The Real World: As my service year ends, I am able to reflect and look upon all that I have learned and accomplished. I think AmeriCorps provides its members with more than “service” experience to the community but also gives us working knowledge and expertise in the community that we are 'working for". Nowadays, getting into the work force takes more than a college degree. It is also very important to get working experience and develop good connections. I have always had a “heart for service” but the reality of the world told me that I needed more real world knowledge. AmeriCorps provided me with this knowledge and experience in addition to allowing me to provide services to a community "in need". I am thankful for being able to serve my community in a very “real” way while attaining life long experience. I am so thankful for being part of such an immeasurable force that has touched so many lives.
-Soyini-
Monday, August 29, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
"Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
My name is Erin Connolly, I am currently finishing up my service with Goodwill Industries in Traverse City as a housing assistant in Housing Support Services. Goodwill Industries in Traverse, is comprised of a variety of programs ranging from the retail store, to a homeless shelter, to a paper studio, as well as this program that assists individuals in locating housing and becoming successful and self-sufficient in their own housing.
In my position I have been exposed to a variety of different experiences. My service began with assisting homeless "guests" at the Goodwill Inn, and community members in finding either temporary or permanent housing. This aspect of my service could be very frustrating and disheartening at times. The realities of working with these populations is that often there are not the resources available to help, or they do not have the resources themselves. As we all know, MSHDA HARP HCV's are currently frozen and in Traverse City, other housing vouchers and subsidized and low-income rentals are on waiting lists of up to a year. The housing market in Traverse City for market rate rentals is very expensive. On average a one bedroom apartment ranges from $595-700 dollars, for a family, these numbers can be anywhere from $675-1000 dollars depending on the size of the family. Many of those served by Goodwill, have little to no income, or it is very sporadic. One of the most frustrating and devastating aspects of my service has been having to explain to individuals and families that it could be over a year before they find something appropriate, and that there are very few temporary options. If someone has no income, it could be even longer. Many individuals expect that I will have a magic solution, however, without adequate funding for housing assistance, and with little to no growth in the job market, my hands are often tied, and it becomes an issue of brainstorming what is the best possible solution for the time being. Probably, one of the most difficult times of my service was in the late spring when the hotels began to raise to their summer rates, and families that had been staying there all winter came flooding into my office, most often with not enough resources to house their families. Initially, I found this very emotionally overwhelming. I have a champion poker face, that often does not give away how I feel but there were days, especially during this time that I went home fairly devastated by not being able to come up with any adequate solution. I have become better at being able to turn it off when I go home, but I think the empathy I feel for these individuals is one of the things that makes me well suited for this line of work. I have an unconditional positive regard for the people that I meet with, and always have the main goals of assisting them with what is best and right for them.
On a lighter and more positive note, there isn't a better feeling than when I am able to assist someone in locating a rental that is affordable for them. Often an individual has not had their own place in a long time if ever. In many of these cases, Housing Support Services at Goodwill assists them in being successful in their housing. The case management services provided here are often extensive, with contacts ranging from assisting to paperwork, to organizing their homes, to finding activities for their children, the possibilities are endless. HSS has contracts with two local subsidized apartment complexes. Within these complexes, case management services are provided as well as educational classes that an employee of Goodwill and I have developed to enhance the skills and experiences of residents at these complexes. We have held classes on nutrition, organization, stress management, routines, and have also had social gatherings, such as an ice cream social, a holiday party, and an upcoming cook out. Often the attendance is low, but those that attend on a regular basis report gaining valuable skills and often enjoying the time that they spend with their neighbors as well as Goodwill staff.
When people think of Traverse City, they often think of a wealthy lake side community. One that is associated with boating, wineries, golfing and the Cherry Festival. This aspect of the town is wonderful and thriving, however, there is a side that many overlook or don't see. There are estimated to be nearly 600 people in the Grand Traverse area on any given night. When people think of homelessness they don't think of low populated rural areas, they think of urban settings, but homelessness is a reality for many of those in our northern communities. They face the same hardships as those in cities however; there are few shelters and very harsh winters. Except for college, I have lived in Northern Michigan my entire life, and had no idea that there was anyone that was homeless in the area. I may have been naive, but it is also an issue that is not talked about and kept out of the public eye. I learn more everyday about the differences in the life experiences of individuals.
