I have been working since January at a nonprofit organization that specializes in service provision to homeless, poor, chemically dependent, and at risk populations. The specific programs I work for include a needle exchange for Heroine users, food pantry distribution for the needy and HIV tests and free condoms for whoever might want them.
The money and hours for the most part suck but it is an overall rewarding experience, which of course comes with its own challenges. Some of the stuff you hear is not always easy to hold nor is it always something you leave locked in a desk drawer at work.
It is not uncommon to think, “how-can-I-help-you-if-you-don’t-want-to-help-yourself”, but ultimately we need to meet everyone at his or her stage of readiness. One does what one can. All one can do is to educate the community and hope that someone some day will at the very least contemplate placing themselves at risk based on a motivational something you once told them during a counseling session.
My favorite part is handing out groceries and packed lunches to eagerly awaiting elderly clients as well as mothers and children. Everyone is for the most part so appreciative and grateful.
Our caravan of field vehicles at one of our sites.
Its all fun and games, unless you are the one driving and parking the 32-footer....
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