So, it's definitely been a while since I last posted. But I realize why blogging is important- It helps me keep track of everything that I've done and remember the order of some events. It's hard to keep everything straight. I know I've been busy, but its difficult to recap everything! I've been staying busy with organizing trainings, helping clients, and the Holiday Community Project. This is a tough time for a lot of people.
I've skillfully learned the ropes of OASHF and using the Benefit Bank. Also, we have a new ShareCorps member who I share the office with- her name is Bridget Jones! She is just fantastic- she has a lot of experience with volunteering and is always eager to help!
The more I work with the the Holiday Community Project, the more I realize the importance of collaborating to avoid duplications to help as many people as possible. It's really sad to hear some clients' stories about their unexpected expenses, and how much they just want to provide a Christmas for their children. As of yesterday, we had more than 170 families on the waiting list for Christmas gifts. This morning we found received a very large donation and we were able to serve all of the families on the waiting list!! This news made me jump out of my chair... I spent a large part of today calling people and telling them we would be able to assist them. It was wonderful to hear the sprightliness in their voices once I told them!
Happy Holidays everyone! Wishing you a prosperous New Year!!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Summit on Food Security
I participated in Montgomery County's Summit on Food Security today and it was one of the best meeting I've gone to through the Benefit Bank. It was truly inspirational. Maybe as I become more involved in the Foodbank, I start to really sync with the speakers. I imagined that it was going to be a typical tabling event where I perform Quick Checks and share information about the Benefit Bank. I had no idea who the speakers were.One of the speakers was former congressman Tony Hall. I had no idea that he did the PeaceCorps! He was very inspirational and it was great to see someone in Washington addressing food insecurities issues. He talked about the duplication amongst hunger groups and how organizations need to collaborate. When talking about the impact of helping the hungry, Mother Teresa once told him, "Do the thing that's in front of you." I took a lot away out of that message. Sometimes, when I think about my role, I question how many people I am actually helping. What he said helped me realize that it's important for me to help the members of my community because that's the first place where I see a need. A lot of people spoke favorable of the Oho Benefit Bank and expressed an interest in becoming a site. Over all, it was a great summit and I was glad that I went!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Tax Training and Re-Entry Conference
My first tax training was definitely felt like I was deluged with information. I certainly learned a lot from it! I gained a genuine, heartfelt appreciation for the Benefit Bank software, once I had to complete the tax forms by hand. The tax forms confusing because they lacked clarity in some areas.
This was my first experience with taxes in every sense; I did not know the difference between a credit and a deduction when I started. I commend the OASHF staff for de-tangling the complexity of taxes and teaching me about the motley of forms one by one.
Even with my unfamiliarity with taxes, I am excited to help people get their earned income tax credits. Specifically, I like the aspect of instant gratification- the number they see is the number they will receive (assuming all information is correct)!
This past Saturday, I performed Quick Checks at a Re-Entry Conference. The population of the attendees was very dynamic. There were inmates up for release, people from recovery programs, and members of church-based programs. Basically, there were people looking to give help and get help in the same conference. It was pretty incredible! Some of the sessions they had also seemed interesting; one of them focused on trying to get the inmates talk about their emotions. I know that this may sound a little bit too effusive, but I thought it was it was very thoughtful aspect of recovery. There were various organizations present ranging from public health clinics, to church services, to re-entry organizations. Many people were very interested in the OBB and surprised by what it had to offer.
This was my first experience with taxes in every sense; I did not know the difference between a credit and a deduction when I started. I commend the OASHF staff for de-tangling the complexity of taxes and teaching me about the motley of forms one by one.
Even with my unfamiliarity with taxes, I am excited to help people get their earned income tax credits. Specifically, I like the aspect of instant gratification- the number they see is the number they will receive (assuming all information is correct)!