Oncorps says that I have 6.24 weeks left of my service. As of right now, I'm not sure what this fall holds for me, I won’t lie, I’m nervous. This is a pretty scary time to be unemployed in Michigan. However, I will be beginning my second year of graduate school, and am more sure than ever in my decision to pursue a Masters Degree in Social Work. This experience has been life changing and priceless. This year has changed and bettered me as a person. I have been exposed to so much that has opened my eyes to both the suffering and joys of those struggling with poverty and have become stronger because of it. In the past, I have struggled with searching for "meaning," and I have found not greater "meaning" for my life than doing my part in assisting others in difficult times in their lives. I am excited about what my future holds, but will miss this particular experience. I have developed relationships with both people at the agency as well as those that I work with on a regular basis. My two years of experience in the AmeriCorps have been wonderful and beneficial for myself as well as those I have had the pleasure of serving. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and have been able to serve at Goodwill.
"Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
Martin Luther King, Jr.
In my position I have been exposed to a variety of different experiences. My service began with assisting homeless "guests" at the Goodwill Inn, and community members in finding either temporary or permanent housing. This aspect of my service could be very frustrating and disheartening at times. The realities of working with these populations is that often there are not the resources available to help, or they do not have the resources themselves. As we all know, MSHDA HARP HCV's are currently frozen and in Traverse City, other housing vouchers and subsidized and low-income rentals are on waiting lists of up to a year. The housing market in Traverse City for market rate rentals is very expensive. On average a one bedroom apartment ranges from $595-700 dollars, for a family, these numbers can be anywhere from $675-1000 dollars depending on the size of the family. Many of those served by Goodwill, have little to no income, or it is very sporadic. One of the most frustrating and devastating aspects of my service has been having to explain to individuals and families that it could be over a year before they find something appropriate, and that there are very few temporary options. If someone has no income, it could be even longer. Many individuals expect that I will have a magic solution, however, without adequate funding for housing assistance, and with little to no growth in the job market, my hands are often tied, and it becomes an issue of brainstorming what is the best possible solution for the time being. Probably, one of the most difficult times of my service was in the late spring when the hotels began to raise to their summer rates, and families that had been staying there all winter came flooding into my office, most often with not enough resources to house their families. Initially, I found this very emotionally overwhelming. I have a champion poker face, that often does not give away how I feel but there were days, especially during this time that I went home fairly devastated by not being able to come up with any adequate solution. I have become better at being able to turn it off when I go home, but I think the empathy I feel for these individuals is one of the things that makes me well suited for this line of work. I have an unconditional positive regard for the people that I meet with, and always have the main goals of assisting them with what is best and right for them.
On a lighter and more positive note, there isn't a better feeling than when I am able to assist someone in locating a rental that is affordable for them. Often an individual has not had their own place in a long time if ever. In many of these cases, Housing Support Services at Goodwill assists them in being successful in their housing. The case management services provided here are often extensive, with contacts ranging from assisting to paperwork, to organizing their homes, to finding activities for their children, the possibilities are endless. HSS has contracts with two local subsidized apartment complexes. Within these complexes, case management services are provided as well as educational classes that an employee of Goodwill and I have developed to enhance the skills and experiences of residents at these complexes. We have held classes on nutrition, organization, stress management, routines, and have also had social gatherings, such as an ice cream social, a holiday party, and an upcoming cook out. Often the attendance is low, but those that attend on a regular basis report gaining valuable skills and often enjoying the time that they spend with their neighbors as well as Goodwill staff.
When people think of Traverse City, they often think of a wealthy lake side community. One that is associated with boating, wineries, golfing and the Cherry Festival. This aspect of the town is wonderful and thriving, however, there is a side that many overlook or don't see. There are estimated to be nearly 600 people in the Grand Traverse area on any given night. When people think of homelessness they don't think of low populated rural areas, they think of urban settings, but homelessness is a reality for many of those in our northern communities. They face the same hardships as those in cities however; there are few shelters and very harsh winters. Except for college, I have lived in Northern Michigan my entire life, and had no idea that there was anyone that was homeless in the area. I may have been naive, but it is also an issue that is not talked about and kept out of the public eye. I learn more everyday about the differences in the life experiences of individuals.
