Alisa Jordan Sheth, a University of Illinois at Chicago PhD student in Disability Studies, is working with Misericordia Heart of Mercy to create programming for older adults with intellectual disabilities that promotes social connection and support, health and wellness education, and creative self-advocacy opportunities, such as using photography to represent experiences and conceptualizations of the future. The project consists of the weekly Fabulous 50+ Group and individual sessions where participants have a space to share thoughts and feelings related to getting older and what “aging well” means to them in ways that match their accessibility needs. She seeks to raise $1000 to help cover costs related to photography equipment (digital cameras, memory cards, batteries, chargers, etc.), photo book creation and printing, and future project activities, such as community events and wellness education materials.

The Schweitzer Fellowship 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 the summer of 2016, the Schweitzer Fellows for Life network launched FellowsFest 2016 (formerly Summer Fest), 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.

The Chicago Areas Schweitzer Fellowship is a program of Health & Medicine Policy Research Group. Your Summer Fest donation will appear on your credit card statement at "Health & Medicine."