This past Saturday, I performed Quick Checks at a Re-Entry Conference. The population of the attendees was very dynamic. There were inmates up for release, people from recovery programs, and members of church-based programs. Basically, there were people looking to give help and get help in the same conference. It was pretty incredible! Some of the sessions they had also seemed interesting; one of them focused on trying to get the inmates talk about their emotions. I know that this may sound a little bit too effusive, but I thought it was it was very thoughtful aspect of recovery. There were various organizations present ranging from public health clinics, to church services, to re-entry organizations. Many people were very interested in the OBB and surprised by what it had to offer.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
DYS event
Yesterday Meliva and I traveled to the Ohio Valley Correctional Facility in Franklin Furnace, Ohio. The journey to Scioto County was a winded country road that seemed to never end. I had never been inside a prison before and did not know what to expect. When we got the facility, we realized that we didn't have a contact person and no one at the facility was expecting us. After repairing up their miscommunication issues, they allowed us to enter. I was pretty surprised at how nice the facility was. They had their own high school, cafeteria, basketball courts, and medical center. It reminded me a little bit of a campus.
The youth that we helped were due to be released. I was surprised by how respectful they were. Their demeanor definitely helped relieve my anxiety about interacting with them. It was sort of difficult to do their application for public benefits because they didn't really have any information about members of their household. Helping them learn how to apply before they are released will hopefully provide them with an agenda after they are released. We made sure that we wrote out directions to update information of their application upon their release. Some of them seemed unlikely to follow through with it, while others were excited to embark on a better journey!
The youth that we helped were due to be released. I was surprised by how respectful they were. Their demeanor definitely helped relieve my anxiety about interacting with them. It was sort of difficult to do their application for public benefits because they didn't really have any information about members of their household. Helping them learn how to apply before they are released will hopefully provide them with an agenda after they are released. We made sure that we wrote out directions to update information of their application upon their release. Some of them seemed unlikely to follow through with it, while others were excited to embark on a better journey!
Friday, October 1, 2010
In-service Training
I found out VISTA in-service training to be quite insightful. In particular, the poverty simulation was beneficial in helping create a greater awareness for the stresses that those in poverty undergo. I confirmed that "getting by" is definitely a challenge and that improving one's socioeconomic status sometimes depends on luck. In the poverty simulation, my family ended up better off than we had started; this was the result of luck and a few good choices. Even though our house was temporarily evicted, we had food three out of four weeks, and had jobs. I think this was possible because my group was more familiar with public benefits than other groups and we had knowledge of where to go. Ultimately, in every sense, knowledge is power. Importantly, I learned to distinguish minimum wage from living wage, why it is important. In the end, I felt good that I am working to help power people to access resources that are available to them. I still feel discombobulated with the challenges the those in poverty face and I know there is much more to do.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Shared Harvest Agency meeting
This past Friday I attended the Shared Harvest Agency meeting. The meeting started off with a poignant slide show with quotes about Hunger. One I particularly connected with was "Hunger also changes the world - when eating can't be a habit, then neither can seeing." Maxine Hong Kingston. This is from my belief that many diseases can be prevented/ treated by maintaining a healthy diet and participating in healthful behavior. It is shocking that in America, the land of abundance, that hunger is such a prevalent issue. While the food stamps is called supplemental nutrition assistance, it is mostly the case that it is the only sole source of nutrition.
The meeting also had many interesting presenters. I learned that 36 cents of every tax dollar goes to education and 39 cents of every dollar go to medicaid, while a marginally amount is allocated for food assistance. For a person living on a low-income, that makes very little sense. They aren't able to get the proper nutrition in the first place, which ensues in poor health. Then the government ends up spending more for their medical expenses. This is especially applicable to the cause of chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
I went to an interesting workshop about nutrition from OSU extension. I was surprised that there were only four people attended. This attendance influences my view that nutrition is not a exactly a priority. I learned that the cost of vegetables and fruit have gone up 120% in the past 15 years, while the cost of sugary junk food has gone up only 20% as a result of corn syrup. I also gained insight as to why food insecurities are linked to obesity, and people on food stamps are increasingly less healthier than low-income individuals not receiving food stamps. A common trend for people on food stamps is to eat in surplus at the beginning of the month when they have money, and then go into starvation at the end of the month. These binge-starvation cycles are linked to the increase in obesity and diabetes on food assistance recipients. The body acclimates to hold more energy during the starvation period, and results in weight gain during the surplus period. I am fascinated by the body's ability to adapt to circumstances created by environmental sources.
Further, I appreciated that the extension was working to help families create healthful meals using the foods that were available to them through the food pantry. It was a creative idea to have samples out of the families and then provide recipe cards.