Oncorps says that I have 6.24 weeks left of my service. As of right now, I'm not sure what this fall holds for me, I won’t lie, I’m nervous. This is a pretty scary time to be unemployed in Michigan. However, I will be beginning my second year of graduate school, and am more sure than ever in my decision to pursue a Masters Degree in Social Work. This experience has been life changing and priceless. This year has changed and bettered me as a person. I have been exposed to so much that has opened my eyes to both the suffering and joys of those struggling with poverty and have become stronger because of it. In the past, I have struggled with searching for "meaning," and I have found not greater "meaning" for my life than doing my part in assisting others in difficult times in their lives. I am excited about what my future holds, but will miss this particular experience. I have developed relationships with both people at the agency as well as those that I work with on a regular basis. My two years of experience in the AmeriCorps have been wonderful and beneficial for myself as well as those I have had the pleasure of serving. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and have been able to serve at Goodwill.
"Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sustainability?
Hi everyone!
My name is Sandra Holt, and I am a part-time member serving with Every Woman’s Place/Webster House Youth Services in Muskegon. I want to start out by saying that this year has been a real eye-opener! I decided to apply for this position after interning with this agency last summer. It has been a great way for me to develop in skills in other areas (previous experience was working with delinquent youth and adult victims of domestic violence/sexual assault) and help address this social injustice. I am very proud of the accomplishments I’ve made this year, and more importantly, the people that I’ve helped. It has solidified my notion that I want a career in the social work field, and I’ll be attending a social work graduate program in the fall.
At this agency, Tenant Based Rental Assistance helps assist homeless families and youth with long-term rental assistance. By providing funding for apartments, we hope to set up clients for successful, sustainable housing after the program phases out. While in theory, this program makes a lot of sense (and with some clients it definitely plays out well), I’ve noticed a lot of our clients haven’t been able to sustain housing once rental assistance was over. This is disheartening because we work hard to try and motivate them for their own benefit, but sometimes clients can’t find jobs or just aren’t interested in making the extra effort. This isn’t always the case… We have clients who flourish and really make strides during their time in programming. We provide casework services and attempt to link them with other services in the community, but I guess I am wondering if any of you have had similar experiences with clients, essentially, falling apart and becoming homeless again? We try to teach them life skills and set them up for success by being a support system and resource guide, but it doesn’t always work out. Anyone have any thoughts or insight on this?
-Sandra Holt
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Walking Wikipedia
Hi everyone! My name is Corey Saylor. I am serving my AmeriCorps service with the Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team (MCREST). Like most of you, I can't believe that our service is almost over for the year. I am happy that AmeriCorps survived the budget cuts and will proudly be serving another year starting in October. I hope that many of you will as well!
As I look back at the time I have served with AmeriCorps and MCREST I get overwhelmed by how much I have learned in such a short time. I feel like I am a walking Wikipedia for the agencies and their roles in Macomb County.
Serving the homeless cause has proven to be such a rewarding task. I have met so many beautiful people in the last nine months. I have been truly blessed. The perseverance of not only the clients but of the case managers that do everything they can for them is something I truly admire and strive for.
AmeriCorps has opened up so many doors for me. It has given me the opportunity to give my future career a test run. I am glad to say that my choice to become a social worker is a permanent one! AmeriCorps has also allowed me to network with those in Macomb County and at times those in Wayne and St. Clair County. Let us not forget that serving as an AmeriCorps member looks pretty wicked on a resume! I believe this will be very beneficial when I seek employment in the social work field.
Although I am very proud of my service and I look forward to next year, I fear that history will repeat itself. We were all on edge for a few months when the government was making budget cuts. We all know our service has a positive impact on the communities we live in. I am glad the government made the right decision to keep AmeriCorps going; for how long is the question. Also, I fear the snail like pace grants are accepted and approved at. MCREST has not had sufficient housing assistant funds since January 1st. How are we to end homelessness or prevent future homelessness without the tools necessary to do so?
During my service this year I have learned a few valuable lessons; do not back down, voice your opinion, and there is always, always a loop hole in the system. The most important lesson I have learned is education is the key. Every volunteer I have encountered at MCREST has a light bulb go off during their service and they get it. They understand that the people MCREST help truly have no one and no place to go. The clients I have encountered are unaware of all the resources available to them. Many believe DHS is the first and last stop. When I signed up for AmeriCorps I did not expect to become a teacher of the homeless epidemic, but I am glad I am able to do so. I encourage all of you to educate those you encounter about the agency you serve at, AmeriCorps and homelessness in general.
I wish you all a great summer and look forward to serving with you in the future.
