Category Archives: Local organizations

Internship Progress Report

Hunger, Local organizations, Organizations

I have been volunteering at a Christian ministry that provides services for people in need. I have learned a lot about this organization and its mission. Their mission is to follow the verse from The Bible, Matthew 25, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was stranger and you invited me in, I was naked and you clothed me”. They do this by providing free food and clothes to people in need. In addition, they have free medical, dental services and free job training services. This organization provides around 900 families per week with food and clothing. From what I have seen they are helping families in need by carrying out their mission. I recently saw a quote written in the building from a family who receives services from here that states, “Family miracles are happening in my life! Thank you for your faith, hope, and love” (unknown). A leader at this organization who is also a pastor does a group prayer right before they open. In his prayer he discusses that God has provided us with the resources to give to those who are needy. He always says that because we believe in God we will receive everything we need. Many of the volunteers and other leaders at this organization are believers of God as well.

Donations are what make this organization’s food distribution possible. They receive food donations from local grocery stores along with some local farms. If it weren’t for these donations this organization would not be running. Grocery stores donate items that are not likely to be sold in their store or that are expired. Although, these are not high-end donations they are edible for those who are hungry.

The volunteers at this ministry are what make this organization function. There are several volunteers on any given day. After volunteering for the past month I have come to realize that just about every volunteer here lives by a Christian belief system. I noticed this most prevalently when we did our group prayer and several volunteers added to the prayer and some were participating with responsorial. I also noticed it simply by overhearing conversations between volunteers and conversing with them. The environment at this organization is filled with Christian beliefs, especially from the volunteers.

The number of people who come to receive food and clothing can depend on several factors such as weather and time of day. The people who come to this ministry to receive our services vary from different races, different genders, and different backgrounds. The main goal is to give to all who are in need.

My volunteer work at this organization has given me the opportunity to step in and understand how the organization functions. I have volunteered enough to understand how this organization operates and who it operates with, including other volunteers and the people receiving services. I feel that with my volunteering at this ministry I have not only observed the organization but I have also assisted them.

Giving Homelessness a Voice

Books and Films, Local organizations, Solutions to Homelessness

In the film, “Tayor’s Campaign” Taylor, a homeless advocate tries to run for city council in Santa Monica. I appreciate the effort that Taylor took during the campaigning process. Improved communication with the homeless community is one way in which solutions can be created. In my hometown Fullerton, there is a group that meets monthly called the Fullerton Homeless Collaborative. Their mission is to open communication and strengthen understanding with the homeless. This group was created after the death of Kelly Thomas, a homeless schizophrenic man who died after being beaten by the police in 2011.  I wish that it did not take a horrible event to create the group. Yet, I am satisfied because so far the Homeless Collaborative has met their mission.

In Voices from the Street there is a quote that suggests, “let’s not just transform those in need, we can also find ways to help transform those in power” (51). The people in power have access to resources; they have the ability to enact change.  If we educate those in power we can create change. The Fullerton Homeless Collaborative is one group that seeks to maybe not transform those in power, but to establish understandings and better relationships. There are a number of nonprofits that work with the homeless as well as police officers who seek to improve relationships and understanding during the Homeless Collaborative meetings. When the groups listen to each other they can gain understandings of problems and offer solutions.

To purchase Voices from the Street:

http://www.amazon.com/Voices-Street-Truths-Homelessness-Sisters/dp/0976926164/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391384632&sr=8-1&keywords=voices+from+the+street