Gowin Parc-Taylor Stoicheff

1. I volunteered my time at Gowin Parc in Mattoon, IL. Gowin Parc provides a nurturing environment for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias. They offer a secure home and loving caregivers that provide the peace of mind one deserves and 24 hour care.

 

2. My visit at Gowin Parc reflected a lot towards my FCS courses. I have always been interested in working with the elderly, so the experience I had made a big impact on me. Most of my FCS courses I have learned about the elderly and the advantage and disadvantage they receive. I find it very important in caring for these individuals in the best way possible while they spend the rest of years living in a nursing home suffering from Alzheimer's disease and dementia. After taking the course Death and Dying, I realize that death is a powerful thing, but it has made me feel better about it. Being a caregiver for these individuals really touch my heart. Being an FCS major has made me learn more about the crisis families and individuals go through.

 

3. I called Gowin Parc and talked to the Doug who was head of the activity and volunteer planning. He was very helpful and excited for my interest. By being a volunteer, I would help the residents with any need. I would be there to do any activities with them, share conversations, and make sure I can give them company by bettering their day. I explained to Doug that I have had previous visits at Gowin Parc volunteering and I was an FCS major and he offered me to come and work next semester. I have realized how great of an experience this has been working with the residents and other professionals at Gowin Parc and I have great interest for an opportunity like this.

 

4. Gowin Parc has a positive effect on the community. It not only provides shelter for the elderly, who can no longer be on their own, but also a safe environment and special care provided by loving caregivers. Gowin Parc provides many environmental friendly services for those with dementia. They have special lighting, memory boxes, a cozy fireplace, easily visible and accessible bathrooms, indoor and outdoor walking track, personalized programs, and a center care. I think places like Gowin Parc brighten the lives of individuals who suffer from related diseases.

 

5. I really enjoyed having an assignment like this. It really opened my eyes more and made me want to get more involved with this community. I want to be able to provide care for these individuals. I realize that these individuals are left on their own and may not have any visitors ever and I want to be able to brighten their lives and help. It does seem like it’s a lot of work and patience, but even after observing other resident professionals working with these individuals, I have realized I have the ability to do this.

 

 



Catholic Charities- Sarah Morrissey

Me and Rosie! 

For this project I decided to volunteer at Catholic Charities in Mattoon. Catholic Charities does many different things for individuals and families in need.  The women in charge of Catholic Charities in Mattoon is the most amazing person I have ever met. Her name is Rosie and she is so up beat and positive. Everyone was so thankful for my time and really made me feel welcome. 

Some of the clothes I sorted and priced
with Vicki in the background

As I have learned throughout class, individuals and families struggle and need extra assistance. Catholic Charities get everything they have through donations from the community. They take clothing, food, housewares, decorations, toys.. the list goes on. They focus on getting these items and making them affordable for families and individuals who cannot afford to go buy brand new clothes or toys or any other household item. They also have families who need help with food. They provide the food for them.The main thing I did was help to sort and price different clothing items then put them onto the floor. I was working with a woman named Vicki and she was very helpful and kind. She is a regular volunteer that comes in almost every day. 

Work Station

Catholic Charities is a very good organizations because nothing goes to waste. If there is a clothing item that has too many rips or holes the item is not sold in the store, but it is shipped overseas to clothe other less fortune individuals. During the Christmas season Catholic Charities does help to clothe and feed children who need assistance. They give back to the community as much and as often as they can. 

Work Station

I really enjoyed my time volunteering at Catholic Charities. I plan on going back and continue to volunteer. The amount of inventory the warehouse has is abundant they need as many volunteers as they can possible get.  

Become someones dream come true!

Big Brother Big Sister by: Christine Czapek

I volunteer my time through an organization here in Charleston. The organization is called, Big Brother Big Sister. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that try to have a measurable impact on youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the oldest and largest youth mentoring organizations in the United States. Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors children of all ages in communities across the country. I applied to BBBS when I was a freshman and got wait listed. I never received a call back and since I was so eager to join the organization, I reapplied last year. I was then finally accepted into the program and after the application process and interview within about a month I was given a little sister. My little sister’s name is Madi. She is an energetic 9 year old that loves being active and is fun to be around. I volunteer my time by hanging out with her at least once a week for about 2 hours at a time. Some of the fun activities that we have done are, bowling, painting letters for her to hang in her room, going out for pizza, exploring the pumpkin patch around Halloween, or just watching a movie and eating popcorn. Anything that we do, we have fun doing it, and enjoy our time spent together. I have really made a strong connection with Madi, and treat and care for her as if she was my real little sister. 