As I look back at the time I have served with AmeriCorps and MCREST I get overwhelmed by how much I have learned in such a short time. I feel like I am a walking Wikipedia for the agencies and their roles in Macomb County.
Serving the homeless cause has proven to be such a rewarding task. I have met so many beautiful people in the last nine months. I have been truly blessed. The perseverance of not only the clients but of the case managers that do everything they can for them is something I truly admire and strive for.
AmeriCorps has opened up so many doors for me. It has given me the opportunity to give my future career a test run. I am glad to say that my choice to become a social worker is a permanent one! AmeriCorps has also allowed me to network with those in Macomb County and at times those in Wayne and St. Clair County. Let us not forget that serving as an AmeriCorps member looks pretty wicked on a resume! I believe this will be very beneficial when I seek employment in the social work field.
Although I am very proud of my service and I look forward to next year, I fear that history will repeat itself. We were all on edge for a few months when the government was making budget cuts. We all know our service has a positive impact on the communities we live in. I am glad the government made the right decision to keep AmeriCorps going; for how long is the question. Also, I fear the snail like pace grants are accepted and approved at. MCREST has not had sufficient housing assistant funds since January 1st. How are we to end homelessness or prevent future homelessness without the tools necessary to do so?
During my service this year I have learned a few valuable lessons; do not back down, voice your opinion, and there is always, always a loop hole in the system. The most important lesson I have learned is education is the key. Every volunteer I have encountered at MCREST has a light bulb go off during their service and they get it. They understand that the people MCREST help truly have no one and no place to go. The clients I have encountered are unaware of all the resources available to them. Many believe DHS is the first and last stop. When I signed up for AmeriCorps I did not expect to become a teacher of the homeless epidemic, but I am glad I am able to do so. I encourage all of you to educate those you encounter about the agency you serve at, AmeriCorps and homelessness in general.
I wish you all a great summer and look forward to serving with you in the future.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Eye Opening Experience
Hi! My name is Chennelle Dismond and I am an Americorps Member serving at Metro Community Development in Flint, MI. I have been afforded the opportunity to serve in such an awesome organization addressing the housing needs of the community in a dynamic manner, surrounded by individuals who truly care about each and every client that walks through the door. The programs housed in this agency signify that “Partnering to Build Strong, Vibrant Communities” is not just the opening phrase in Metro’s Vision & Mission statement, but it is a sentiment that is woven into the very fabric of the agency and as a whole.
Before coming to serve at Metro as an Americorps Member, I had my own ideas about what homelessness looked like and what some of the causes could possibly be, however I never could have imagined many of the cases and/or causes that I have encountered over the past 7 months. Moms and their children living in cars, parks, or even abandoned buildings getting up going to school and work each day, not knowing where they would end up that night or how about the senior citizen taking care of a handicapped elderly sibling forced to decide on medication or paying the heat bill in the middle of a Michigan winter? Many of the faces of homelessness looked like me, to my amazement. To see an individual all made up, dressed in office attire, and revving to go; all the while sadness and wonderment locked behind their eyes and a cloak of pride to hide it all as the face of homelessness, left me in complete awe. I could have never imagined the many stories and faces of homelessness in our community and those abroad, that simply don't fit the bill of what homelessness used to be or what many still seem to think.
The upside to this is that there are agencies partnering and initiatives put in place to eradicate this seemingly growing epidemic. I am so very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve my fellow man and community in the capacity which I have. The services offered to every client that comes through our doors are not just tangible windows of opportunity, but also access to mental tools for success, by way of information. The consistent encouragement to attend every and any training and outreach that is pertinent to the success of the population we are working with is one of the many focuses of the agency where I am serving. Sometimes just the passing on of a little information can knock down barriers of most any size and/or origin. I have always been taught that "Knowledge is Power" and I know for a matter of fact that it truly is. Assisting clients in need of emergency services and linking them with the available community resources has been one of the most rewarding elements in my service. To see the sheer relief in a mother's face that her pending eviction has been thwarted and her babies' home is safe, or to receive a bear hug from an entire family because now they get to have heat in their home, or even to meet an expectant mom who's been couch surfing for over a year and be able to tell her that we can help get you into a home and also help you to stay there are just a the tip of the iceberg of rewarding experiences I can now claim in my life. These individuals and their circumstances, amongst many others I've met along the way, have not only "Opened My Eyes" in a new way to the world around me, but have begun to reshape my views on service, community, outreach and resources. I believe that because of my service as an Americorps Member serving in such an agency as Metro Community Development I am not only becoming a much better more informed person, but a far more effective and productive one in my community as well and for those reasons and this opportunity I am and shall always be grateful to Americorps and Metro Community Development.
