Jonathan Hoyt Teen reach

11.   I chose to volunteer my time at teen reach in Charleston, IL. Teen reach is an after school program for children aged 11 to 17 that provides entertainment,  homework assistance, and other various recreational activities.

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22.       Many of the concepts that I have learned during my time here as an FCS student were easily visible during my time here at teen reach. Many of the children in teen reach are at risk youth that come from adverse situations. My first trip to teen reach I had to opportunity to ride in the van and pick up the kids from school. The woman that I rode along with explained to me the harsh situations that many of these kids come from and to not be surprised when they speak so freely about it. Shortly afterwards one kid got into the van and began talking about his home and how he is not allowed to talk about his real father and how he forced him out of his memory, no longer able to remember what he looks like.

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33.   I had the opportunity to speak with many of the other volunteers that have been a part of teen reach for some time and gained a lot of valuable insight. The woman that I rode with to pick up the kids from school explained to me that it is easy to get attached to the kids simply because they look up to you and share so much with you. She went on to say that the attachment can sometimes take a toll on you emotionally when you see what the living situation is like for the kids outside of teen reach.

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   4.Teen reach is an awesome program that has a tremendously positive effect on the community. For many of these youth we are the only positive influence they may come across during the day, so without this program one can only wonder what some of these kids may spend their time doing instead.

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   5. I am very happy to have spent time at teen reach and I definitely plan to continue volunteering there in the future. This is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to work with at risk youth and I definitely feel it is something I would enjoy doing in the future. 

Patricia Hall Project Link

 

 

1.)    I spent my volunteer hours at a local shelter for homeless women and children and women who have been victims of domestic violence, the Center for Women in Transition.

2.)    In that time I was able to identify the diversity of that particular population and the various causes of their circumstances and specific needs of them and their family. There is no singular cause of their conditions. Most were single mothers and lacked support from their children’s father or family members. Some had lived in poverty their entire lifetime, others lived near poverty and had a loss of job or illness that caused their need for services. Some were victims of domestic violence and had to leave their homes for safety reasons. One woman lost her home in a house fire and was now on social security disability and could not recover without support. Another important thing to note is the need to be understanding, open-minded, non-judgmental and have the ability to meet a client where they are. A perfect example is during a house check I met a 21 year old woman who lives at the shelter with her daughter. She was in her room cleaning but her 2 year old daughter was not with her. The staff asked where the little girl was and the woman replied “oh, she’s taking a bath”. The child was in the bath tub, unsupervised, in water up to the middle of her chest. The staff immediately went to the mother and informed her that she must be with the child and supervise her throughout the whole bath time. The mother was very unaware that she had placed her child at risk by leaving her alone. Some people may have felt that she was inadequate in her parenting but what I recognized is this was her first child, she was very young, and she lacked support from an older family member to help in the process of learning how to care for a child. This was a learning experience for her and an opportunity for the staff at the shelter to help and even determine some needs of that family.

3.)    During my time I met some of the staff that answered hot line calls and took care of the daily operations of the houses and the occupants, as well as one of the case managers that worked directly with the women living at the shelter. The experience has made me aware of some of the resources available to women and children in my community as well as given me an understanding of the process for which a woman would go through to access this resource. This information will be beneficial if I should ever have a client that is in need of shelter.

4.)    This organization is the only shelter in our community for homeless women and women who are domestic violence victims. It has a major impact on the community and stays at full capacity year round. However, the shelter has a waiting list almost a year long. This may be due to the ability for the current residents to stay for two years but it is also due to lack of space and resources. This is a wonderful resource for the community but the community needs more.

5.)    Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Meeting all the women and hearing a little bit about their lives and experiences made me aware that those in need are just like everyone else. I also enjoyed talking with people whose passion is to help.

 

Becky Kalas. Project Link.

1.     1.  Every Tuesday and Thursday I volunteer at the Catholic Newman center for the after school program.  The after school program is where kids from the community who are in grades kindergarten through high school can go to get help with homework.  They have the chance to create a bond with someone older than them and someone that they can look up to. Every tutor is paired with a child and they work with that child the entire semester.

