Skills and Personal Development:
This week's service experience challenged my problem-solving ability through the essence of teamwork: the volunteers were divided into three groups; the group I participated in relocated the storage room in Clara's House. We strategically planned how everything would fit into the preferred room while still making it accessible.
Understanding and Awareness:
Homelessness is everywhere, especially in low income areas of the city; homelessness is an unsolved social issue and continues to remain present. There are many factors that can lead to homelessness, however, it is places like Clara's House that are supporting those who are not able to find jobs or afford housing and food but are looking to improve their circumstances. Even if it is as simple as moving furniture, blankets, and boxes from one room to another, it takes a weight off the women's shoulders to know that what they needed was covered by someone else.
Relationships and Teamwork:
Teamwork was so important in this service opportunity. The achievements made in a timely manner would not have been possible without everyone supporting each other. Teamwork also meant taking the initiative for things and not being lazy because someone else was probably going to do it anyway. Teamwork means active participation and offering a hand.
Organizational Impact and Alignment:
I would volunteer for this organization again. The women who gave us the instructions were very nice. They care a lot about the residents, what they do, and how they can give back to the women who need the support.
Reflection and Improvement:
We did come across a rodent, but we shortly recovered because it had run away and it was the house pet. There were also many cats outside, so if it did happen to step outside, it wouldn't have been alive for much longer.
I had a good experience here making bags for the homeless!
Participating in the Girls Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta initiative to package fresh vegetables for community members was a rewarding and eye-opening experience. It reinforced the importance of accessibility to healthy food options, especially in underserved communities. By working alongside others, I felt a strong sense of unity and purpose, knowing that our efforts could positively impact families’ health and well-being. This initiative reminded me of how small actions, like packaging vegetables, can contribute to larger goals of promoting equity and wellness. I am inspired to continue supporting causes that empower communities and improve lives. I would recommend doing this site again to any student!