Fitness, Health and Wellness at Misericordia
Rachel Gerton
Social Justice Internship
About: “The Social Justice Internship Grant Program is a year-long 250-275 hour internship
experience. Students will have the opportunity to engage in significant work at a Chicago area non-
profit, and will move through the internship experience in a cohort model for community building,
reflection, and continued training.”
Reflection:
•  The SJI Program: provided the space and resources to develop an understanding of leadership,
asset-based community development, civic engagement, and personal development in a
challenging and cultivating context
•  Class: through readings, assignments, and class discussions, I learned about organizational
leadership and the specific role of Misericordia within the Chicago community, as well as my role
as an intern in that space
•  Misericordia: not only have I been able to gain an increased understanding of critical knowledge
about inclusive fitness, rights for those with disabilities, and community development, but also
about my own personal leadership style, competencies, and responsibilities
Learning Outcomes & Competencies
Learning Outcomes
1.  As a result of interning with the fitness department at Misericordia, I will gain insight into
creating better adaptive fitness routines.
•  I have been able to independently run the fitness room at Misericordia, completing
specific workouts and HEP’s with residents based on their individual needs.
2.  As a result of my internship, I will be better able to assess community resources and
opportunities for people with disabilities.
•  I am working to create posters to make the fitness room at Misericordia more
accessible while utilizing resources and capabilities already present in the community
(abilities of residents, knowledge of staff, etc.).
3.  As a result of interning at Misericordia, I will develop my communication skills,
assertiveness, and independence by working with both the staff and residents.
•  I now have not only developed relationships with staff, volunteers, and residents at
Misericordia, but have taken initiative in the fitness room and independent projects.
Learning Competencies
1.  Values-Based Leadership: Intentional Conversation & Open Communication
2.  Global Awareness: Asking Questions & Seeking New Experiences
3.  Intentionality: Personal Reflection & Pursuing a Year of Post-Graduate Service
4.  Integrative Learning: Conversations with Others & My Future
Contact:
Rachel Gerton
Psychology Major I Bioethics Minor
rgerton@luc.edu
(952)738-1202
Misericordia
Mission Statement: “to support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
who choose our community by providing the highest quality residential, training, and employment
services. We provide the full continuum of care designed to meet each person’s changing needs and
maximize his or her independence, self-determination, interpersonal relationships, and engagement
in the community.”
My Role:
•  Assist in running the fitness room
•  Maintain fitness routines for the residents
•  Encourage goal-setting and achieving among residents
•  Create engaging activities for non-ambulatory residents
•  Complete workout charts and administrative organization
•  Organize volunteers
•  Assist in Rec & Leisure activities
•  Complete Home Exercise Programs (HEP’s) with residents
•  Misc. Tasks (weight machine posters, nutrition board, etc.)
Conclusion and Acknowledgements
Conclusion:
Being a part of the Social Justice Internship program and being placed in the Moore Fitness and
Aquatic Center at Misericordia has been an integral aspect of my senior year and culminating
experience at Loyola. I have been continually challenged to be a better ally and advocate for
marginalized communities, specifically for people with disabilities. When I first learned of my
acceptance into the Social Justice Internship Program, I was nervous about my integration into a
new community and what the role of an intern might look like. As I reflect now, it is clear to see the
growth that each challenge brought with it.
This internship experience has given me not only the tools to be successful, but the space to
reflect with others experiencing similar things. I have grown in my familiarity of inclusive fitness,
ability to lead, comfort in communication, independence, understanding of the impact of policy, and
awareness of community resources. As a second semester senior preparing to graduate and embark
on a year of post-graduate service working with people with disabilities, I am hopeful that these
learning experiences will continue to guide me in pursuing just and constructive change.
Acknowledgements: I would like to thank my supervisor Mary Ann Zielke, as well as Robert
Prevatt, Cassandra Mayan, and all the other staff and volunteers at Misericordia for their guidance,
support, and patience. I would also like to thank Andrew Miller and the SJI cohort for the continual
motivation and conversation.
Works Cited
“About Us.” Misericordia Heart of Mercy,www.misericordia.com/about/default.aspx.
“ACSM/NCHPAD Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer.” American College of Sports Medicine Certification, certification.acsm.org/acsm-inclusive-
fitness-trainer.
“Developmental Disability Rights | Together For Choice.” Developmental Disability Rights | Together For Choice, www.togetherforchoice.org/.
“Home.” Aeroflow Healthcare, aeroflowinc.com/shop/trekker-gait-trainer-junior-green.
“Loyola University Chicago.” Social Justice Internship: Center for Experiential Learning, www.luc.edu/experiential/featuredinitiatives/
socialjusticeinitiatives/socialjusticeinternship/.
Photographs (3,4,6,12): Prevatt, Robert