered their time to help care for people with disabilities who live in three housing units.

One group member was asked to pair up with another group member and live in each of the three houses, Jennings said.

“As a special education major, I have always been interested in learning where people with disabilities live after they transition out of high school,” Jennings said.

Jennings said most of the people in the house she stayed at were unable to talk, but added she was able to build a relationship with the residents by understanding their body language and actions.

“I learned how judgmental I can be, and how I have always just assumed that if someone can not talk then it is not worth my time to get to know them,” Jennings said.

Ashley Mefford can be reached at 581-7942 or at almefford@eiu.edu.