It has been a wonderful evening of giving. I started with visiting the Tapestry Hospice and taking a tour of the facility. Hopefully this will be a future volunteer site, but first I have to get through all the paperwork and training :)
I then went to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. It's been a while since the last time I volunteered there but the staff recognized me and asked if I would take up my usual spot at the scales. They made my day by remembering me so of course I said yes! I got to meet some veteran volunteers so the evening went by really quickly and we had a lot of fun.
We packed 5712lbs of food, which would serve 3808 meals. It's a little difficult getting signed up for the food bank because it is always full! Hopefully I'll get to come back sooner :)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Day 255
Unfortunately there was no service at SafeHouse this evening so I volunteered online at www.sparked.com
The first challenge I came across was an easy one. Unscrew America, an organization dedicated to helping to get the word out about energy efficient lighting, asked volunteers to spread the word about their latest review of 19 earth-friendly lights. So check out their fun website: Unscrew America
Next I did a challenge for GreenTreks Network, a non-profit with a mission to inspire people to take action towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Their challenge...writing about what inspires you to help the environment. I shared my experience at Global Soap - not only are they trying to improve global health but also reduce systemic waste in the hospitality industry.
The last challenge I did was for CONCERN, a nonprofit child welfare agency, that provides foster care, life skills training and delinquency services to over 14,000 children and teens. They wanted help identifying ways to show gratitude to their supporters.
If you have an expertise area and want to use it to make a difference check out sparked.com
Happy giving!
The first challenge I came across was an easy one. Unscrew America, an organization dedicated to helping to get the word out about energy efficient lighting, asked volunteers to spread the word about their latest review of 19 earth-friendly lights. So check out their fun website: Unscrew America
Next I did a challenge for GreenTreks Network, a non-profit with a mission to inspire people to take action towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Their challenge...writing about what inspires you to help the environment. I shared my experience at Global Soap - not only are they trying to improve global health but also reduce systemic waste in the hospitality industry.
The last challenge I did was for CONCERN, a nonprofit child welfare agency, that provides foster care, life skills training and delinquency services to over 14,000 children and teens. They wanted help identifying ways to show gratitude to their supporters.
If you have an expertise area and want to use it to make a difference check out sparked.com
Happy giving!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Day 254
We knew we had to be up early, with enough reserved energy to interact with war veterans at the VA Hospital this morning. So although we'd headed out to the city last night, we had an early night.
Hands on Atlanta provided Chandni and I with the opportunity to spend time with the veterans at VA Hospital this morning, and we were excited!
We'd started off with a special church service, with a few patients, themed around forgiveness.
Considering that it was the tenth anniversary of 9/11, one of the patented led us in a moment to honor those who died that day, sacrificed their life for us that day, and served our country ten years ago on this day.
Soon after we moved to the renovated floor that held story boards for several of the patients there.
It was wonderful to hear from and see the stories of some of the greatest Heroes you will never come to know, unless you're here.
While some of the patients were able to share their stories with us, many weren't. We did, however, sense the gratitude as we thanked them for all that they've done.
It's not a typical day of volunteering for us, but it's an experience we enjoyed.
We even had Chris Draft (linebacker for the St. Louis Rams) join us with NFL memorabilia, stories, and gratitude for each veterans service!
We're looking forward to going back to the VA and aiding them in other projects soon!
"It was great talking with some of the Veterans as they shared stories with us, one even sang songs and yodeled for us!! We met their oldest veteran - 100years old, and some of the younger injured veterans from the Iraq war. We saw families coming in to visit and staff who treated the Veterans with love and respect. It was a heart warming experience..."
~ Chandni
Hands on Atlanta provided Chandni and I with the opportunity to spend time with the veterans at VA Hospital this morning, and we were excited!
We'd started off with a special church service, with a few patients, themed around forgiveness.
Considering that it was the tenth anniversary of 9/11, one of the patented led us in a moment to honor those who died that day, sacrificed their life for us that day, and served our country ten years ago on this day.
Soon after we moved to the renovated floor that held story boards for several of the patients there.
It was wonderful to hear from and see the stories of some of the greatest Heroes you will never come to know, unless you're here.
While some of the patients were able to share their stories with us, many weren't. We did, however, sense the gratitude as we thanked them for all that they've done.
It's not a typical day of volunteering for us, but it's an experience we enjoyed.
We even had Chris Draft (linebacker for the St. Louis Rams) join us with NFL memorabilia, stories, and gratitude for each veterans service!
We're looking forward to going back to the VA and aiding them in other projects soon!
"It was great talking with some of the Veterans as they shared stories with us, one even sang songs and yodeled for us!! We met their oldest veteran - 100years old, and some of the younger injured veterans from the Iraq war. We saw families coming in to visit and staff who treated the Veterans with love and respect. It was a heart warming experience..."
~ Chandni
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Day 253
After a late night out in the city I went out to volunteer at Devereux this morning. Devereux is a leading nonprofit behavioral health organization that supports many of the most underserved and vulnerable members of our communities. They focus on research-based prevention initiatives that help children and adolescents develop resilience and strong emotional and social health. They help empower children and adults with intellectual, emotional, developmental, and behavioral challenges to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.
