I am interning at a runaway youth shelter located in Redlands for youth 11-17 years old. Their primary goal is family reunification. The youth are allowed to stay for a maximum of ninety days; the average stay is six weeks. The organization was established three years ago.

The organization has strict rules that are explained to clients during the intake process. Clients are required to follow the program and dress code rules. During the intake process the youth and the youth’s family are asked what help they need. Youth follow a schedule that includes various programs and services such as learning coping skills, meeting in groups, art sessions, counseling, and tutoring.

The organization has ten staff and twenty-four hour coverage. The staff have numerous responsibilities including monitoring client interaction, assigning client chores, conducting groups, answering phones, setting up appointments, preparing meals and snacks, recording in shift logs, which record client activity every half hour. The youth advocate works with the client to develop goals. Clients are brought here in a variety of ways including coming in on their own or being brought in by a parent, school officials, social workers, or law enforcement.

I have met several students from other colleges. One group of students does art with the clients. On my first day of working with the youth I participated in decorating pillows. When we were making pillows one of the girls started to cry. The radio was playing and I asked her if she wanted to change the song. She cried for a little and then stopped. When I was making pillows with the youth they treated me like a celebrity. They gave me multiple compliments, I like your shirt, your hair is pretty, your pillow looks good. One of the youth shared that she was making her pillow for her four month old child.

In a tight safe bubble University of Redlands students occupy themselves with their day. They go from class to class, do assignments, read, or decide not to. Students play sports, go the gym, and parties. Students go from place to place in a sheltered small bubble surrounded by other people who do similar activities. I am surrounded by other students constantly. Yet, I can feel so disconnected. The Commons might be filled, yet I feel no connection. Many students are so busy and consumed with their own life. It is so easy to overlook what exists across the street, behind the park, this organization is almost like a different world.