Before coming to serve at Metro as an Americorps Member, I had my own ideas about what homelessness looked like and what some of the causes could possibly be, however I never could have imagined many of the cases and/or causes that I have encountered over the past 7 months. Moms and their children living in cars, parks, or even abandoned buildings getting up going to school and work each day, not knowing where they would end up that night or how about the senior citizen taking care of a handicapped elderly sibling forced to decide on medication or paying the heat bill in the middle of a Michigan winter? Many of the faces of homelessness looked like me, to my amazement. To see an individual all made up, dressed in office attire, and revving to go; all the while sadness and wonderment locked behind their eyes and a cloak of pride to hide it all as the face of homelessness, left me in complete awe. I could have never imagined the many stories and faces of homelessness in our community and those abroad, that simply don't fit the bill of what homelessness used to be or what many still seem to think.
The upside to this is that there are agencies partnering and initiatives put in place to eradicate this seemingly growing epidemic. I am so very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve my fellow man and community in the capacity which I have. The services offered to every client that comes through our doors are not just tangible windows of opportunity, but also access to mental tools for success, by way of information. The consistent encouragement to attend every and any training and outreach that is pertinent to the success of the population we are working with is one of the many focuses of the agency where I am serving. Sometimes just the passing on of a little information can knock down barriers of most any size and/or origin. I have always been taught that "Knowledge is Power" and I know for a matter of fact that it truly is. Assisting clients in need of emergency services and linking them with the available community resources has been one of the most rewarding elements in my service. To see the sheer relief in a mother's face that her pending eviction has been thwarted and her babies' home is safe, or to receive a bear hug from an entire family because now they get to have heat in their home, or even to meet an expectant mom who's been couch surfing for over a year and be able to tell her that we can help get you into a home and also help you to stay there are just a the tip of the iceberg of rewarding experiences I can now claim in my life. These individuals and their circumstances, amongst many others I've met along the way, have not only "Opened My Eyes" in a new way to the world around me, but have begun to reshape my views on service, community, outreach and resources. I believe that because of my service as an Americorps Member serving in such an agency as Metro Community Development I am not only becoming a much better more informed person, but a far more effective and productive one in my community as well and for those reasons and this opportunity I am and shall always be grateful to Americorps and Metro Community Development.
Friday, May 27, 2011
A Taste of What Could Be...
We are not alone…However, I felt quite alone, as I was standing at the top of a ladder scraping lead based paint from the side of a house. My shoulders were getting tired. My feet were sore from standing on the ladder so long, and the rays of the sun were baking me in the biohazard suit I was wearing.
I needed a rest, and as I shifted on the ladder preparing to descend, the sights and sounds of my surroundings caused me to pause. Looking down to the ground, it is as if I noticed for the first time how many people there were working around me, not just on the house I was working on, but all up and down the street. Everyone was working so hard, sweaty and dirty. But I was surprised by the number of smiles I saw on peoples' faces and the sheer volume of laughter in the air.
The environment held a sense of familiarity, and as I reflected on it, I realized that what I was sensing was a carnival like atmosphere. What a contrast to the normal turn of events…hard work usually precipitating groans and complaints, yet what I was observing was the very opposite…hard work—service—bringing about joy. Why couldn’t this be the norm? Or could it?
Was this a taste of what could be?
How often are we told to dream big, only to be scorned for being unrealistic when we have dreamt? Similarly, how often are we told to be realistic, again, only to be scolded by others for not thinking big enough?
The question is, “Really, what is possible?” Is it possible to end homelessness and poverty? Is it possible to make the world a better place? Is it possible to truly make a difference?
When the beach is covered with starfish withering in the sun, do we return them to the ocean taking hope that we make a difference by even saving one, or do we throw our arms up in despair at the mountain of need and suffering before us?
Simply, is the glass half-full or half-empty? Should we be hopeful, or should we be despairing? Why? What reasons/rational are there for being one or the other?
