We were just assigned our second project this last Friday, and we are so excited (You'll be able to tell from Noah's blog of course)! We will be working for an organization called The Disability Center for Independent Living. The center provides assistance to the disabled community who are transitioning into a self-sustaining lifestyle. Many of these men and women have been in places like nursing homes or jail and have nowhere to go once they are released from them. The center helps them with counseling, housing assistance, job placement and other services to prevent them from being homeless.
This next project means a lot to me. About 3 years ago, I found myself lost and unsure of what I was going to do with my life. I got myself into a lot of trouble and had a terrible semester at school. My dad told me I needed to work full-time to clear my head and figure out what I wanted to do with myself for the next couple of years. He encouraged to look at what I was good at and find a job that aligned with those talents. As a Christian, I prayed that God would help me find a job where my work was meaningful. I was led to a job in personal care.
I filled out an application for full-time work at an organization in Ft. Collins called Mosaic. Mosaic houses and provides care for adults with disabilities. When I first started working for Mosaic I was completely intimidated by the kind of work I was going to be doing. Looking back now, I can see that I was probably experiencing a bit of culture shock. Prior to working in the various group homes they had, I worked as an activity assistant at Ft. Collins Healthcare Center. I had become familiar with the nursing and personal care environment, but didn't have any idea what it was like to be a care provider (as an activities assistant, you don't really care for patients- you just do activities with them like Bingo!)
As I began my work at Mosaic, I realized I was gonna need to ask a lot of questions. Some of the behaviors of the clients I was working with were actually scary and made me feel afraid to approach them. Having no childhood exposure to the mentally and physically disabled community, I found I was lost and didn't even know where to start with my work (the adults we worked with in the group homes had a variety of disabilities ranging from mental retardation to bi-polar and schizophrenia). As time went on, I became more comfortable with my clients, and realized that although they are disabled, they can still love, laugh, be sad and afraid like me.
It was a life-changing experience to work with disabled adults. I became a more compassionate person from the work I did with them. I learned to have fun and laugh with people who are at times part of a population that can be ostracized and ignored. I also found out that I am a stronger person for my ability to see them for who they really are and my ability to handle tough, emergency situations. I created relationships with my clients and co-workers that changed my life forever.
The Disability Center for Independent Living- an organization whose mission is to provide aid to those who need it most- disabled adults who are either in jail or have come from nursing care and are transitioning into a self-sustaining life! What a great organization! I am so excited to be doing such humanitarian work! It makes me feel good that I can help others- I have that kind of personality. I am compassionate, loving and understanding. I have the gift of being a good listener and friend. I see the potential in people and strive to help them realize that potential (thus the reason I am the "Cheerleader" of the group).
One of my favorite populations to work with is children just because my personal qualities (I mostly provide encouragement and inspiration) help them realize their own potential. Four or five years ago I volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters and became a mentor. I worked with a beautiful young lady named Leah. Our relationship as mentor and mentee was what made me realize my gifts along with my work as a personal care provider.
All this talk brings me to my next point... This encouragement quality, ability to listen to the needs of others, and passion to make a difference will really help this organization! I only wish we had more time! I think my studies in Public Relations and Communications will really help this organization. I am excited to put my education to work and begin networking with people who have the same passion that I do -Helping their fellow man!
Blah, Blah, Blah- This was a really long one! Bear with me readers- I think I am beginning to really like this blogging stuff! Its a good thing I know how to type! I can see that blogging will soon become an essential part of this program. It will certainly help me get through things. I am one of those people who loves to talk, and when I don't have anyone to talk to, then I write. I am thankful for this semester- I am rapidly realizing that I have just enough time to write, read, do my homework, keep in touch with my family and friends (I saw my family this weekend) and work on Apprentice Team projects. I am budgeting my time better than I thought!
Thats it for tonight. As usual, I have reading to do and must do a quick sweep of the labs (I am at work). Until next time,
Erin
No comments:
Post a Comment