The meeting also had many interesting presenters. I learned that 36 cents of every tax dollar goes to education and 39 cents of every dollar go to medicaid, while a marginally amount is allocated for food assistance. For a person living on a low-income, that makes very little sense. They aren't able to get the proper nutrition in the first place, which ensues in poor health. Then the government ends up spending more for their medical expenses. This is especially applicable to the cause of chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
I went to an interesting workshop about nutrition from OSU extension. I was surprised that there were only four people attended. This attendance influences my view that nutrition is not a exactly a priority. I learned that the cost of vegetables and fruit have gone up 120% in the past 15 years, while the cost of sugary junk food has gone up only 20% as a result of corn syrup. I also gained insight as to why food insecurities are linked to obesity, and people on food stamps are increasingly less healthier than low-income individuals not receiving food stamps. A common trend for people on food stamps is to eat in surplus at the beginning of the month when they have money, and then go into starvation at the end of the month. These binge-starvation cycles are linked to the increase in obesity and diabetes on food assistance recipients. The body acclimates to hold more energy during the starvation period, and results in weight gain during the surplus period. I am fascinated by the body's ability to adapt to circumstances created by environmental sources.
Further, I appreciated that the extension was working to help families create healthful meals using the foods that were available to them through the food pantry. It was a creative idea to have samples out of the families and then provide recipe cards.
Monday, September 13, 2010
All in a Day's Work
Last week, I participated in two community service opportunities in remembrance of September 11th. Last Friday, a few other VISTAs and I went helped clean up a school that Hamilton Living Waters would use to make a community center for elementary and teenage children. It was a nice change to do direct service! Capacity building is important, but it's also good to see a direct impact from your actions. We organized the chairs throughout the building, and carried over a 130 chairs up the stairs ( no elevators!) Yes, we all had our work-out for the day! In addition, we swept up all the shards of glass and the inches deep dust and dirt of the the floor. We were all coughing, sneezing, and wheezing when we were done. In the area, there was a problem of young teenage males, throwing left behind bricks and large rocks into windows of the school. I was really impressed with the staff at Living Waters' ability to empathize with the males, opposed to expressing their anger. They realized that the boys did not have soccer teams or baseball teams where they could constructively utilize their energy. Thus, they turned to throwing rocks into glass windows, burning picnic tables, and sneaking into the building to huff paint. To help, we picked up large rocks and bricks throughout the area; however, the rocks did not end! Whenever we pick up one, we found five more! Oh well, I hope our efforts deterred the teenagers from throwing glass in windows.
In addition, we picked up trash around the building and playground. It was also interesting to read some of the graffiti of the playground before we removed it! In the end there was a noticeable difference in the appearance of the building and the organization inside.
At the end of our day, we sat down and reflected about September 11th. We learned what each one of us was doing when we found out about 9/11, and our thoughts about its impact today. It was a really a meaningful day; I learned about issues effecting in local community in remembrance of an event that impacted the nation.
On Saturday, September 11th, I tabled a booth at the Evangel Church of God’s Community Day Event. It was amazing to see the sense of solidarity in their community. They began the event by having the Boy Scouts raise the flag at half mass, raise it high again and was followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The event was very coordinated and had something for every age. There were inflatable games, face painting, a bike parade, a petting zoo, and desirable door prizes. In addition, they had a live band perform. It was hard to compete with that! There was an insurance company and another non-profit at the event that also seemed to have trouble getting too many people who were interested. While the MC’s mentioned OBB throughout the event and why it’s important, it was difficult to get a big flow of people to come into my room for Quick Checks. It also didn’t help that I internet was very on and off. It would decide to work for a Quick Check for one person, but not the next person. The church requested that I leave literature so that they can pass it out in their food pantry. One woman, who had said she was not interested in public benefits last year, said her circumstances have changed drastically and is very interested in public benefits. The more and more outreach events that I do, I realize the impact of the recession. People are working hard for their families, but there is simply not enough available work do to.
In addition, we picked up trash around the building and playground. It was also interesting to read some of the graffiti of the playground before we removed it! In the end there was a noticeable difference in the appearance of the building and the organization inside.