As one of the staff members there said, in order to help the children focus on their treatment we need to give them a safe and supportive environment. So today's projects involved some landscaping and cleaning out a huge storage building.
I helped clean the storage building. It had not been sorted through in years so when we got there it was a mess! We spent most of the morning emptying it and figuring out what could be saved, recycled, or thrown out. Once that was done we cleaned it. Then we sorted through the things that were saved and put them back in an organized manner.
It was hard work, a good work out, and for a good cause! Thank you Devereux for letting us volunteer with you this morning!
As one of the staff members there said, in order to help the children focus on their treatment we need to give them a safe and supportive environment. So today's projects involved some landscaping and cleaning out a huge storage building.
I helped clean the storage building. It had not been sorted through in years so when we got there it was a mess! We spent most of the morning emptying it and figuring out what could be saved, recycled, or thrown out. Once that was done we cleaned it. Then we sorted through the things that were saved and put them back in an organized manner.
It was hard work, a good work out, and for a good cause! Thank you Devereux for letting us volunteer with you this morning!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Day 252
It was a busy evening at SafeHouse today. It started with my buddy's birthday and getting things in without him seeing them. I then walked around and had several conversations. I started by talking to one of the guys who just came back to SafeHouse. We talked about the differences in community resources between different states and the differences in metropolitan areas.
I then talked to one of the guys about his plans for the future, which also involve him moving out of state in the next couple of months. There have been a lot of these conversations lately. I then got into another conversation about the difficulties with getting your ID, and then this one moved on to a conversation about tattoos, graphics, cars, and custom cars.
Once service started we had a small party outside for my buddy with his family. He looked adorable! He loved his presents and was soon running around with a balloon tied to his arm, spraying people with his water gun.
I ended the night having a conversation with a gentleman about religion, spirituality and philosophy. This was the first time we met and I am really looking forward to more conversations with him.
I then talked to one of the guys about his plans for the future, which also involve him moving out of state in the next couple of months. There have been a lot of these conversations lately. I then got into another conversation about the difficulties with getting your ID, and then this one moved on to a conversation about tattoos, graphics, cars, and custom cars.
Once service started we had a small party outside for my buddy with his family. He looked adorable! He loved his presents and was soon running around with a balloon tied to his arm, spraying people with his water gun.
I ended the night having a conversation with a gentleman about religion, spirituality and philosophy. This was the first time we met and I am really looking forward to more conversations with him.
Day 251
It was a night of surprises at SafeHouse. I started off just hanging out on the lot talking to a gentleman about his health, lawyers, deportation, and what his future plans were. As we were having our conversation my 2 year old buddy walks by!
Of course this means the rest of the night was devoted to him! I hadn't seen him in a couple of months and he has grown so much! I was really surprised by how tall he has grown! We hung out all evening, doing random things: hanging out in the kitchen, blowing bubbles, running around, and cheering on people who were in a race.
I also said hello to many familiar faces and had short conversations wherever I could. Looking forward to tomorrow and spending the evening there :)
Of course this means the rest of the night was devoted to him! I hadn't seen him in a couple of months and he has grown so much! I was really surprised by how tall he has grown! We hung out all evening, doing random things: hanging out in the kitchen, blowing bubbles, running around, and cheering on people who were in a race.
I also said hello to many familiar faces and had short conversations wherever I could. Looking forward to tomorrow and spending the evening there :)
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Day 250
Another SafeHouse evening. And another cold day...hope you guys are able to donate warm clothes and blankets :)
Today's theme for conversations was people leaving and making changes in their lives for the better.
One gentleman talked to me about two opportunities he has and how he is having a hard time picking between them. His first option is a six month job contract out of state with people and a company he has no idea about; his other option is a work program in state but that he isn't completely guaranteed yet. We discussed the pros and cons of each, and throughout the conversation he talked a little about his life and the past year and what led to where he is now. He is a very private person and I was surprised at how much he was sharing with me but happy that he felt comfortable enough to share his story with me.
Another gentleman spoke about moving out of state because it was easier to get his VA benefits elsewhere. He told me that Atlanta's VA has a long waiting list for housing and help for veterans and that someone else told him that it was easier (less wait time) to get these things in another state. So he talked to me about possibly moving in the next couple of months so he can get housing, a job, and healthcare through the VA.
I hope they are both able to move forward and make positive changes in their lives!
Today's theme for conversations was people leaving and making changes in their lives for the better.
One gentleman talked to me about two opportunities he has and how he is having a hard time picking between them. His first option is a six month job contract out of state with people and a company he has no idea about; his other option is a work program in state but that he isn't completely guaranteed yet. We discussed the pros and cons of each, and throughout the conversation he talked a little about his life and the past year and what led to where he is now. He is a very private person and I was surprised at how much he was sharing with me but happy that he felt comfortable enough to share his story with me.
Another gentleman spoke about moving out of state because it was easier to get his VA benefits elsewhere. He told me that Atlanta's VA has a long waiting list for housing and help for veterans and that someone else told him that it was easier (less wait time) to get these things in another state. So he talked to me about possibly moving in the next couple of months so he can get housing, a job, and healthcare through the VA.
I hope they are both able to move forward and make positive changes in their lives!
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