Samantha Jowers Girls on the run

                                 

                                    Samantha Jowers- Girls on the run

I volunteered for Girls on the run, which took place at the YMCA in Mattoon, Illinois. I was assigned to keep traffic from coming through the running area. I was also supposed to write inspirational sayings in chalk and cheering the runners on. I was assigned to work on the corner that was a block from both the beginning and end of the finish line.

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

I was able to make connections with other Eastern students that gave their time. I was able to gain connections with other people who are interested in making a difference in people’s lives.

It gives young girls confidence and continually helps support the confidence of young girls. It creates bonds between young girls and their trainers that help them create skills that last throughout life.

This was an amazing opportunity. I had the opportunity to meet new people. I also had the opportunity to get to know old acquaintances. I was able to cheer on people to keep them heading for their goals. I love that I had the opportunity to help provide confidence to others. Seeing the faces of the runners so close to the finish line, hearing people clapping, yelling, and whistling, was priceless.

GR Salon- Samantha Quero

1.      Back home I work at GR Salon and I have worked there for five years. I work every Saturday and all of the clientele Saturday mornings are older women. The salon gives a 30% discount to the older women who come every week for their appointments because my boss, Lidia knows the struggles they face and how much money affects their everyday lives. Many of these women have lost their husbands, live alone and look forward coming to the salon to socialize with other elderly women they can relate to. I came home over break and decided to spend the day, working and visiting the older women I have made close relationships with over the years.

2.      This reflected concepts learned in FCS because we always learn about poverty and how the elderly are so affected by it. My boss is doing something wonderful, giving discounts to the elderly women who come to the salon to get their hair done every week. Most of elderly customers have lost their husbands and my boss is improving their quality of life by providing them with good service and good company so that they have people to socialize with.

3.      I wouldn’t consider my volunteer day at the salon networking because I got the chance to talk with my coworkers and elderly women that I have known for years. I gained the chance to talk with these women about their lives and their daily struggles. Many of these women have serious health troubles on a daily basis. I gained wisdom and knowledge. Many of these women always tell me to have fun and be happy while I’m young because being old ‘isn’t fun’.

4.      As I said above, these women feel lonely and need a friend to talk to. They love seeing me at the salon because it gives them a chance to talk to me about school and my life. I also lend them an ear if they want to talk about their family and health struggles. I love having close relationships with these women because I always leave there realizing that I am lucky that I am so healthy.

5.      I am happy that I spent the day at the salon because I got to reminisce with old ladies that I use to spend every weekend talking to. I know it made there day when they saw me sitting at the front desk. It feels so rewarding when they give me a hug hello and goodbye. I am also happy that they feel comfortable opening up to me and talking to me about their struggles. They always tell me and my boss that they appreciate our service and the discount they get every week. The elderly face financial struggles and the fact that I can make a difference for them is so rewarding.

Parents as Teachers

Parents As Teachers - Maggie Arentsen

1. I volunteered my time at Parents as Teachers in Trenton, Illinois. Parents as Teachers is a state funded program for families who are pregnant, or for those who have a child or children between the ages of 0 and 5. Case management services are available for qualifying families. Families are continually being recruited, screened for eligibility and accepted for participation in the program. Services are offered to the family free of charge.This program includes: home visits, parenting classes, family workshops, group connections, field trips for families, etc. 

 

2. Parents as Teachers relate to FCS in so many ways. For example, the goal is to help the individuals, families, and communities. This organization relates to the disadvantaged family because most of these families in this program do not have all of the resources that are available. Another goal that this program has involves preventing child abuse and neglect. 

 

3. I networked with Janet Durkee and two different families.  By volunteering my time, I got the opportunity to do home visits and work with the children. Some of the activities that I participated in were different color games and reading books. I learned what Parents as Teachers is all about and I believe that it is an excellent program for families. I feel like I had an awesome experience and realized that this job would be something I would enjoy in the future. It makes me feel good about myself helping other families. 

 

4. The effect that Parents as Teachers has on the community is positive. This program is constantly helping the disadvantaged families. It develops strong partnerships between parents and schools, which can make the community a lot stronger. 

 

5. Overall, I enjoyed this experience. I think having an assignment like this is great! I feel like I made an impact on the two families just by participating in activities with them. I can only imagine how Mrs. Durkee feels on a daily basis. I feel like she has a positive effect on the families that she works with. I know this is a very rewarding job to have. In the future, I definitely would consider volunteering my time with this program again because I felt like I made an impact on their lives, as well as they did mine. 

Great job!

You guys are doing a GREAT job so far!  Keep up the good work!

Volunteering for SACIS

SACIS CRISIS HOTLINE- Catherine Cordell

1) I volunteer for Eastern Illinois University's Sexual Assault Counseling & Information Service (better known as SACIS) as one of their crisis hotline councilors. I volunteer a few nights a week and on some weekends starting 6pm to 8am. I use my own phone and a dispatcher will call my cell when I have phone call on the hotline to protect my phone number. The hotline is available to anyone 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week.

2)SACIS provides services to victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment as well as support services for family members. These services include counseling, advocacy, information and referrals. SACIS reflects FCS in manner of providing services to individuals, families and the community. In class this semester we covered a topic about disadvantage and sexual abuse including sexual assault. This organization provides services to this specific group of people.

 

3) I networked with a lot of people through this organization. I built stronger relationships with Eastern Illinois University police department, and learned they are sometimes the survivors biggest advocates. I also networked with the SACIS educator and learned about going out into the community and providing presentations to the elementary school about good touch vs bad touch, and the high school students in regards to what a healthy relationship is. I also networked with the legal and medical advocate, learning there is an entire support team available for people. 

 

4) SACIS is an asset to our community because sometimes bad things happen and people are not sure where or who to turn to. SACIS is ready and available to help survivors and families through the difficult process if they decide to press charges, but are also there if they decide not to. The think I love the most about SACIS is they empower people and let them know they will support a persons decision no matter what. SACIS is a valuable resource because they are not just there for the crisis, but afterwards for as long as a person needs them. 

 

5) There is a reason I continue to volunteer for SACIS, and its because they matter to people. Even if I don't get a phone call, I feel like at least I'm here if someone needs me. Due to confidentiality I can not disclose anything from my phone calls, but I can say I'm glad I am here. Some of the story's are heart breaking, but these people need to talk and they need someone to listen. I am proud to say I volunteer for SACIS

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.