At the end of our day, we sat down and reflected about September 11th. We learned what each one of us was doing when we found out about 9/11, and our thoughts about its impact today. It was a really a meaningful day; I learned about issues effecting in local community in remembrance of an event that impacted the nation.
On Saturday, September 11th, I tabled a booth at the Evangel Church of God’s Community Day Event. It was amazing to see the sense of solidarity in their community. They began the event by having the Boy Scouts raise the flag at half mass, raise it high again and was followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The event was very coordinated and had something for every age. There were inflatable games, face painting, a bike parade, a petting zoo, and desirable door prizes. In addition, they had a live band perform. It was hard to compete with that! There was an insurance company and another non-profit at the event that also seemed to have trouble getting too many people who were interested. While the MC’s mentioned OBB throughout the event and why it’s important, it was difficult to get a big flow of people to come into my room for Quick Checks. It also didn’t help that I internet was very on and off. It would decide to work for a Quick Check for one person, but not the next person. The church requested that I leave literature so that they can pass it out in their food pantry. One woman, who had said she was not interested in public benefits last year, said her circumstances have changed drastically and is very interested in public benefits. The more and more outreach events that I do, I realize the impact of the recession. People are working hard for their families, but there is simply not enough available work do to.
Friday, September 3, 2010
OBB Conference!
I spend the last two days in Columbus at the OBB conference. It was a really insightful learning experience! All of Wednesday was devoted to public benefits and Thursday was spend on learning about tax clinics. So much fine print! I learned new things about public benefits and will be able to explain certain benefits to my clients in greater detail. Sometimes the information sessions about VITA and other tax-related topics were a bit over my head, but its was good to familiarize myself with the jargon. I found the tax clinic stimulation to be particularly helpful because it helped me understand the flow of various tax clinic sessions.
In addition, I watched a really sad documentary about three struggling families living in Southeast Ohio. I was really struck by the documentary, and was really glad that I am positioned at a Foodbank. The documentary helped me realize the impact that a Foodbank has in the community.I think providing for people's basic needs is the foundation upon which a society can grow. It is something that is often overlooked. In the country of abundance and where obesity is on the rise, it is hard to believe that communities are struggling to find nourishment. I am interested in getting Shared Harvest involved with the paper plate campaign that was featured in the documentary. I thought it was a thoughtful way to send the message to politicians in Washington. As a side note, I thought it was interesting to see one of the people who did not have enough money for food, smoking a cigarette. It made me realize how addicting cigarettes are, and think about the lack of education, or anti-smoking campaigns in the area.
Furthey, the conference was a great way to catch up with my fellow VISTAs. It was great to be able to reconnect with them.
In addition, I watched a really sad documentary about three struggling families living in Southeast Ohio. I was really struck by the documentary, and was really glad that I am positioned at a Foodbank. The documentary helped me realize the impact that a Foodbank has in the community.I think providing for people's basic needs is the foundation upon which a society can grow. It is something that is often overlooked. In the country of abundance and where obesity is on the rise, it is hard to believe that communities are struggling to find nourishment. I am interested in getting Shared Harvest involved with the paper plate campaign that was featured in the documentary. I thought it was a thoughtful way to send the message to politicians in Washington. As a side note, I thought it was interesting to see one of the people who did not have enough money for food, smoking a cigarette. It made me realize how addicting cigarettes are, and think about the lack of education, or anti-smoking campaigns in the area.
Furthey, the conference was a great way to catch up with my fellow VISTAs. It was great to be able to reconnect with them.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
School Delivery
At last, each school district received their school supplies. I think sometimes Murphy's Law can take effect no matter how hard you try and plan ahead of time, and in the end the you come out stronger. For example, there was a huge miscommunication between one of the schools and the delivery company, and as a result they failed to deliver the supplies to that school. I learned how to utilize my resources, track a shipment, and coordinated another delivery.
Also, from talking to some people at the schools, I learned that impact that providing school supplies can have. So many people called to express their gratitude and convey how helpful these supplies are in the lives of students and their families. Hearing that motivates me to want start seeking grants and writing grant proposals!
