Charleston Transitional Facility

1. My volunteer work was done at Charleston Transitional Facility, also known as CTF. CTF is a non-profit organization dedicated to the assistance of individuals with developmental disabilities. The administration and staff at CTF assist their residents with daily living tasks and help them do for themselves to the best of their ability. The residents of CTF have various levels of cognitive functioning. I volunteered in a home setting where the residents had very low functioning and needed direct assistance with every daily living task.

2. Our course is called The Disadvantaged family. I closely observed the behavior and actions of the residents as well as the staff at the home, and they are a family, not by blood relations, but the manner in which they respond to one another. Some individuals have been roommates for decades. They all interact with each other no matter how high or low their cognitive functioning is. They all have their own personal issues and one that I noticed was their desire for attention. Some residents may use maladaptive behavior for a response from staff or even other residents. Many of the individuals come from backgrounds of all forms of abuse. There are also some staff members who have been there for many years and have developed a rapport with each other as staff as well as caregivers to the residents. Each and every individual is at a disadvantage in their own way. In many class sessions we've discussed the many ways in which an individual is discriminated against. It just so happens that the individuals in the home were all older women with physical and cognitive disabilities. This puts them in three categories of people who face to highest amount of discrimination; being elderly, female, and disabled.

3. I briefly spoke with the supervisor of the home and she gave me some background information on the residents, but nothing in breach of confidentiality. I told her that I was a Family and Consumer Sciences major and that my passion is to assist and uplift individuals in any way that I can. I asked her about career opportunities as well as advancements at CTF. She informed me that there is a chain of command of supervisors, case managers, administration, etc. Each position requires an amount of experience and/or education. I was told that if I was interested in the field of work that I should go to the main office building of downtown Charleston. 

4. CTF provides individuals with care who either would not survive without direct assistance, or has the potential to be very menacing to a community due to their disability. Many of the higher functioning residents have issues that can be very severe without the medication and stable environment that CTF provides. The severely disabled, whether mentally or physically, are a forgotten category of people to most of the world. The funding of programs to help these individuals is not a priority. CTF ensures that these people are not on the streets and that they receive adequate care.

 5. We all have our personal issues. We look at others lives and glorify them for having money or being famous and we wish that our lives could be just as glamorous. We see the surface and not the underlying issues they may have. Every individual has problems that are exclusive to them. This service, as well as many other people I cross paths with, makes me take the time to be thankful of my standard of living. Its not the greatest, but I could be a wheelchair bound, mentally disabled, incontinent person, with many other limitations in life. Observing these individuals was definitely a humbling experience and makes me more sensitive to the issues that concern disabled individuals.

Project Link: Girls on the Run            By:Madeline Mioni

1. I volunteered for Girls on the Run on Saturday, November 10th at the YMCA in Mattoon, Illinois. This is a non-profit learning program for girls from 8-13 years of age. It encourages young girls to get out there and run. The point of Girls on the Run is to help pre-teens develop a positive self-image of them. Three weeks before the run took place my sorority and I made necklaces. These necklaces were medallions placed in a bag and in the bag there were notes attached saying, good job, congratulations! My job was to hand out the medallions and cheer the girls on when they crossed the finish line. For these girls to go out there and run a 5k race is amazing. 

2. This service is related to FCS 4840 and other FCS courses because; it is talking about being disadvantaged and helping pre-teens to go down the right track in life. Also, so they do not get caught up in the bad things that society has in it. Girls going through there pre-teen stage often have a hard time dealing with all the changes that our happening to them. Girls on the Run provide a positive outlook on self-image. It encourages young girls to love themselves and be proud of who they are. This program offers the girls a sense of confidence when they finish the 5k race. 

3. I found out about this program through my sorority. When I heard about it I immediately signed up. I thought it would be a wonderful experience to get out there and encourage these girls on. Although, I did not directly network with the head of Girls on the Run I was still able to participate and volunteer and see how this whole program is run. I hope to do this again next year and possibly do more networking and see how I can get involved and possibly turn it into an internship. 

4. This service provides girls to be confident and feel a sense of accomplishment when they run across that finish line. Their mission is to encourage every girl to embrace who they are and to love herself and be anyone she wants to be. 

5. Girls on the Run were a great experience. It made volunteering fun and it also gave me a sense of self that I need to believe in myself more. It made me realize that I need to think positively of myself and that I can do anything if I put my heart and mind to it.  