Spending time with Madi has made me realize that not everyone is as fortune it as others. Kids are in the BBBS organization for a specific reason. These are kids that are disadvantaged in some way, whether it be their family, or something else. Spending time with Madi really makes an impact on her life, as well as mine. I am considered to be a role model for her. I am someone that she can trust and look up to, and that is what she needs in her life. She does not have an older sister of her own, so I am looked at as that that older sister she never had. After learning about the effects that disadvantaged families have on children, I am very blessed to be given the opportunity to be a positive part of Madis life. As an FCS professional, I am able to really see the impact and improvements that just spending a couple hours a week can do. Sometimes it doesn’t take much to turn a person’s life around, and if I can do that and enjoy myself while doing it I am happy to help. 

Becoming a big sister is a process in its self. You have to answer and series of questions and essays and then are interview by the advisor of the program. During the interview process and after I was accepted, I have networked with the advisors that are in charge of the program. We have to check in once a month and by doing so I am gaining responsibilities to reporting back to someone the progress that Madi and I are developing. Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization that will help me gain experience in working with families that are disadvantaged in some way. Also, BBBS offers internships through their organization so if I were to be interested in interning there; being a part of their organization will give me an advantage. 

The effect that Big Brothers Big Sisters could have on the community is a positive outlook. If children are disadvantaged and do not have a stable role model to look up to, having the support of a big brother or a big sister can really change their life around. This organization serves many children all across the nation, and the results and bonds that have come from BBBS are outstanding and unforgettable. 

Overall, I am so happy and thankful that I have become a member of such a rewarded organization. I have always wanted to become a big sister to someone ever since my dad talked about his experience with his little brother in the program when he was around my age. I would not change anything about what I am doing. Madi and I been extremely close and our relationship is continuing to grow more and more each time we spend time together. I was driving Madi home one time after we had just hung out and she looked at me and said, “I wish we lived closer so I could hang out with you and see you everyday! That would be my dream come true.” Once she said that to me, I realized that I am really something important to her, and that made everything ten times better than it already was. Madi has impacted and changed my perception about life because she is such a special girl. Everyone deserves to feel special and I am helping that become true in the eyes of a little 9 year old really makes me feel proud about myself. I love that I am a big sister and would strongly recommend it to anyone that is interested. It is extremely rewarding for yourself and whomever you get matched up with.

Madi and I at the pumpkin patch. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters- Devin Putman

1. Where the student volunteered their time

I volunteer my time with the organization Big Brothers Big Sisters. I applied to be in this program at the end of last year. I was accepted in August, and then received my little sister. Her name is Lyrik and she is ten years old. I volunteer my time one day a week for two or three hours. Some of the activities we do together consist of bowling, painting, arts and crafts, going to the pumpkin patch, and just spending time together. In the near future I plan on doing tie-dye with her as well as making gingerbread houses for Christmas. I have always wanted to belong to this organization and I am so pleased that I was accepted and given this opportunity.

2. How the service activity reflected concepts learned in the current FCS course (FCS 4840), and/or other FCS courses

Big Brothers Big Sisters in an organization that reflects concepts I have learned about in many of my FCS courses. Specifically to this one, this organization deals with disadvantaged families. The children in the program are involved because of a disadvantage that their family may have. These disadvantages may vary. This is an organization that allows these children to form relationships that they may not receive from their own family. The purpose of this program is based on forming friendships. Having a big sister or brother allows these disadvantaged children to participate in various activities that they would not be able to if they were not involved in the organization. The bond between the big and little is important in the child’s development. If they do not have someone to trust and talk to at home, then this is the perfect opportunity for them to form a close bond with someone else.

3. How the student networked with other professionals while participating in the activity and what they GAINED from that networking

Before getting accepted into this program, I had to go though many interviews and a back ground check. My interviews were with a man named Jason. He was involved in making the match between me and Lyrik. I communicate with a caseworker in Big Brother Big Sisters and let her know my progress with Lyrik. He name is Kelly Hardy. I inform her about what me and Lyrik do every week and also our progress together. If I have any questions or concerns Kelly Hardy is the one that I go to. She is able to provide support services to assist me if need be. She calls and contacts me at random times to check in and see how things are going. This organization offers internships as well. While volunteering my time, I have thought a lot about doing my internship there. I would love to be a part of this organization and work with disadvantaged families. Through this networking, I have gained a lot of information. Being a volunteer with this organization made me realize that working with kids is something that I want to pursue. I want to help children any way I can.

