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.

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.