2.      2. The volunteer experience that I have had has related to many of my FCS classes. The classes that I have taken have educated me on families and the different situations that a family can be in. While I volunteer I am working with children who may not come from the best home life. I volunteer to help the kids and to be a positive role model in their life. FCS has taught me that it is important for kids to have a positive role model in their life.

3.     3.  Volunteering has given me the chance to connect with kids from the Charleston community, It is important to lend a hand in the community. I get an amazing opportunity to meet some wonderful young people. I enjoy getting the chance to help young minds develop. I have gained experience from volunteering and I have gained friendships not only with the kids but the other tutors as well.

4.      4. The after school program is a positive influence on the children of Charleston. Children are the future and it is important that we make a positive impact on their lives. The things that they experience now are the things that will stick with them forever. I think that it is great for younger kids to pair up with a college student, because I think college students make great mentors to younger kids.

5.   5.    I enjoy volunteering at the Newman center. This program is a great way to meet individuals from the community. It is nice to help make an impact on a child’s life. It is such a simple thing to do; all I have had to do is be there for them. Children need love and support; they need someone to believe in them. It is important for children to have someone in their life that shows them that they care for them. I have had the pleasure of watching many of these kids grow. This program is important to me and I think it is a wonderful  thing and I have seen it make an impact on many lives.

Project Link- Narissa Ramirez

1. I have been volunteering once a week for 4 weeks at three different assisted living sites.  These sites are in Charleston (Heritage Woods), Decatur (Eagle Ridge), and Urbana (Prairie Winds).

2. Older adults currently make up 13% of the population and a large part of this age group lives near or below poverty.  Along with many older adults living in poverty, many also live with daily activity limitations. With poverty and limitations compounding on one another, older adults are vulnerable to mistreatment and undesirable conditions.  While volunteering at the three sites, I offered a free guided autobiography program.  We met in small groups and shared our stories every week along with developed stronger relationships with one another.  This program is important because not only is it free, it does not restrict participation to those who may have physical limitations.  The small group approach also allows the older adults to develop support systems and friendships within the facility.  It is important to develop relationships within the residency because this reduces the chances of any mistreatment. 

3. While volunteering my time at these sites I have developed relationships with the staff.  I now have contact with corporate members of the company that owns the three sites. I also have a working relationship with all three activities director.  Most of my time spent at the sites is with the residents in my groups, but I have been able to develop comfortable relationships with the staff members.  I believe that this experience and networking will aid me later on when I am searching for a job.  I now have hands on experience and possibly new references.

4. My program offers several benefits to the residents involved.  Each individual gets the opportunity and push to write their life stories.  Along with writing their stories, the individuals develop trusting relationships and friendships with their peers.  The residents also have the opportunity to reconcile issues from the past and find meaning in life through their pasts.  The guided autobiography program could also be a useful intervention for individuals with depression or anxiety.


5. I thought this assignment was a great way to get involved in the community.  Often times people talk about volunteering their time, but not enough actually do.  I believe this assignment is a great way to spark the interest and encourage further outreach.  Through my experience I have gained experience that I would not have gained anywhere else in life. I look forward to volunteering every week and I cannot wait to continue.  I have most enjoyed hearing all of the different life stories.  People truly do cherish and value when others take the time to listen and show genuine interest.  My experience has shown me that no matter what, I should take the time to listen.

PADS - Jordan Brown - Project LINK

11.      I volunteered my time to help PADS – which is the homeless shelter in Mattoon, IL.

22.      While helping PADS I was able to learn more about homelessness. What really struck me was how much some people do not have. My five hours were split up into two sections. The first two hours I spent helping put together “to-go packs” for the families that PADS help. These “to-go packs” consisted of things like tooth brushes, tooth paste, shampoo, shower gel, razors, and other toiletries. This experience was great because I got an in-depth feel for how much the homeless do not have.

