Service learning
For my Service Learning project, I have chosen Catholic Charities. This is a human service agency with a goal to promote the dignity and self-worth of all individuals. This goal is accomplished through a variety of programs that blend advocacy and service delivery to foster individual and community empowerment. Catholic Charities is the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Denver, and inspired by God's love and compassion. Catholic Charities extends the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and thos in need. The organization is dedicated to helping people of all ages, faiths, ethnic bacgrounds and economic circumstances. I am working with Catholic Charities/Weld County Organization which is in Northern Colorado.
Services/programs provided include senior services, victims assistance, emergency assistance, victims assistance, promoting safe and stable families and overnight short-term emergency shelter to individuals and families at the Guadalupe Shelter. The shelter also provides an evening meal which is provided all by volunteers in the community. This organization is currently very involved in the building of a new shelter, which will be complete in August 2011.
Funding for Catholic Charities is all through private donation and support. Part of the finances obtained in building the new shelter was obtained through Federal and State grant application and funding. The Guadalupe Shelter is a critical service provided in Northern Colorado.
Selfishly, I was initially drawn to this organization as it is local (I live in Greeley, CO) and it would be one less day of driving. After my first visit, I knew this was the right choice, no matter where they are located or how much driving this would require. On my first day of orientation, I toured the Guadalupe Shelter. It was a very humbing experience. The need for this service is overwhelming. I can not imagine a life without a home or shelter, spending the day wandering the city streets, and walking 2 miles to get to the shelter, as there is no public transportation service. I was and remain most bothered that women and children are living this experience. It has haunted me since my visit. I was suddenly struck by all the blessings and fortune in my life. But for the grace of God, there go I.
The people who stay at the Shelter have an evening meal and often a small breakfast before they leave for the day. During the week days, lunch is provided by the Salvation Army. On weekends, there is no service available to provide food during the day. My idea is to provide sack lunches on the weekends, especially for the children. Apparently, other volunteers have suggested this, but have not followed through. I intend to begin next week-end, when I am not working.
I immediately connected with the Volunteer Coordinator and the Regional Director. Both are passionate about the mission and the work being done on a daily basis by Catholic Charities. When meeting the Regional Director, we instantly found my volunteer work/project. I am now involved in helping establish a 24 hour room/shelter for patients/people being discharged from North Colorado Medical Center that have no place to go and still need support/help. We are meeting with the ED case manager from NCMC next week to move this project forward. Having the ability to provide 24 hour shelter at the Guadalupe Shelter will be a reality in August when the new center is opened. This is a huge leap forward in providing assistance to those in need. I am excited and blessed to be a part of this project. More to come...
Services/programs provided include senior services, victims assistance, emergency assistance, victims assistance, promoting safe and stable families and overnight short-term emergency shelter to individuals and families at the Guadalupe Shelter. The shelter also provides an evening meal which is provided all by volunteers in the community. This organization is currently very involved in the building of a new shelter, which will be complete in August 2011.
Funding for Catholic Charities is all through private donation and support. Part of the finances obtained in building the new shelter was obtained through Federal and State grant application and funding. The Guadalupe Shelter is a critical service provided in Northern Colorado.
Selfishly, I was initially drawn to this organization as it is local (I live in Greeley, CO) and it would be one less day of driving. After my first visit, I knew this was the right choice, no matter where they are located or how much driving this would require. On my first day of orientation, I toured the Guadalupe Shelter. It was a very humbing experience. The need for this service is overwhelming. I can not imagine a life without a home or shelter, spending the day wandering the city streets, and walking 2 miles to get to the shelter, as there is no public transportation service. I was and remain most bothered that women and children are living this experience. It has haunted me since my visit. I was suddenly struck by all the blessings and fortune in my life. But for the grace of God, there go I.
The people who stay at the Shelter have an evening meal and often a small breakfast before they leave for the day. During the week days, lunch is provided by the Salvation Army. On weekends, there is no service available to provide food during the day. My idea is to provide sack lunches on the weekends, especially for the children. Apparently, other volunteers have suggested this, but have not followed through. I intend to begin next week-end, when I am not working.
I immediately connected with the Volunteer Coordinator and the Regional Director. Both are passionate about the mission and the work being done on a daily basis by Catholic Charities. When meeting the Regional Director, we instantly found my volunteer work/project. I am now involved in helping establish a 24 hour room/shelter for patients/people being discharged from North Colorado Medical Center that have no place to go and still need support/help. We are meeting with the ED case manager from NCMC next week to move this project forward. Having the ability to provide 24 hour shelter at the Guadalupe Shelter will be a reality in August when the new center is opened. This is a huge leap forward in providing assistance to those in need. I am excited and blessed to be a part of this project. More to come...
posted by Trish Dey | 8:07 PM
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