In this year’s Russ Mawby Signature Service project, held in Grand Rapids, MI, I had a taste of what could be. So often we share our utopian ideas, only to have them scoffed at as quixotic; however in working alongside other AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity, and community volunteers for a day and a half, I have seen a glimmer hope that perhaps our utopian impulses may not be totally unrealistic. I have been caused to imagine the possibilities of what could be.
Imagine…
Imagine a community, a culture, a nation, a world, where the majority of people cared about and for their neighbor. Imagine such a world where people and groups gave generously with their time and resources, not under compulsion, but because of a free spirit of giving and a deep desire to make a difference. Imagine a world where the desire was not to amass material goods and wealth for one’s self and one’s own, but where there was a desire to improve the lives and station of all. Imagine such a world were people took responsibility, rather than only taking advantage of freedoms. While such a world would not be free from disaster, disease, or death, wouldn't such a world be much more imbued with peace, hope, joy, and laughter?
Might there be a way to attain a mixture, amalgamation, synthesis of what is and what could be, of the real and the ideal. Real people with real lives and problems of their own, taking time to help pursue the ideal in their neighborhoods, community, and ultimately in the world?
What would it take to catalyze such a shift in a culture that places so much importance on materialism and personal gain?
How can the glimmer of hope that we each see and experience in service be shared with and inspire others?
In the recent Signature Service Project, and throughout my AmeriCorps’ service, I have seen glimmers of hope. Sometimes I have had to look for these glimmers, sometimes I have been struck by them, but they have been there. And while I have often been tempted to throw my arms up in despair at the number of homeless in my community, and the number of problems facing the world, it has been these glimmers of hope that have not only brought me back to reality, but have helped me to see reality anew.
So, how do we live in light of the possible? What are we willing to do, think, consider, and perhaps sacrifice in order to see and realize what is truly possible? What would happen if we acted on our glimmers of hope?
I needed a rest, and as I shifted on the ladder preparing to descend, the sights and sounds of my surroundings caused me to pause. Looking down to the ground, it is as if I noticed for the first time how many people there were working around me, not just on the house I was working on, but all up and down the street. Everyone was working so hard, sweaty and dirty. But I was surprised by the number of smiles I saw on peoples' faces and the sheer volume of laughter in the air.
The environment held a sense of familiarity, and as I reflected on it, I realized that what I was sensing was a carnival like atmosphere. What a contrast to the normal turn of events…hard work usually precipitating groans and complaints, yet what I was observing was the very opposite…hard work—service—bringing about joy. Why couldn’t this be the norm? Or could it?
Was this a taste of what could be?
How often are we told to dream big, only to be scorned for being unrealistic when we have dreamt? Similarly, how often are we told to be realistic, again, only to be scolded by others for not thinking big enough?
The question is, “Really, what is possible?” Is it possible to end homelessness and poverty? Is it possible to make the world a better place? Is it possible to truly make a difference?
When the beach is covered with starfish withering in the sun, do we return them to the ocean taking hope that we make a difference by even saving one, or do we throw our arms up in despair at the mountain of need and suffering before us?
Simply, is the glass half-full or half-empty? Should we be hopeful, or should we be despairing? Why? What reasons/rational are there for being one or the other?
In this year’s Russ Mawby Signature Service project, held in Grand Rapids, MI, I had a taste of what could be. So often we share our utopian ideas, only to have them scoffed at as quixotic; however in working alongside other AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity, and community volunteers for a day and a half, I have seen a glimmer hope that perhaps our utopian impulses may not be totally unrealistic. I have been caused to imagine the possibilities of what could be.
Imagine…
Imagine a community, a culture, a nation, a world, where the majority of people cared about and for their neighbor. Imagine such a world where people and groups gave generously with their time and resources, not under compulsion, but because of a free spirit of giving and a deep desire to make a difference. Imagine a world where the desire was not to amass material goods and wealth for one’s self and one’s own, but where there was a desire to improve the lives and station of all. Imagine such a world were people took responsibility, rather than only taking advantage of freedoms. While such a world would not be free from disaster, disease, or death, wouldn't such a world be much more imbued with peace, hope, joy, and laughter?
Might there be a way to attain a mixture, amalgamation, synthesis of what is and what could be, of the real and the ideal. Real people with real lives and problems of their own, taking time to help pursue the ideal in their neighborhoods, community, and ultimately in the world?
What would it take to catalyze such a shift in a culture that places so much importance on materialism and personal gain?
How can the glimmer of hope that we each see and experience in service be shared with and inspire others?