I have also been trying to find out information about the allocation of these supplies. Each school district is doing it differently. Some schools are leaving it up to the principals to decide,while others schools are handing them to students who request and qualify at orientation. I have learned that the delivery mishap impacts how the supplies are allocated. As a result of the one week delay in the delivery, many schools could not recruit volunteers in time to package the school supplies into kits to be delivered before school starts. I feel sympathetic for the students who were told that there would be supplies available for them, but then don't receive them when school starts. This might ensue in them being ill-prepared for school and increasing the stress on their families because they suddenly need to find ways to pay for their supplies.
Lastly, I am very impressed with the work that Kaitlyn, the previous VISTA, did work this project. I have gained a glimpse of the work required for being the "project manager" for this campaign. I am so glad that she laid out the foundation for what I will be doing. This tells me that I need to get to work!
Also, from talking to some people at the schools, I learned that impact that providing school supplies can have. So many people called to express their gratitude and convey how helpful these supplies are in the lives of students and their families. Hearing that motivates me to want start seeking grants and writing grant proposals!
I have also been trying to find out information about the allocation of these supplies. Each school district is doing it differently. Some schools are leaving it up to the principals to decide,while others schools are handing them to students who request and qualify at orientation. I have learned that the delivery mishap impacts how the supplies are allocated. As a result of the one week delay in the delivery, many schools could not recruit volunteers in time to package the school supplies into kits to be delivered before school starts. I feel sympathetic for the students who were told that there would be supplies available for them, but then don't receive them when school starts. This might ensue in them being ill-prepared for school and increasing the stress on their families because they suddenly need to find ways to pay for their supplies.
Lastly, I am very impressed with the work that Kaitlyn, the previous VISTA, did work this project. I have gained a glimpse of the work required for being the "project manager" for this campaign. I am so glad that she laid out the foundation for what I will be doing. This tells me that I need to get to work!
Monday, August 16, 2010
First Successful Training and School Delivery Mishap
This past Thursday, August 12th was a big day. I had my first training where I felt really comfortable with the material and could explain how the Benefit Bank works with ease. I think after helping my first client, I was better able to answer questions and convey important details. I had a few questions that I did not know the answer to, but as the training progressed, I felt more and more comfortable saying I don't know and that I will get back to them. All of the volunteers were attentive and asked meaningful questions. This definitely helped the training run smoothly. Best of all, there were an adequate amount of efficient computers and which helped speed up the process!
This Thursday was also the Butler County school supply delivery date. However, I found out this morning that the delivery did not materialize. It was disappointing that all of the coordination involved in setting a up a successful delivery resulted in a failure to deliver. Worst of all, the Dayton Daily News showed up to Middletown School district to report on the delivery and work done to raise the school supplies, only to wait and discover the supplies had not be delivered. At this point, I am just hoping that supplies are delivered to the schools before the schools start so that the students can access them so they can focus on their education. I am curious to see how the schools plan on distributing the supplies. Will they provide the students with the kits on the day one, or will the teachers distribute them as supplies run out? Each step along the way, I have questions that I had not previously thought of!
This Thursday was also the Butler County school supply delivery date. However, I found out this morning that the delivery did not materialize. It was disappointing that all of the coordination involved in setting a up a successful delivery resulted in a failure to deliver. Worst of all, the Dayton Daily News showed up to Middletown School district to report on the delivery and work done to raise the school supplies, only to wait and discover the supplies had not be delivered. At this point, I am just hoping that supplies are delivered to the schools before the schools start so that the students can access them so they can focus on their education. I am curious to see how the schools plan on distributing the supplies. Will they provide the students with the kits on the day one, or will the teachers distribute them as supplies run out? Each step along the way, I have questions that I had not previously thought of!
Monday, August 9, 2010
First OBB client and Back to School Event!
Last Tuesday, I assisted my first OBB client. I realized how much I appreciate the question-answer based format of the software; it is so convenient! At first my client thought that I was a social-worker and that I would not only help her apply for benefits, but also guarantee them to her. After I clarified my role, she seemed a confused about the meaning her visit and why she couldn't have applied on her own. This led me to wonder how mislead clients are when they first use the benefit bank. After my client found out how much money for food assistance she was probably eligible for, she asked about the accuracy of the benefit bank indicator. As a counselor, I felt a level of responsibility for the outcome of her benefits, even though I know it is only my role to help her apply. After learning about her situation, I found myself hoping that she would receive benefits as much as she did. It was overall a very rewarding experience, and I am really glad I had gone through the benefits training.
