The Bulldog Times

By: Jodie Huang & Leonardo Kuo

On May 15th, 2025, philanthropy students went to The Grand Rehab Nursing Home, with Mrs. Rachel and Mrs. Rossi as the trip coordinators. Students learned about the daily lives of the residents who lived in the nursing home and could even interact with some seniors. Philanthropy students walked to The Grand Rehab Nursing Home which is not too far from JHS 194. After returning to JHS 194, the philanthropy club had a pizza party. This trip provided a rare opportunity for students to learn more about the senior citizens living in the nursing home. If one of the student's family members has ever been in a nursing home, the student would be able to experience what it feels like to live in one, and put themselves in their shoes.

During the trip, tour guides showed students around the building which had three floors. The first and third floors were for residents who needed rehab from injuries, while the second floor was used for residents staying for long-term care. There was a hair salon for the residents, so they could feel as if they were at home and living their usual lives.  Additionally, there was a huge outdoor area for the elders to stroll in, get fresh air, and where performers would come and perform for the residents at least once a month. Every month, the nursing home would celebrate everyone's birthday who was born in that particular month, and have DJs come and have fun. Volunteers and staff also provide fun activities like painting for the residents to have a good time and not dread being in the nursing home. Staff and volunteers try to make the residents feel like they are at home to the best of their abilities because they know how hard it must be for them to leave their safe place, their homes, the place stored with a lifetime of memories.

On Wednesday, March 18th, students from the Philanthropy Club took a trip to the Tenement Museum. The museum is known for sharing the stories of immigrants from around the world, as well as from different parts of the United States, who settled in New York. During the visit, students were divided into two groups to experience life as German and Jewish immigrants. While these groups were culturally different, they shared many similar challenges and hardships in their efforts to thrive in America.

The first tour told the story of a German family who immigrated and built their own family business. The founders were Amelia Louisa Carolina Dietman, who went by Caroline, and her husband, John Schneider. Both had immigrated as children. Although the details of how they met remain unclear, they married in January 1863. After their marriage, they opened a saloon, a business where people could purchase alcoholic drinks, which they ran together for 22 years. In 1877, the couple welcomed a son, Harry. Shortly after his birth, Caroline fell ill with pulmonary tuberculosis, also known as the "white plague." Despite searching for a cure, she eventually succumbed to the illness. Years later, John also contracted the disease and passed away. Before his death, he relocated his saloon, while Harry moved several blocks away. Pulmonary tuberculosis was a bacterial infection that primarily affected the lungs and was a common and deadly disease at the time.

The second tour focused on Jewish immigrants who arrived in the U.S. during the mid-19th century and later, especially during and after the Holocaust. Many Jewish citizens sought refuge in the United States as other countries refused to accept them. They were searching for a fresh start, economic opportunities, and a safe place to live without fear of persecution. However, strict immigration laws, widespread racism, and financial hardships made it difficult for Jewish refugees to find a home.

Many Americans opposed allowing Jewish immigrants into the country, fearing an increase in immigration and even suspecting that German spies could pose as Jewish refugees. Despite these concerns, President Franklin D. Roosevelt allowed 7,000 Jewish immigrants to enter the U.S. He also called for an international meeting to discuss the crisis, which later influenced other countries, such as the Dominican Republic, to accept Jewish refugees.

Jewish immigrants faced significant challenges upon arriving in the U.S. They experienced discrimination, social exclusion, and the difficulty of assimilating into American culture. However, they took these risks for the sake of their families and their future. For many, it was better to take a chance and hope for success than to never try at all.