As I approach the end of my service and look back at the variety of
experiences that I have had, I have to say that the greatest aspect of my
service has been the ability to network and learn about programs, services and
resources available to assist others. I have learned that many of those that we
serve that are homeless, are lacking information about resources and the
support to help motivate them to get to the next step.
Information equals access. I will use this example. I happen to love shoes;
when I see a person with a great pair of shoes, I usually ask the person about
the shoes, where they purchased them,
etc. This information now give me access to
the same opportunity that the person with the great shoes has, which empowers
me to go get a pair! I recall working with homeless individuals who find
themselves recently unemployed, with no healthcare, money, food, etc. For some,
I provided information about State Disability Assistance, which enabled them to
get monthly financial assistance because they were unable to work. All I did
was provide the
information and
encouragement
to take the next step in making the phone call. Those who were
motivated
now had
access and were
empowered
to change their living situation.
While each and every program participant, client and individual we meet are at
different stages, we must never work harder than the individuals we serve. Some
may need more encouragement, while some may need more education and information.
I believe this goes along with restoring dignity to an individual, enabling
them to have confidence in their own abilities, which will ultimately and
hopefully result in our clients becoming tax paying, contributing citizens! Our
compassion must be guided with the motivation of empowering an individual; not
enabling them to continue on in crippling behaviors the often times result in
individuals becoming dependent upon a lifetime of public assistance.
It’s been a great year of learning for me. Thanks Americorp!