Project LINK - Teen Reach

Jenna Bartello

1.            I chose to volunteer my time at an after-school program called Teen Reach. Teen Reach is located at 845 18th Street in Charleston, IL. The kids within the program are ages 9-17 years old, and are considered "at risk" children. The kids are provided snacks as well as transportation home from the program. There are many activities for the kids to do at Teen Reach, including arts and crafts, watching TV or movies, video games, basketball, using computers, or just hanging out with the other kids and volunteers. Upon arrival, the kids are first directed to do their homework. The volunteers are there to make sure anyone with homework is staying on task and completing it, as well as offering any help the kids may need with their homework. The kids are free to do any of the activities provided once they complete their homework.

2.             The service that Teen Reach provides reflected several learned concepts in FCS 4840. First off, the coordinator of the program was the person to inform me that all of the kids in the program are considered “at risk.” I was not told what any of the risk factors were, but from what I have learned in class I can assume some possible risks include: being victims of abuse, living with a disability, belonging to a minority group, living in poverty, etc. Teen Reach provides a safe and helpful environment for these kids. At Teen Reach the kids are encouraged to put their schoolwork above all else, which is encouragement they may not be getting at home or from anyone else. Teen Reach also provides small daily snacks, which can go a long way for a child if they are not getting enough food when they get home at the end of the day. Throughout many of my FCS courses, I have learned the important of support systems in a person’s life. Throughout my time volunteering, it was very obvious that the staff members and other volunteers cared deeply for the kids. I was glad to realize that if any of the kids within the program didn’t have a good support system at home or outside of the program, that they at least did from the adults in Teen Reach.

3.             As soon as I walked into the doors at Teen Reach I was able to network with the coordinator/director (or “guy in charge,” not sure about his technical title), Mr. Porter. Mr. Porter and I discussed my major in school and he was able to share information with me about the many family service facilities in the Charleston area. Teen Reach shares a building with the Illinois Coalition for Community Services (ICCS) and Mr. Porter also explained to me a lot of things that the ICCS does for children and families. From this networking experience I feel like I have a better understanding about the many ways that agencies operate and serve people. I plan to continue to volunteer my time at Teen Reach, and so I feel that as I build a better relationship with Mr. Porter, he will become a great reference on a resume and a great professional mentor as well.

4.             Teen Reach can and does have a positive influence on the Charleston community. Many of the kids in the program had never before been eligible to join a sports team or other extracurricular activities at their schools due to low grades. Mr. Porter informed me that because of their time at Teen Reach and focus on schoolwork, many of the kids have improved and been able to participate in other activities. Teen Reach also provides an overall safe and supervised environment for kids during after school hours. From what I’ve learned in classes, adolescents are more likely to get in trouble and commit crimes during after school hours when left unsupervised. This program has a positive effect on the community because it keeps these kids out of trouble, while also improving their grades, providing food, providing transportation home, and providing support from adults they may see as mentors and supporters.

5.            I was very pleased with my volunteer time at Teen Reach. Most of the kids were happy to see any volunteers there. Upon my very first arrival and before even walking into the building, a 10-year-old boy was begging me to play basketball with him. I right away felt like whatever I was going to spend my time doing at Teen Reach would matter to the kids there. Another 14-year-old girl kept telling me how nice I was. I was so warmed by this because I was simply just sitting with her and coloring. I really felt like if these kids had more volunteers around in the program that it would benefit them even more. I also did not initially realize the kind of impact such a simple after-school program could have on kids. There were a few unpleasant experiences with certain kids while volunteering. Especially at this age, not every teen is going to want to interact with an adult, let alone someone they just met. Not every kid was friendly and open to me, but I did not take it personally. Since the kids in the program are “at risk,” I figured they might not be the most trusting of anyone who comes into their lives. In summary, I overall had a good experience at Teen Reach. Through just 5 hours of service I feel remembered by some of the kids, and I am definitely planning to volunteer on a weekly basis and continue to make connections with everyone in the program.

Project LINK- MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

Project LINK- MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 

 

By: 

Nicole Latz 

1.       I volunteered for non-profit organization called MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). This program takes place in Matton, IL., at the First Baptist Church. This organization provides guidance to mothers through different activities they partake in. While doing that their children are watched by volunteers.