4. The potential effect the service activity and/or the service organization can have (or does have) on the community

This organization has a positive effect on the community. From the Charleston and Mattoon community, there are many children placed into this program. These children come from disadvantaged families. These families are looking for someone their children can confide in. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the most successful mentoring organization in the world. The friendships that are formed between the little and big sister have a lot of positive effects on the child. These children have something to look forward to every week. This program allows children to feel special and recognize that people do care about them. Being positive role models to these children affect the community in a constructive way.

5. A general reflection on the assignment (e.g., reactions, feelings, life lessons)

Overall, I really enjoy volunteering my time with this organization. I enjoyed this assignment because I was able to relate my volunteer experiences to the FCS courses that I am currently taking, or have taken in the past. It is very interesting to see how everything in FCS can be related. I have always loved to help people and this is exactly what this organization has allowed me to do. Being a big sister makes me feel proud that I am helping Lyrik. It is an awesome feeling to know that you have someone who looks up to you every day. It makes me want to become a better person because I know that I am a role model to Lyrik. I plan to continue volunteering with this organization as long as I can. Even though I am a junior and graduating next year, I plan to keep in touch with my little sister. We have formed such a strong bond already and that is something I do not want to lose sight of.  

Hedwig Haus of Hospitality by Aiesha Rice

Hedwig Haus of Hospitality

I volunteered my time at Charleston’s Hedwig Haus of Hospitality, a Catholic Worker House. This home provides women and children in need with a place to live, food, and other resources. This is not to be confused with a shelter. Everyone at the home stresses the fact that they are a community, and everyone that lives there are “guests.” This allows for a more welcoming and less intimidating environment.

In class, we have discussed the homeless, victims of abuse, and other disadvantaged individuals. While discussing these topics, one of the main things Dr. Taylor said was to always assume diversity. I kept this close to my heart while volunteering at the house. I never wanted to assume that everyone’s stories were the same. Some women come to the house because they are in abusive relationships or others may come because they need a place to stay until they find jobs and inexpensive places to live. The point is that everyone has a unique story to tell, and it is important to be accepting of differences. For our midterm, we were asked to analyze the phrase “giving money to people in poverty won’t solve all of the problems associated with poverty.” The Catholic Worker House does not just give handouts to people in need. The “guests” staying there are a part of the community so it is their duty to contribute as well. This may be done by doing dishes, helping with dinner, and other tasks that families do together. I think it is great that the women and children are involved in the work that it takes to keep up the house. This gives them a sense of purpose, and for some, it may help them appreciate being there. The house also provides the “guests” with knowledge of resources in the community. For instance, if one of the women is in need of a job, she will be provided with information of job opportunities. If a woman in an abusive relationship came to the house, they would also give her information on counseling and other resources that could help her in that difficult situation. With all of this being said, Hedwig Haus of Hospitality provides services as well as knowledge, which is far more beneficial than monetary donations.

Roy is one of the people in charge at the Hedwig Haus of Hospitality. When I called about volunteering, he was extremely excited about my interest. While there, I was asked to become a regular on-the-house worker. By doing this, I would be considered a part of their community. I would be involved in cooking meals, babysitting, and other services throughout the house. I explained to Roy that I am majoring in FCS, and he said that I could live in the home and volunteer. Being a regular volunteer would be a great entry to being a live in worker. Having a desire to work with disadvantaged families, I realized what a great opportunity and experience this would be.

The Hedwig Haus of Hospitality is going to transform people in the Charleston community. This home provides housing, food, and other basic needs for women and children in the area. Some people do not feel comfortable going to shelters so this home provides a different atmosphere for people. My favorite part of the Hedwig Haus of Hospitality is its religious base. Women and children can receive their basic needs and also work on their spiritual needs. This home is fairly new, but they are working towards opening another house on their street. If the Charleston community can realize the impact Catholic Worker Houses will have for women in children, maybe others will give their time and money towards buying more homes.

Volunteering at the Hedwig Haus of Hospitality has given me a new outlook on life. I have always enjoyed giving back to the community by volunteering for various organizations. Volunteering at the Hedwig Haus of Hospitality gave me a new opportunity. I was able to work alongside the “guests” living in the Catholic Worker House. This was an amazing experience because I was able to see whom my volunteer services were helping. Meeting the mothers and children allowed me to appreciate my time volunteering there. I also learned that people in need appreciate different types of donations, but they yearn for volunteers willing to sit and listen. Not only did I volunteer by physically doing things, but also I sat and listened to stories and problems that the women were dealing with. I truly felt like my listening ear and few pieces of advice were appreciated more than ever. My time at the Catholic Worker House was supposed to be a time to bless others, but I feel like they blessed me as well.

TeenReach-Brittany Weatherby

Brittany Weatherby
December 5, 2012
Project Link
1. Where the student volunteered their time
• I volunteered my time at Charleston TeenREACH at 845 18th St. Charleston IL.