33.      During my time working with PADS I got to know the director really well. He was really involved with what we were able to do and would contribute to a lot of the ideas that my group had. What I gained from networking with the director is a better understanding of how the little things can help those who are homeless. We would talk a lot about the different situations that he has seen enter PADS and that homelessness can happen to anyone.

44.      The potential “to-go packs” can have on the community is that it will bring the hygiene necessities to those who do not have access to them. This may seem like such a small thing but it can help out in such a big way. The other three hours of my time was spent running a haunted house that my hall – Pemberton – put on. We raised $324 and collected 213 canned goods that all went to PADS. The canned goods will be used in food packs that the families at PADS receive and the money is being put towards building a new building so they can provide shelter for more families. From talking to the director of PADS I learned that they have to turn away quite a few families, so this money will really help them reach their goal to build a new building so they don’t have to turn away as many families.

55.      I really liked this assignment because it really allowed me to get a better understanding of homelessness. I know that I really didn’t do much to help one-on-one with those who are homeless but the impact of my – and my halls – actions speaks louder than I would ever think. Just being able to help, even in the smallest way, is a great opportunity and I appreciate every moment of it. I would not trade this experience for anything in the world.

Bernadette Mangialardi - Charleston Transitional Facility (CTF)

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. 

Molly Thinnes Project Link

1. I volunteered my time at Windsor of Savoy in Savoy, Illinois. This is a nursing home along with an assisted living program. The specific place I was at was the Windsor Court, the assisted living home.

2. This activity reflected concepts learned in this course related to the elderly and disadvantage. While visiting this facility I was able to participate while some of the elderly exercised. This was led by a young facilitator who was excellent in interacting with the older adults. The lecture on elderly and disadvantaged talked quite a bit with how the elderly are treated in some nursing homes. The video we watched was horrifying to see how some older people are treated, specifically with Alzheimer's Disease. While volunteering at Windsor Court I was able to interact with several older adults with Alzheimer's disease. I noticed several similarities between lecture and volunteering. While we were making wreaths for their apartment doors the staff was playing music and several residents started singing along with the music. This volunteer experience also related to another FCS course, Aging and the Family. This course was directly related to the older population.

3. While I was volunteering I was able to connect with another young worker who also attends Eastern. We discussed our similar majors and what are plans are for once we graduate. Since she already has a part time job at Windsor of Savoy she said she plans on transferring into full time when she graduates. I also talked with the coordinator and discussed the different activities and options for the residents. They have services for multiple types of religions, exercise classes, and transportation so that the residents can go into the community. The administrator gave me her card and I was able to ask about different job opportunities available for a family service major such as myself.

4. Windsor of Savoy is run by Carle Hospital. Carle is in the top 10% of the country, so this nursing home and assisted living facility is an excellent option for older adults in the Champaign County area. Windsor of Savoy is an excellent alternative for the aging population when they themselves or their loved ones are no longer able to care for them.

5. I absolutely loved the time I spent at Windsor Court. I talked with an elderly lady named Neeva for almost an hour. While Neeva does have Alzheimer's Disease and much of the conversation was repeated, I loved listening to what she had to say. I originally asked her what she did for a career when the conversation first started. She told me that she went to the University of Iowa and got her masters in Social Work from the University of Chicago. Once I told her that I was also going into family services she lit up and started talking about some of her experiences and her years spent helping families. She told me over and over that it is a rewarding field that can be difficult at times but is worth it when you can see the progress made in children. She asked what I was planning on doing with my degree and when I told her that I am employed at Cunningham Children's Home she told me she did field work there many years ago. When I first saw Neeva I would have guessed she was in her mid 80's by the way she got around and talked. I came to find out later that she is 95 years old. It was wonderful to listen to her stories and hear about what it was like working then and comparing it to now. She asked me my name because she said “I know I’ll be seeing your picture in the paper for your work.” She made me feel great and she told me she was so happy I sat and visited with her. The thing I loved most about this volunteer experience was talking with this wonderful woman. I can only hope to still be talking about how wonderful it is to help people when I am 95 years old.