Sam Krahe ‘14 works with young clients at Harborcreek Youth Services.
THERAPEUTIC ARTS INITIATIVE A partnership between Mercyhurst University and Harborcreek Youth Services designed to provide experiential learning for university students while ofering research-supported expressive arts therapies for HYS clients. The longstanding relationship between Harborcreek Youth Services (HYS) and Mercyhurst University, once focused solely on experiential learning for students in the Criminology and Criminal Justice programs, has evolved over time, most recently through a partnership called the Therapeutic Arts Initiative – a mission-driven project overseen by Dr. Maria Garase, associate professor of Criminal Justice and vice president of the HYS Board of Directors. Through the use of expressive therapies like music, art and movement, the program aims to help Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable youth – those who have experienced abuse, neglect and childhood trauma. “Trauma has been called ‘the great thief,’’’ said Mercyhurst Music Therapy Director Craig Stevens, who has been instrumental in leading the initiative, assisted by Sam Krahe, one of music therapy’s frst graduates. “Most of these young people have extreme difculty trusting and connecting with another person; most have never experienced unconditional love and, because of their experiences, live in a world that does not feel safe. We are now looking at how early childhood traumas can afect not only psychological health, but also physical health, neurodevelopment, and virtually every other aspect of a functional life. Through arts therapy techniques combined with counseling, we are able to address goal areas such as self-esteem, self-worth, emotional expression and social skills development.” Together, Mercyhurst students and HYS youth have built trust and rapport by working on a number of local initiatives, including the Weed Warriors at Presque Isle project, the Therapeutic Foster Care Family Outreach Initiative and the National Water Dance.
Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, Erie Civic Institute Director Amy Eisert, Erie Mayor Joseph Schember and Erie Police Chief Dan Spizarny MERCYHURST CIVIC INSTITUTE A college-community partnership dedicated to the social, educational and civic well-being of the Erie region and state of Pennsylvania. One of the most exciting results-driven programs coming out of the Mercyhurst Civic Institute in recent years is the Group Violence Reduction Strategy, originally brokered by institute director Amy Eisert. Eisert learned of the strategy through an out-of-town training program, and subsequently shared it with local law enforcement authorities. With buy-in secured, she further assisted in writing the grant that netted $1.2 million from the United Way and Erie Community Foundation to implement the Group Violence Reduction Strategy. Through the initiative, local law enforcement, concerned residents and social service providers meet with individuals who are identifed as high risk for involvement in group- or gang-related violence. During what is termed a “Call-In,” participants are ofered resources like education and employment in exchange for stepping away from crime and gang violence. If they choose to ignore the ofer and engage in violence, the participants are informed that they will receive focused attention from all levels of law enforcement. Since the Call-Ins began in April 2017, Eisert said there has not been one gang-related homicide. Further, thus far in 2018, the city has had only three homicides, the result of two incidents of domestic violence. Other violent incidents, such as people shot, shots fred and robberies, have also been dramatically reduced.
MERCYHURST-FLAGSHIP NIAGARA PARTNERSHIP A developmental partnership between Mercyhurst University and the Flagship Niagara League designed to create special opportunities for both organizations. Don’t be surprised if someday you spot a Mercyhurst University fag waving in tandem with the stars and stripes of the U.S. Brig Niagara. Thanks to the initiative of Cal Pifer, vice president for external relations and advancement, Mercyhurst is an “Ofcial University Partner” of the Niagara. The development sponsorship creates a number of special For Mercyhurst’s contribution, it means potential dockside receptions for donors and alumni at cities like Bufalo, Cleveland and Rochester along the Niagara’s sailing route. On the fip side, Mercyhurst ofers its guests promotional opportunities for both organizations.
Reconstructed in 1988, the Niagara is a replica of the square-rigged sailing warship that fought in the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie. For the past two summers, it has served as the centerpiece of a three-credit history course ofered by Mercyhurst professor Ben Scharf and enjoyed by nearly 20 students who spend two-and-a-half weeks on board Besides lessons in seamanship and maritime history, students acquire a deeper understanding of the seafaring culture, including sailing terminology, physical skills and familiarity with the social structure of shipboard life. “The Niagara represents a foating extension of Mercyhurst, serving as a marketing platform around the Great Lakes,” Pifer said. “We consider it a wonderful opportunity.” learning traditional seafaring skills. items from the Flagship Niagara League, and provides support for a number of the league’s existing programs.
Erie alumni socialize at the Niagara.
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