September 14, 2007

The ribbon is officially cut by President Dennis Voskuil, benefactors Cheryl and Ralph Schregardus, resident Amanda Kragt, and WTS student resident David Veldt.Western Theological Seminary unveiled its one-of-a-kind residence hall on Friday, September 14, 2007 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, an open house, and a lecture and panel discussion by disability experts.

Resident Amanda Kragt shows visitors her room.The residence hall has six apartments for 24 people. Six of the residents will be young adults with cognitive impairments. The purpose of this innovative housing is to give seminarians experience interacting with mentally disabled persons and their families, while giving young men and women with impairments a chance to live independently in a caring community.

Nick Monacelli of Channel 13 TV interviews Seth VanderBroek on September 13.The day before the Friendship House dedication, Channel 13 TV interviewed resident Seth VanderBroek, his mother, Kathy VanderBroek, his roommate, WTS junior Brad Redeker, and Dr. Matt Floding, the dean of students. The segment aired Thursday, September 13 on the 5:30 news. 

The Holland Sentinel also covered the story and produced a video.

 

A crowd of over 200 people gathers for the ribbon cutting ceremony. WTS student Miriam Ippel offers a prayer of dedication. Photographer Kate Bolt with some of her photos of all the residents. Ken Neevel, Vice President of Advancement and Communications, presents Ralph and Cheryl Schregardus with an original watercolor of Friendship House by local artist Bruce McCombs. Erik Carter, author of "Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities: A Guide for Service Providers, Families, and Congregation", speaks to students and community members about reaching out to those with disabilities. Panel Discussion with participants: Nella Uitvlugt, executive director of Friendship Ministries International, Mark Stephenson, director of disability concerns of the Christian Reformed Church, and Ruth Stegeman, executive director of Disability Network.