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Ministry to mentally challenged adults Working with mentally challenged adults is one of hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today. For more than 20 years, Sister Andrea Serafini has served mentally challenged adults through Goodwill Industries of Harrisburg, PA. She began as a volunteer in their Community Skills Program, and became part of the staff two years later. “Many of the trainees were adapting from a lifetime of being in an institution to a community living arrangement,” says Sister Andrea, who had previously spent 27 years as a nurse and administrator in India. “I was doing hands-on work in the beginning, which meant helping with their personal care.” Some of the trainees who attended the six-hour day program came from group homes, while others lived with their families.
“We were teaching them daily living skills, communication and social skills,” she recalls. “It took a long time for people coming from institutions to develop trust in us. Some of the people who were there at the time I started are still with me…my oldest is 81, and the youngest is 24.”
Sister Andrea now has responsibility for 22 trainees in the day program. She plans each individual’s program with the interdisciplinary team, supports family members, and advocates for the rights of the physically and mentally challenged. She has been honored by Goodwill for her efforts. Sister Andrea will be 81 on August 13th. “Many times people say, ‘When are you going to retire?’ I say, ‘This is why I entered the Community, to be of service to people.’ Especially these individuals. They respond with so much affection and love…I see Christ in these people. I really do.”
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