In the recent Signature Service Project, and throughout my AmeriCorps’ service, I have seen glimmers of hope. Sometimes I have had to look for these glimmers, sometimes I have been struck by them, but they have been there. And while I have often been tempted to throw my arms up in despair at the number of homeless in my community, and the number of problems facing the world, it has been these glimmers of hope that have not only brought me back to reality, but have helped me to see reality anew.
So, how do we live in light of the possible? What are we willing to do, think, consider, and perhaps sacrifice in order to see and realize what is truly possible? What would happen if we acted on our glimmers of hope?
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
New Beginnings
Hello Everyone! This is Kim P. writing to you from Community Housing Network. It was nice seeing many of you at our recent mid year training. My Americorps service will be ending a little bit sooner than expected because my husband and I will be moving to China! He received an offer from his company, so I am excited and nervous to start this new chapter of my life in China.
I feel very fortunate to be a part of Americorps. I had been trying to get into the non-profit world for about a year and was having no luck. Americorps helped me get my foot in the the door of the non-profit world. I would will totally recommend Americorps to others trying to enter the world of non-profit.
My time at Community Housing Network (CHN) has been great. I have learned a lot and met a lot of great people, both co-worker and clients.
I work in the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Department (HPRP). I have taken calls to screen possible program participants. I have do the face to face intakes and manage these clients all the way through the housing process. When I first started at CHN, we had prevention funds to try and prevent people from being evicted. So I assisted the case managers a lot with intakes, paying utility bills, talked to landlords...anything you can think of. Eventually, our prevention funds were exhausted and we only had Rapid Rehousing funds left. We also lost a couple of case managers to other jobs, so I took on more responsibility by meeting clients at MATTS Salvation Army in Warren. I would give them information about our program, do intakes and help people get housed who were previously homeless. I was very excited the first time I housed a client. It felt really good to help someone all the way through the process from beginning to end.
I have participated in and Oakland County Project Homeless Connect, in a couple of Macomb Community Connection Day and in the Point in time Homeless Count for Oakland County. These experiences were really rewarding because that is really my favorite part of our work, interacting with clients.
Surprisingly, I also enjoyed learning how to use the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Because I know that is the system many other agencies use, because my end goal was to be able to use the knowledge I learned through my Americorps service year to obtain a permanent job at CHN or another agency. Obviously that will not be the case now that I will be moving to China, but I think the experience I have had through Americorps at CHN are skills that I can use in China as well. There are hurting people all over the world, so I hope to be able to make a difference in China as well and I think the skills I have learned these past few months are invaluable.
So long for now.
From Your Fellow Americorps member,
Kim P.
I feel very fortunate to be a part of Americorps. I had been trying to get into the non-profit world for about a year and was having no luck. Americorps helped me get my foot in the the door of the non-profit world. I would will totally recommend Americorps to others trying to enter the world of non-profit.
My time at Community Housing Network (CHN) has been great. I have learned a lot and met a lot of great people, both co-worker and clients.
I work in the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Department (HPRP). I have taken calls to screen possible program participants. I have do the face to face intakes and manage these clients all the way through the housing process. When I first started at CHN, we had prevention funds to try and prevent people from being evicted. So I assisted the case managers a lot with intakes, paying utility bills, talked to landlords...anything you can think of. Eventually, our prevention funds were exhausted and we only had Rapid Rehousing funds left. We also lost a couple of case managers to other jobs, so I took on more responsibility by meeting clients at MATTS Salvation Army in Warren. I would give them information about our program, do intakes and help people get housed who were previously homeless. I was very excited the first time I housed a client. It felt really good to help someone all the way through the process from beginning to end.
I have participated in and Oakland County Project Homeless Connect, in a couple of Macomb Community Connection Day and in the Point in time Homeless Count for Oakland County. These experiences were really rewarding because that is really my favorite part of our work, interacting with clients.
Surprisingly, I also enjoyed learning how to use the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Because I know that is the system many other agencies use, because my end goal was to be able to use the knowledge I learned through my Americorps service year to obtain a permanent job at CHN or another agency. Obviously that will not be the case now that I will be moving to China, but I think the experience I have had through Americorps at CHN are skills that I can use in China as well. There are hurting people all over the world, so I hope to be able to make a difference in China as well and I think the skills I have learned these past few months are invaluable.
So long for now.
From Your Fellow Americorps member,
Kim P.
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