1. Where did the student volunteer their
time:
I volunteer at CTF, which is the
Charleston Transitional Facility located in Charleston, Illinois. It is a not-for-profit,
Illinois-based organization providing support and services to individuals with
developmental disabilities.
2 2. How the service activity reflected
concepts learned in the current FCS course (FCS 4840), and/or other FCS courses.
This service offers many activities
that reflect many of the concepts learned through numerous of my courses within
FCS. They provided vocational, art, one on one therapy, job training,
developmental training and autism programs for many individuals. All the
individuals suffer from some form of developmental disability and or
developmentally delayed. At CTF they are able to receive one on one attention. It’s a program for individuals that need
special attention and care to learn in a school setting and while not being
able to attend a regular school; they are given the tools here to be able learn
and grow as individuals. It is such a great thing to see individuals that need
such special care to be able to receive it each and every day by participating
within the many programs the CTF offers. Within our disadvantage family course
we have learned that many kids struggle within school, are poverty stricken and
or have a very difficult home life. Here at CTF these individuals receive the
housing and around the clock care they specifically need to improve their
quality of life.
3 3. How the student networked with other
professionals while participating in the activity and what they GAINED from
that networking
While participating with the many
individuals that participate during the day program that is offered each and
every day I really got to meet numerous individuals that offer so much within
the organization and community. I spoke with many of the employers about their
career back grounds and what they specifically focus on with their client and
or clients. Just by watching and observing alone; I could truly see how much
these employees care about their job and the tremendous amount of hard work
they put in each and every day to help these individuals learn and grow.
4 4. The potential effect the service
activity and/or the service organization can have (or does have) on the
community.
The effect that this organization
has within in this community is absolutely tremendous and truly inspiring. The
jobs they provide to many of the individuals within the program are absolutely
amazing. Many of them actually make the tassels that we wear for graduation;
the flyers for Z’s music located in the square, and also make a brand called
“Dog Gone Goodies,” which is all-natural dog treats made by the clients. These
jobs help provide them the opportunity to learn marketable vocational skills
that can be used in future employment, including baking, production, packaging,
and sales. They do so much within the community and really do provide these
individuals with the best care possible 24/7, 7 days a week, and 365 days a
year.
5 5. A general reflection on the assignment
(e.g., reactions, feelings, life lessons)
Overall my experience with
volunteering today was extremely inspiring and inspirational. I have never
worked with individuals with such a variety of special care and needs and it
truly was an eye opening experience. Going into it I really had no idea what to
expect, but after today I could have been more thrilled in being able to be a
part of this experience. I am grateful that I got to participate and work with
many of the clients and learn so much about them individually. Seeing how many
of these individuals struggle with easy day to day task, such as putting a
tooth brush in a toothbrush holder, eating with utensils and or tying a shoe on
your own; it really showed me how within our everyday lives we take so many
things for granted. This experience has really made me feel grateful for the
life I have, the accomplishments I have made and the struggles I have gotten
through throughout my life already.
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