This Saturday, Alex and I went to back to school event at a church in Dayton with our Quick Check working in full function. The church was giving away school supplies ranging from character backpacks to mechanical pencils. I was impressed at how organized the event was! This was my first time using the Quick Check at an outreach event, because it wasn’t working for us at the Smart Money Event. It had such an impact! People would come to our table and tell us that they probably did not qualify for any benefits, did not see the harm in doing a Quick Check. To their surprise, many of them were good candidates for benefits that they thought they weren’t eligible for! It was such a great feeling to know I have helped them move a step in the right direction! We were able to do Quick Check for about 20 people and handed out marketing material to about 25 people. I just hope that people follow through with applying for their application; I hope that they take the initiative to call the OBB site and make an appointment.
As an added bonus, Alex and I got to be onstage while enthusiastic high school students gave an upbeat concert for younger children to motivate them to do their best and reach their goals!
This Saturday, Alex and I went to back to school event at a church in Dayton with our Quick Check working in full function. The church was giving away school supplies ranging from character backpacks to mechanical pencils. I was impressed at how organized the event was! This was my first time using the Quick Check at an outreach event, because it wasn’t working for us at the Smart Money Event. It had such an impact! People would come to our table and tell us that they probably did not qualify for any benefits, did not see the harm in doing a Quick Check. To their surprise, many of them were good candidates for benefits that they thought they weren’t eligible for! It was such a great feeling to know I have helped them move a step in the right direction! We were able to do Quick Check for about 20 people and handed out marketing material to about 25 people. I just hope that people follow through with applying for their application; I hope that they take the initiative to call the OBB site and make an appointment.
As an added bonus, Alex and I got to be onstage while enthusiastic high school students gave an upbeat concert for younger children to motivate them to do their best and reach their goals!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Site Recruitment Success!!
Yesterday I understood the impact that site recruitment can have. Even three or four successful visits out of 12 can make a recruitment feel successful. We performed a site visit in Middletown and my favorite visit was definitely the Life Skills center. The principal and the family advocate immediately jumped on board. We were even able to show them how to use the quick check and the question answer format of the OBB website. Our green VISTA polos were even noticed. The family advocate said, "When you two first walked in, I thought you two were from the girl scouts!" For future site recruitments it might behoove us to bring cookies.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Smart $!
This past Friday was my first resource fair! Even though Alex and I had major issues with her computer and couldn't perform quick checks, I would say it was definitely a success! We still gave them quick check cards and gave directions about how to do a quick check online. We talked to many people who had never previously heard of the Benefit Bank and were very glad that they found about it. They picked up brochures for their elderly parents and children. Many people shared their personal stories with us; for instance, one woman told us that she has lost her job and has to take care of her family, and her mother, who is retired, is having trouble paying for food. She wants to help her mother, but is unable to. She was very relieved when she learned about the potential benefits available for her mother. Talking to people and learning about the personal story is the part that I enjoyed the most. It is amazing how open people are to sharing their situation.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Site Recruitment
Site recruitment is much more exhausting than I thought it would be. There are many impediments in a seemingly simple task. First, it was difficult to find non-existing sites: we looked up the address of a location on its website and drove there to find that the building was a residence. The next challenge we faced when we did located a site was to see if it was open and if there were people present who it would be beneficial for us to talk to. This experience was helpful in understanding the persistence needed to recruit benefit bank sites.
Today, I called people who attended the Health Path event and who are interested in becoming a benefit bank site. It felt so great when I talked with someone who was interested in becoming a benefit bank site!
Today, I called people who attended the Health Path event and who are interested in becoming a benefit bank site. It felt so great when I talked with someone who was interested in becoming a benefit bank site!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Observing training and OBB/Health Path Event
The end of last week was eventful.
Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to observe Meredith giving a training at the Great Oaks campus. I was amazed at how quickly the time passed. Luckily almost everyone was engaged in the material and computer literate. I was surprised that I had never thought of some of the questions people asked. From this experience, I realized that I will not have the answer to all of people's questions, even if I know the training manual cover to cover. I learned to learned how to create a light atmosphere and learned to improvise without wasting the volunteers' time. For instance, our computers were not working in the beginning; thus, Meredith discussed the benefits first and then worked on the Alice Nelson scenario all at once after the computers were fixed.