2. How the service activity reflected concepts learned in the current FCS course (FCS 4840), and/or other FCS courses
• In all of my FCS classes, I always learn about families who are poor, homeless, and who are barley surviving. These families are considered to be disadvantage families. Volunteering my time at the TeenREACH Center, I realized that disadvantage families really exist. Majority of the children who attend this program is disadvantage in some type of way. I spoke to a little girl, who told me their living situation. She did not feel bad about it; she actually loved sharing items with her younger siblings. She was content and okay with that. This lets me know that even though children do struggle on a day-to-day basis; they still have a good spirit and can do well in school. All of the children are doing well in school, despite their living conditions. All a child need is support, and this program offer that and so much more.



3. How the student networked with other professionals while participating in the activity and what they GAINED from that networking
• At the TeenREACH Center, there are approximately 10-15 students that attend there as an after school program. They range from different ages.  The students networked very well with the professionals. CJ, who is the coordinator of the program, has a great bond with each of them individually.  They can talk to him on a personal level, and also laugh and play with him on a friend level. They have much respect for him. There is also a lady who also helps with the program. They also consider her as their role model and friend. The adolescences gain a lot self-worth by committing to this program.  The program teaches them how to treat others, how to think rational about difficult situations, and it boost their self-esteem. Not only do they gain helpful techniques that will help them with their schoolwork, friends, and family, but they also gain techniques that will stick with them throughout their lifetime.

4. The potential effect the service activity and/or the service organization can have (or does have) on the community
• I think this has a good effect on community because the children are learning life long lessons at the center. When the children leave school, they go straight to the center, so therefore, they do not have time to get into trouble after school.  This program shows the children that people do care about their well-being.  The more time the children spend doing something constructive with their time, the less likely they are committing a crime within the community.  If more people from the community volunteer their time, the more successful the program will become. Overall, I think this program is needed in all communities. It is a great program, which consist of great individuals who care about helping someone who is in need.


5. A general reflection on the assignment (e.g., reactions, feelings, life lessons)
• I like this assignment. It was an eye opener for me. I never really volunteer my time to help people who are in need. I will continue to volunteer at the TeenREACH Center as much as I can. I enjoyed talking to the children, and helping them with their homework. I love being a good role model to children who are younger than me. It makes me proud to help other people who are in need. I realized that a little conversation could have an impact on a person life.

Assisted Living/Tutoring- Kelsey Snyder

     I volunteered my time at a couple of different places. I went to two assisted living communities here in Charleston. They were Lakeview and Heritage Woods. I also visited a nursing home called Hilltop. Along with volunteering at those three places I tutored a young boy at the Newman Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays for an hour.

    At the assisted living communities and nursing home I basically just talked with those who lived there. I learned so much about their lives, and their family’s lives as well. These visits reflected concepts I learned in my FCS in many different ways. For instance, I learned in my aging and family class that many individuals who live in assisted living or nursing homes love to give advice to the younger generation. While at all three places the individuals I communicated with all told me a piece of advice. I learned that many do not have families that visit them, that they were just dropped off. This was talked about not only in life span development, family in crisis, but also in disadvantage families. Some do not have the patience or money/resources to provide for their aging parents. Assisted living communities and nursing homes are the only options. From tutoring the young boy and listening to him I learned that the school and the resources they have are not as good as the schools in my district. I also learned that both his parents work, which means he has to hang with them after school or go to his grandmother’s house. This class discussed under privileged schools and the effects. This experience also was one of many talked about in my families in crisis.

    At the assisted living communities, nursing home, and, Newman center I encountered many professionals. I had the privilege to talk with them one on one and ask them questions about their jobs, and internships. The assisted living community, Heritage Woods, said they would love to have an individual like me as an intern. The Newman center professionals showed me other ways to get involved in my community and encouraged me to contact them with any service ideas in the family and consumer science field. They are very involved with helping out the community around them.

    Tutoring these children has not only a positive effect on their grades which allows them to do better in school. It also allows them an older individual to serve as their role model. It allows the children to actually have someone sit down one on one with them and help them with what they need. They may not get this opportunity at home. This service shows the community how important schooling is for children. It shows them that may want to help out the community in any way possible. How the assisted living/nursing home effects the community is in a totally different way. It provides a safe environment for older adults who can no longer live on their own. It also provides an environment where families can go visit them, and not have to worry constantly about that individual. These services in the different living environments allow the older adults to socialize with one another, work out, play games, etc. It allows them to continue to live.

