Lindsay the Intern Is Back!

(We are delighted and honored that our Intern Lindsay, from the winter term, has elected to return to ShelterCare for her senior year internship. Welcome back Lindsay!)

After some time away, I am grateful to announce that I will be interning with ShelterCare for two more terms.

 Over the past year, I have navigated the human service world, infiltrating different agencies and growing both personally and professionally within their unique environments. As a Family and Human Services senior, my goal is to step back into my old interning shoes and use my newly acquired skills and knowledge to satisfy a need of one of my past agencies. I never thought I would say this, but unfortunately all three of my past experiences were fulfilling and positive. The decision to go with ShelterCare was one of thought and debate, but ultimately I knew I would be happiest here.

 My original inclination was to help plan a fundraising event as I worked closely with the development staff during my last stint as intern. My only hesitation in this endeavor was the lack of opportunity to work directly with the clients of ShelterCare’s many programs. The prospect of planning a fundraiser while somehow including clients from 11 different programs, many of which have their own lives and priorities (surely my senior project ranking last on the list), seemed insurmountable. However, all was not lost. Because of my strong preference to work with clients, I was presented with the challenging opportunity to teach a life skills class at Uhlhorn, ShelterCare's program serving people with Acquired Brain Injuries. I excitedly accepted, not quite sure how I would pull it off.

 Now, here I am, starting my journey once again. Throughout this experience I will have to answer many questions about my own integrity and leadership abilities, as well as derive concrete activities, concepts, and information in order to aid in the client’s quest for independence. I know I will have support from many angles, but it’s really on me. I will be posting about my experiences weekly, hopefully giving an accurate portrayal of the clients’ hardships and achievements, while shedding light on the invaluable work of human service workers.

Monday Morning Special Link

"Those with mental illness are far more likely to be victimized by others than they are to be the perpetrators of crimes. When they do commit infractions, it’s usually because they aren’t getting the support they need."

-A quote from a wonderful op-ed discussing the need for community support for group homes for the mentally ill written by long-time friend of ShelterCare, Gary Cornelius. 

Garden Place: A Staff Member's Perspective

ShelterCare's Garden Place program is housed in an unassuming but well-kept remodeled duplex in a quiet neighborhood in Eugene. Inside, it is a bustling place. A couple of residents relax on mismatched yet comfortable and welcoming armchairs. Kitchen staff prepare the midday meal, which staff and residents take together. Pictures of smiling people riding horseback, dressed in Halloween costumes, and taking part in community activities adorn the walls, along with more general portraits. It really feels like home.

And it really is home, to 12 ShelterCare residents with psychiatric disabilities. They live here, working with staff and each other, to achieve the goal of more personal independence. Jose Soto is one of several members of the dedicated Garden Place team. His small, yet inviting office is revealing. Objects such as a fishing reel (for client outings, since many like to fish), and a small collection of painting supplies (for the recently painted therapy room) indicate that Jose is someone who plays many roles. I had the opportunity to speak with Jose about some of his experiences at Garden Place.

CD-"What is your role at Garden Place?"

JS-"My title is Resident Services Coordinator. My role here is really pretty varied, out of necessity. Soon after I took the position, we experienced significant turnover at the senior staff levels, and it was necessary to adapt quickly to that. Some of the things I do include staff training and scheduling, ensuring we have appropriate transportation for consumers to get to appointments, and helping locate volunteer opportunities for consumers. There are a lot of miscellaneous tasks that appear constantly. It definitely requires flexibility and creativity."

CD-"What are some of the challenges of working in the field of mental health?"

JS-"A lot of people's understanding of mental health is full of stigma. People may think of folks locked up in facilities that simply warehouse them, straitjackets, and so forth. So these stigmas go back 50 years or so, even though how we (in the field) approach mental health has really undergone revolutionary changes. In the past decade alone, there have been tremendous advancements in the field. It is very hard to overcome these stigma, and it is unlikely that they will completely go away any time soon. 

CD-"What are some examples of how the mental health field has changed?"

JS-"There are many ways. Well, for one, we no longer simply warehouse people in group homes. We also work with the consumers to develop individualized treatment programs. Consumers now take an active role in their own healing process. It's much more empowering."

CD-"Are there any things that you feel you've learned in your experience with the agency and at Garden Place in particular?"

JS-"Sure. One thing is that I was initially a bit nervous about a job with ShelterCare. I admit, I was affected by some of the stigmatizing messages surrounding mental health. I quickly realized that they weren't really any different from people I'd worked with in the past (in other nonprofit roles). A lot of them were simply people who'd experienced significant trauma in their lives and needed some support to address their issues.

 My experience has been very rewarding. I work in the field I work in because I want to help. I enjoy knowing I'm helping and it's gratifying to know I'm making a  difference-maybe not in a huge way, but it does have an effect. And that, to me is significant."

Thank you Jose, and all Garden Place staff for the difference you make for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. I am sure they would agree that it is indeed significant.

-CD

Friday Links

"When you're homeless, the only thing you have are endless days"- a quote from an article about a homeless Minneapolis teenager. Homeless youth are an all-too-common phenomenon in our society, but at least this story has a happy ending. 

Here's a story about a program called Homeless-To-Work, up in Washington County, Oregon. The story also discusses the county's 10 year plan to end homelessness. 

Here's an update on the "Homes for Heroes" bill, introduced by US Senator Charles Schumer last week, which could give $200 million to veterans groups, non-profits and communities to expand and find affordable housing for homeless veterans.

ShelterCare's 6th and Final HouseWarming Auction A Huge Success

Thanks to the generous support of all those who attended, we raised enough funds to support:

-our shelters for families with children

-all the families who stay in them

-our amazing Children's Program

-our Transitional Housing Program

For over two months. That is simply incredible.

While the 2009 auction was indeed our last event of its kind for at least awhile, it was by no means ShelterCare's last event. We have a few fabulous, upcoming events in the planning process and we cannot wait to reveal them, once we have finalized the important details. So, stay tuned!

We're Back After Long Hiatus

It has really been too long, but we're back to blogging.