On Thursday, I went to Troy for a OBB/Health Path event. There was a great turnout! The information presented was essentially the same material from our training guides about the OBB. There was not much information presented about Health Path and I didn't get to learn much about this organization. The amount of people who attended that were interested in coming a Benefit Bank site was astounding. The people were looking forward getting their organizations involved and becoming benefit counselors. I'm glad that I went for this reason!
Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to observe Meredith giving a training at the Great Oaks campus. I was amazed at how quickly the time passed. Luckily almost everyone was engaged in the material and computer literate. I was surprised that I had never thought of some of the questions people asked. From this experience, I realized that I will not have the answer to all of people's questions, even if I know the training manual cover to cover. I learned to learned how to create a light atmosphere and learned to improvise without wasting the volunteers' time. For instance, our computers were not working in the beginning; thus, Meredith discussed the benefits first and then worked on the Alice Nelson scenario all at once after the computers were fixed.
On Thursday, I went to Troy for a OBB/Health Path event. There was a great turnout! The information presented was essentially the same material from our training guides about the OBB. There was not much information presented about Health Path and I didn't get to learn much about this organization. The amount of people who attended that were interested in coming a Benefit Bank site was astounding. The people were looking forward getting their organizations involved and becoming benefit counselors. I'm glad that I went for this reason!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Applying for food assistance
This morning I tried to apply for food assistance. When I got to the office I waited in line just to obtain an application. I understand where JFS is coming from in the sense that they want applicants to have the necessary forms to correctly apply for the benefits they requested. When I finally got to the counter the receptionist answered all of my questions in a polite but rushed manner. As I sat down to fill out the application, I did not know what to write in some of the blanks even after going through pre-training. From this I realize the importance of receiving individual attention when completing these applications.
After completing the application, I once again stood in line to turn it in. This time, the line was even longer. After turning it in, they told me that a my application will be given to a case worker and asked me again to take a seat. There is really not much available to pass time in this office- no magazines, no televisions, no wireless internet. So I turned to people watching. I very much enjoyed watching children sharing their toys starting temporary friendships in the waiting room. I don't think someone who was taking time off of job to get this taken care of would have found any aspect of the wait pleasing. Finally, my name was called.
The case worker who helped me was nice enough. She was helpful in explaining things to me and allowing me to correctly apply for food assistance. However, she noticed my grandmother, who lives with us actually does receive benefits. Thus, she told me that I will need to see another case worker and of course, wait. Waiting this time took seeming twice as long. I overheard an angry client complaining on the wait and how the receptionist was doing a unsatisfactory job. The client was talking about the receptionist in third person and making sure the receptionist overheard. My name was called by a friendly case worker who was apologetic about my wait. I immediately like her. She explained that the organization was under-staffed this morning. She also informed me the children under the age for 23 who live with their parents do not quality for "foodstamps". I was almost glad that at least I won't have to wait in that building anymore. On the way down the elevator I heard another client saying that she was in the hospital and she won't be able to work again. She explained how she was very disappointed that she didn't qualify for emergency food stamps. Once thing I noticed was that even at JFS, everyone calls food assistance food stamps. I know it is just a technical term, but my experiences at pre-training have led to think the food stamps can carry a negative stigma.
This was a very eye opening experience and I am very glad that I am required to go through the process.
After completing the application, I once again stood in line to turn it in. This time, the line was even longer. After turning it in, they told me that a my application will be given to a case worker and asked me again to take a seat. There is really not much available to pass time in this office- no magazines, no televisions, no wireless internet. So I turned to people watching. I very much enjoyed watching children sharing their toys starting temporary friendships in the waiting room. I don't think someone who was taking time off of job to get this taken care of would have found any aspect of the wait pleasing. Finally, my name was called.
