Business Owner
USA
"My Capstone Project enabled me to provide selfless service to a family member who uses a power wheelchair. Our family built an accessible home to provide Sophie more independence and enable her caregiver parents to enjoy more free time with Sophie and her sister. The project energized a whole community or people."
Capstone Project
Sophie House: Serving Family Through Community
Who did your Capstone Project serve?
My project served a family with a special needs child named Sophie, as well as the family members caring for her, by building an accessible home that provided Sophie with more independence.
How did this project address that suffering?
Sophie’s previous home was demolished and an accessible home was built to replace it. This new home is built on grade with voice-activated locks and openers to enable her to enter and exit her room and home on her own. An elevator provides her access to all the areas of the home where other family members can go. Other essential features make Sophie’s life and those of her parents easier.
Who was your audience and how many people participated?
Several hundreds of people touched this project with their hands and hearts. It was originally thought that the project would impact her immediate family. However, a positive tsunami of kindness and compassion rippled through to the tradespeople working on the project, friends, neighbors and others who followed the project.
How was the project delivered (the format)?
An accessible home was built with updates on a Facebook called “Sophie House Project.” A video showcasing a handful of people involved in the project was also posted and garnered over 2,500 views.
What was the reported impact on or feedback from participants? On yourself?
I was astounded at the kindness, interest, and compassion shown by so many folks – even when they had not met Sophie. Many posted kind words on the Facebook page and offered to help in so many ways. Indeed, Sophie’s family is tickled pink as expected. I hope the compassion ripple keeps it rippling.
How has the ACT Program helped you become an Ambassador of Compassion?
Skilled ACT teachers shared their wisdom and I wish I could have absorbed all of their wise words and listening skills. Classmates demonstrated amazing and compassionate projects to change the world! Personally, I saw the value of doing something selflessly — simply because it felt like the loving thing to do.
What advice would you give to someone who’s considering participating in the ACT Program?
Take up the challenge to change yourself and the world around you by becoming a more compassionate person. Compassion is contagious and you will be supported by teachers and fellow classmates who are all attempting to create a better world through the manifestation of meaningful projects to relieve the suffering of others. What more could anyone ask for. I wish you well on your journey.