Times Center by Resa Ware

1.     I volunteered at Times Center in Champaign County. This organization provides temporary shelter for men and a soup kitchen for lunch and dinner seven days a week. I specifically volunteered in the soup kitchen. I prepped the food, served, and helped clean up.

2.     We talked in class a lot about homelessness. I also picked homelessness for my brochure Times Center really called out to me when I was choosing an agency to volunteer with. The well being of individuals, communities, and families is at the core of Family and Consumer Sciences. This agency promotes the same. The shelter is only for men, but the soup kitchen is for anyone who needs or wants to eat. According to class notes, shelters for men and boys are limited. This shelter is very important in Champaign County and other counties should follow suit. When I served the food, mostly everyone was very thankful to have food. There were a few that wanted more and we were allowed to serve seconds and even thirds. I really like the fact that the people could keep coming back as long as we had food to serve. The concepts of FCS coincide with Times Center because it helps homeless men get back on their feet as well as feeding hungry people. Times Center reaches out to individuals and families and in the process helps bring the community together.

3.     I spoke with Jen quite a bit. She is in charge of the soup kitchen throughout the week and sets up volunteer opportunities. Andy is in charge of the soup kitchen on the weekends. I worked with him when I volunteered. I also talked with many other volunteers and Barb who worked the front desk. I learned that it is very hard to work in that field. Barb said you had to be firm, but have compassion for the well being of others. My educational background in FCS impressed many of the volunteers and employees. I have been volunteering there every Sunday and I enjoy connecting with people that work in the same field that I am studying.

4.     The activity I participated in helps keep homeless people fed and healthy. Shelter is one of the most basic needs, and this organization helps individuals in the community find temporary shelter or a warm meal whenever they need. Potentially, Times Center could help homeless individuals find a more permanent solution.

5.     I really enjoy volunteering for this organization. I learned that anyone could fall on hard times and need access to a shelter or a meal. I really enjoy helping others and seeing the gratification on faces when they are getting to eat that day. I also learned that it is really hard to cook a healthy meal in bulk. My cooking skills have definitely improved because of this experience. Overall, I loved volunteering at Times and I plan on continuing this experience.