For about the last month, I have had the experience of interning at a local youth shelter. The shelter’s goal is to provide a safe environment for it’s clients and to assist them with the issues they face. With the client’s willingness and participation, the shelter strives to achieve reunification between the client and their family at the end of their program. Until then, the clients are provided with scheduled days that allow them not only to keep busy, but to help them realize their potential. The clients are never caught off guard as to what their day entails and always have something to do.

The schedule not only keeps the clients on track, but the staff as well. The shelter is currently under staffed and has just begun implementing volunteer and internship programs. Therefore, they are struggling with getting the interns and volunteers fully trained in things such as answering phones, paperwork, and the intake process of new clients. It can be frustrating at times, but client’s daily schedule board helps to keep everything running smoothly. The clients are the first priority, and therefore, keeping them on schedule is always first on the staff’s to-do list. The schedule is quite impressive. From the moment the clients wake up, they are occupied until the two hours of free time they receive before lights out. The clients are always aware of what their meals will be and the duration of every activity. The activities include school work, counseling sessions, exercise, art as therapy, and volunteering. And if something doesn’t go according to plan, there is always a group circle as a back-up.

Circle is one way that has allowed a closer glimpse at the clients I interact with. The group focuses on a feeling or theme and expresses how it has affect them at some point, whether it be positive or negative. Both clients and some staff members participate. The clients are usually reluctant at first, but once the sharing begins there is more of a willingness to be heard. That is what the clients aren’t used to; being heard and supported. The circle is a safe place where everyone in the group matters and is respected.

                Although the first week at the youth shelter consisted of reading training manuals and becoming a Mandated Reporter, it showed the heavy importance on providing a safe environment. Everything I read provided me with what I needed to know to be able to contribute to the environment that is surrounding the clients. Many staff members are working at Our House in order to provide the environment since some have overcome similar issues and know how necessary it is.  I have noticed the impact it has on the clients as I see them continue with the program. The clients arrive lost and frustrated and leave with a lighter load and a sense of hope to take with them. For a shelter that has only been around for three years and has some minor kinks, I’d say they are achieving their goals and changing lives.