    I loved tutoring and talking with the older adults. I found that not only was I tutoring the child in school, but also in life. I got to see a learning environment that was totally the opposite of mine, and the effects it has on the individual. I found that older adults are not scary as so many people think. Yes, you may have to repeat yourself and talk louder, but they provided me hours of entertainment. They told me stories of their loved ones and gave me plenty of advice. I really honored my time with them. They are our past, but I feel like they affect our future so much.  

PROJECT LINK at HOPE---- by Chamira Brown

1. I volunteered my time at HOPE in Charleston, IL. HOPE helps individuals who is or was in a domestic violence relationship. They provide them with information and tips on how to get help. They also provide housing to an individual that has escape from their abusive relationship and is now seeking shelter.
2. HOPE service activity related to the topic in FCS 4840 when we cover a PowerPoint over domestic violence. We learned that leaving isn't the hard part, but after leaving is when the trouble may start, because your partner may come after you and cause more harm to you. At HOPE they provide classes that individuals can attend to get help. One class provides tips and steps on the correct way to leave your abusive partner. In this course we also talked about disadvantaged families a lot. Once an individuals has to leave their home and come stay in the housing that HOPE would provide for them, it puts them at a disadvantage especially if kids are involved, it’s like they must start off with a new life.
3. While volunteering at HOPE I networked with the employers, other students who were volunteering, and an individual who once was a victim of domestic violence. I actually got to experience being in one of the rooms that the victims would stay in, it was nothing like staying in a home of your own apartment, but they where grateful because they were safe and that’s the most important thing. While networking with one of the employer I told her I would love to do an internship here and she stated that they would love to have me. So from this experience and by networking with other I just may have landed an internship at this site!
4. The potential effect that this organization can have on the community is very positive. The founder of HOPE that is in Charleston was actually born and raised in Charleston. She was a victim of domestic violence and managed to get away safely.  She then started this organization for others in her community that was in a domestic violence relationship and really didn't think they could get out. This was great for the community, because it gives others a chance to see that other people in their same community are dealing with this issue and now they finally have some where to go to get help.
5. I really enjoy this Project Link assignment. First it got me to do something that I never really do which is volunteer. While I was at the HOPE center I got to paint a room for a victim, we got to put quotes and encouraging words all over the room. While writing my words and seeing what others were writing I started to encourage myself. Also I was there to witness the victim see the room we painted for her, and was so happy. I felt good about myself, because I had actually helped someone smile that probably didn't smile often it was a great experience. I will be back to volunteer more of my time!! 

SPECIAL OLYMPICS 2012----JAMEKA GOLDEN

Since I was in elementary school I enjoyed to volunteer for the community. My dad works at a rehabilitation center so I would always go and volunteer when I did not have school. Being able to volunteer at a young age, I was able to partake in several experiences that has allowed me to humble myself and think outside the box when it comes to certain situations. 
In September of 2012, I had the privilege in volunteering for the Special Olympics in Mattoon, Illinois. The Special Olympics of Illinois mission is "Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities by giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community." This event always gives me great joy because it allows me to see the joy in other individuals. Some of the individuals that participated in the event were at a disadvantage because their disability did not allow them to partake in certain activities, but they were not discouraged at all. 
I was paired up with a man name Mikey who lives in the Coolidge home of CTF. Mikey showed to be in his late forties, early fifties. He could not articulate his words clearly but I understood when he needed to go to the bathroom or needed something to drink. Mikey was very active when it came to the activities. He was able to function on his own. Mikey showed to really enjoy himself, which I was happy about. At the end of the Olympics, every Olympian received a gold medal and when I put the medal around Mikey's neck, his eyes widened with excitement and then he jumped around and wanted to show his medal to everyone.
I really enjoyed volunteering at the Special Olympics. Not because it gave me several community service hours but because I was apart of several individuals life and was able to endure their excitement. Helping out with events like these allows me to get to know different people and know their stories. People with disabilities have so much life in them and I like to encourage them and let them know that they are like everyone else and they should not feel like they are less of a person because of their disability. Being able to participate in this experience has allowed me to understand other individuals story better. What I gained from this experience is to appreciate life no matter the struggles I am going through. I was not able to meet other professionals but with the experienced I was able to receive the knowledge of how to handle individuals with disabilities better. The experienced also allowed me to be around positive individuals.
The community service reflected how disabilities could take a toll on people. While volunteering with people who were disabled, also allowed me to see that if someone is unable to talk clearly, that does not mean they do not understand what you are saying. Their disability is just another part of them that does not define who they are as a person. The effect of this service activity allowed people of the community to know that there are individuals in their community that are willing to help them with special events as well as having positive people who are willing to uplift individuals, regardless of their background.