New Visions: Law & Government students on Mission to help others

On Friday, March 23, students from the New Visions: Law and Government program helped the City Mission of Schenectady clear out one of its houses on Hamilton Street so it could be used as a temporary shelter. Construction will start on a new shelter facility in the next month. "The students' help was critical in helping to prepare the house," noted Larry Lonczak, director of guests & facilities at the Schenectady City Mission. The students also helped to sort donated household goods and clothing.

An important part of their New Visions curriculum, the students' volunteer work also relates to their integrated study of economics and English. The students are studying Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.'s novel Player Piano, the story of a fictional city in upstate New York and the effects of a second industrial revolution where the majority of jobs are replaced by machines.

Taught by Richard Bader, Esq., an attorney and certified high school teacher, the New Visions: Law & Government classroom is located in downtown Albany, across from the State Capitol. A program for academically competitive high school seniors, New Visions: Law & Government icombines advanced study in political science, law, English and economics with government and law-related internships. Students intern and job-shadow at the Legislature, Attorney General's office, various state courts, Albany County District Attorney's and Public Defender's offices, and various public interest organizations.

The City Mission of Schenectady, founded in 1906, provides comprehensive services to the poor in a manner that dignifies and strengthens the individual, the family, and the community. Last year, the City Mission served nearly 140,000 meals and provided nearly 26,000 beds in its emergency shelters. Through its community outreach, the City Mission assists individuals and families in the community with basic needs of food, clothing
and household items, medical care, training in parenting and family life, and runs a. summer day camp program that offers recreation, field trips, arts & crafts, camping, and educational activities.

[3/25/07]