| P.A.C.T. |  |
| Service uplifts and builds a community |
USA North-Central, Region 5
Illinois (except Belleville), Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin
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| USA North-Central, Region 5 Illinois (except Belleville), Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin |
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Inspired by Mr. Jagadeesan, the guest speaker at our regional retreat, the Cleveland Sathya Sai Young Adults undertook the challenging service project of instilling community pride followed by positive action to build strong character and develop talent (Pride, Action, Character, Talent: P.A.C.T.). P.A.C.T. is a comprehensive program aimed at strengthening the various aspects of a community and allow for its growth and prosperity. Thorough research of the area showed that Ohio City is one of oldest yet poorest of the Cleveland suburbs. With the mean income below the national standards and high school graduation rates of less than 40%, the residents of Ohio City suffer poor socio-economic conditions and have little alternatives for advancement in the future. During the past year, the Cleveland Young Adults have organized various service activities including home renovation and street beautification projects to promote Pride in one's neighborhood, computer classes to provide job skills and resume training for students and adults of the community to take Action to improve their knowledge base, established communication classes in the local high schools (as part of the regular curriculum) to promote understanding and more importantly, to develop Character and ethics in the youth, and plans to initiate art classes and organize talent shows throughout the year to bring forth the innate Talent in the community. The continuing success of this large-scale project is only possible due to the service-based aid from various organizations in the community. The building that housed the computer classes and tutoring sessions, the computer hardware and software, and the food for the volunteers were all donated by local business owners. More importantly, the manpower consisted of individuals from various organizations, including a major bank (that gave employees a day off to volunteer with service projects!), the fraternities and sororities of Case Western Reserve University, and the residents of Ohio City who were inspired by the progress they witnessed in their neighborhood. Due to Swami's grace, the Cleveland Young Adults "took a bite" out of service and we love the taste of it.  |
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