The case worker who helped me was nice enough. She was helpful in explaining things to me and allowing me to correctly apply for food assistance. However, she noticed my grandmother, who lives with us actually does receive benefits. Thus, she told me that I will need to see another case worker and of course, wait. Waiting this time took seeming twice as long. I overheard an angry client complaining on the wait and how the receptionist was doing a unsatisfactory job. The client was talking about the receptionist in third person and making sure the receptionist overheard. My name was called by a friendly case worker who was apologetic about my wait. I immediately like her. She explained that the organization was under-staffed this morning. She also informed me the children under the age for 23 who live with their parents do not quality for "foodstamps". I was almost glad that at least I won't have to wait in that building anymore. On the way down the elevator I heard another client saying that she was in the hospital and she won't be able to work again. She explained how she was very disappointed that she didn't qualify for emergency food stamps. Once thing I noticed was that even at JFS, everyone calls food assistance food stamps. I know it is just a technical term, but my experiences at pre-training have led to think the food stamps can carry a negative stigma.
This was a very eye opening experience and I am very glad that I am required to go through the process.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Day 1
I started my first day at my host site today. Most things were what I expected after going to PSO and pre-training, but certain things definitely caught me off guard. I was really impressed and surprised by the binder of achievements that Kaitlyn and Alex presented to me.
I realized that I have really big shoes that I need to fill. I was thoroughly impressed by the caliber of work two VISTAs have accomplished. At the same time, I was also a little overwhelmed and I didn't even know when to start. I am very thankful that I have Alex to truly orient me to my role as a VISTA and how the office runs. Both Alex and Kaitlyn have provided valuable insights and I feel pretty comfortable in the office already. Plus, I enjoy their company. I am already concerned about what I will do without other VISTAs in the office. I feel like I am supported by compassionate people who are genuinely invested in making social change. In the past two weeks, I think I can recognize the difference between believing that social change is beneficial and people who actually dedicate their time toward implementing change. I have found that however simple a task, there are always a pile of forms, multiple reports, and bureaucratic regulations that seem to hinder the simplicity of things. My role as a VISTA is to facilitate completing forms and allocating available resources to people who need them. I just hope that I don't getting bogged down with forms myself.
On Monday I am going to Jobs and Family Services to apply for food assistance. I am almost certain that I will not qualify, but I am most worried about having to wait in long lines. Waiting is torture for me. I think this will be an unpleasant, yet valuable experience for me.
I am nervous and looking forward to grant writing in the fall. I think it will definitely be a challenge, but a valuable skill to have.
As I met the people and toured the building, the more comfortable I felt with everything. I was really not expecting the large magnitude of food in the warehouse. I think when I applied for this position, I was expecting a soup kitchen, and didn't even have a correct concept of a food bank. I am surprised at how I have not even heard of Shared Harvest or seen it after living in the area for so long. As such, I hope that I can increase the awareness of the Benefit Bank in my community for those who can contribute and for those who are in need.
I realized that I have really big shoes that I need to fill. I was thoroughly impressed by the caliber of work two VISTAs have accomplished. At the same time, I was also a little overwhelmed and I didn't even know when to start. I am very thankful that I have Alex to truly orient me to my role as a VISTA and how the office runs. Both Alex and Kaitlyn have provided valuable insights and I feel pretty comfortable in the office already. Plus, I enjoy their company. I am already concerned about what I will do without other VISTAs in the office. I feel like I am supported by compassionate people who are genuinely invested in making social change. In the past two weeks, I think I can recognize the difference between believing that social change is beneficial and people who actually dedicate their time toward implementing change. I have found that however simple a task, there are always a pile of forms, multiple reports, and bureaucratic regulations that seem to hinder the simplicity of things. My role as a VISTA is to facilitate completing forms and allocating available resources to people who need them. I just hope that I don't getting bogged down with forms myself.
On Monday I am going to Jobs and Family Services to apply for food assistance. I am almost certain that I will not qualify, but I am most worried about having to wait in long lines. Waiting is torture for me. I think this will be an unpleasant, yet valuable experience for me.
I am nervous and looking forward to grant writing in the fall. I think it will definitely be a challenge, but a valuable skill to have.
As I met the people and toured the building, the more comfortable I felt with everything. I was really not expecting the large magnitude of food in the warehouse. I think when I applied for this position, I was expecting a soup kitchen, and didn't even have a correct concept of a food bank. I am surprised at how I have not even heard of Shared Harvest or seen it after living in the area for so long. As such, I hope that I can increase the awareness of the Benefit Bank in my community for those who can contribute and for those who are in need.
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