lindsay the Intern: Week Five Musings

(Lindsay has been busy over the past weeks visiting ShelterCare's programs. This week, she takes the time to reflect on the dedicated staff members she's encountered.)

Over the last few weeks, I have had the pleasure of visiting a few of the ShelterCare programs. From the community meals to the decorated walls, you could really feel the understanding and warmth. I enjoy meeting people who wake up everyday passionate about making a difference. Of the few that I had the privelege to speak to, both found their respective jobs on a path they assumed would lead somewhere else. For them, what looked like a stepping-stone ended up as a career and life mission.

I was inspired by their patience and willingness to go beyond traditional methods to inspire growth within a vulnerable population. Of course if they were in it for the praise and sel-satisfaction, they would be long gone by now. Change can be a slow process and not everyone crosses the proverbial finish line to success. Whatever the reason for, or result of, working with vulnerable people can be a demanding job. 

In class, we have been talking about burn out, and how prevalent it is in the human service field. Most of the people you will find working in places like ShelterCare's 11 programs, are givers. They give and extend and reach out for the betterment of others, and in the process, forgetting about themselves. As noble as their intentions are, what happens when there is nothing left to give?

I am not sure of my audience here quite yet, but I know that if you are reading this, you care. And sometimes caring too much for things outside of your own needs can lead to burn out as well. So I ask of all you givers, helpers, and caring individuals, those from ShelterCare and beyond; take time for yourselves too, so you can continue to reach your hands out to others.