2.       This service activity represented what I have learned in FCS 4840 and other FCS classes because it taught me a lot of disadvantaged families and what it can bring. I participated in two different programs through MOPS. One of the programs is on Mondays where people through the Eastern community or other volunteers come to watch young children. We give the children snacks, instruct them in learning activities, watch them, and also play with the children. While doing this the mother’s are in educational programs through their church. On Thursdays there is a separate program where the children that the volunteers watch are young children with teen mothers. This program is called Teen MOPS. The same activities happen with the children, but instead the parents are getting education on how to be a teen mother. This program I feel is great not just for the teen moms, teen moms, but also the children. This allows the children to also interact with other kid’s their age, participate in structured activities, and also get a nice meal and snack that is provided to them. Also, one of the days I went to volunteer the teen moms were participating in Girls on the Run. By providing these activities it can give girls great guidance.

3.       Through doing this activity I was able to network with others. The lady in charge of the program Sarah is very kind and open to help others. She has started the program and has expanded it greatly. Through talking to her I have seen how much she has done to help others and help the teen moms and children involved.

4.       This program can and already has had a great impact on the community. It is a non-profit organization that is provided to people with in that church and even the community. It gives the parents of these children time for themselves with other adults or teens their age. It provides education and ways of giving their own community service back to the community. It also provides their children structured and educational time with other children their age. It is also a great way for the kids to unwind before going home with a relaxing time to just be themselves. Also, it provides the children with snacks and something to eat. Some of the families that participate in the program do not always have that structured family, or time to spend with one another. They cannot always provide for their children either. This program is a great way to provide these things the children even if it is just one night.

5.       I really enjoy in participating in the MOPS program. I feel it is a great way for me to give back and give my time. By me giving my time I have allowed time for these mothers’s to relax and have time to themselves. I also really enjoy this program because I know I am making a difference on the children. I am providing them with guidance, and I am also just letting them enjoy themselves. It is not so structured that the children cannot have fun, but it is more so free time for them with other peers. I feel this is a great program, and has many benefits.

Project LINK- Gowin Park

 

By: Kristy Kolzow

 

1.)    I volunteered my time at Gowin Parc which is located in Mattoon, Illinois. Gowin Parc is a residential living facility for people with Alzheimer’s or other related dementia. This facility gives a secure home, environment, and service 24 hours a day. The staff create an environment that keep dementia patients functioning at their highest levels and maintain independence in every day living.

2.)    This activity really reflected concepts learned in my FCS courses. I just finished a three weekend class called Aging and the Family so going to Gowin Parc really put everything from my class into perspective. In this class we learned the different struggles that people go through during the aging process. FCS professionals work with people who are disadvantaged whether it is mentally, physically, or emotionally. Being at Gowin Parc and working with individuals who have Alzheimer’s or dementia really showed that.

3.)    While volunteering my time at Gowin Parc I networked with a couple different professionals. I first called Gowin Parc to talk about coming in to volunteer and I talked to a man named Doug. Doug told me I could come in any day of the week because they love to have volunteers. When I got there one of the girls that worked there was short staffed so I told her I would do anything that she needed. She and Doug then asked me if I would like a job here and handed me an application. So networking and going in to volunteer not only made me enjoy the experience at Gowin Parc but possibly just gave me a job for the Spring Semester.

4.)    If you go to the Gowin Parc website the first thing you can see is a quote and I felt like it explains the facility perfectly. It says, “We studied hundreds of conventional nursing homes… and then built the opposite.” This facility provides 24 hour care to disadvantaged elderly people. Some of the things they provide are a compassionate staff, a home like environment where neighbors are a part of a community, special lighting, memory boxes, indoor and outdoor track, and easy accessible bathrooms. The people who work here don’t let the people who they care for’s disability take over their life. Family members who can no longer take care of these individuals can bring them to a very warm and helpful environment without having to worry. They offer a quality of life.

5.)    I am really glad that we had to do this assignment. I have worked with children most of my life so this assignment really made me go out of my norms and work with a different group of people. It made me have so much love for the elderly and also made me want to go back and volunteer there more or possibly work there. You could tell that some of these people just wanted someone to talk to and I was that person to them. It not only made me feel good but also made me realize what facilities the Coles County area has. I didn’t know Gowin Parc existed until I did research to find a place to volunteer. It was an amazing experience to interact with all these different people for this assignment.

 

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.