For my Introduction to Social Work class I get the opportunity to take a few “field trips” to various organizations throughout the course. I recently had the opportunity to visit Food and Care Coalition, a non-profit organization whose main goal is to help those who are struggling to make ends meet. I was immediately astounded as I began to learn about all of the programs they have to help countless individuals get back on their feet financially.
One of Food and Care Coalition’s main attractions is the kitchen and dining hall where they serve people hot meals. In the dining rooms they also have performers year around that interact and boost the morale of the individuals who come. This is something that I found fascinating. I learned that Food and Care Coalition is constantly putting on shows, events, and providing crafts that the individuals can benefit from.
Aside from just feeding the people in need, Food and Care Coalition provides a number of services to help the clients mentally and physically. They allow people to get essential items such as hygiene materials, blankets, pillows, tarps, etc. They also provide the means for people to get dental work done, their clothes laundered, and their hair cut. They have hired social workers that provide counseling to help individuals. I thought of the perspective of someone who does not know where their next meal will be, or where they are going to sleep. This would take a toll on a person mentally, and emotionally. By reflecting on the perspective of these individuals, it would definitely be a challenge to face this difficult feat. These hired social workers are there to help assist those in need.
Food and Care Coalition is also in the process of finishing a housing unit where they can hold people from anywhere to a couple of months to over a year. This is a huge help in getting people out of poverty. It allows them not to have their main focus be trying to find food or a place to sleep, but in finding a place to work. By being given a place to eat and sleep they can put their efforts in finding a job. People from the community will also come and provide classes where they can teach these individuals more life skills such as what land lords are looking for, etc. A library is provided where individuals can check out books, and they offer a mail service the residents can use. I believe this development in their organization will help immensely in getting individuals out of poverty by giving them the opportunity to become stable.
On top of all of these services Food and Care Coalition also let people work for what they are given. This again helps individuals become more stable and independent by allowing them to work for the things they receive. For example if they are given a sleeping bag, an individual may go in the parking lot and help pick up trash for an hour.
My favorite part of the visit was just learning how much the community does to help. They have volunteers who cut people’s hair, do dental work, and launder clothes. There are people who donate money, food, clothes, hygiene products, etc. I did not realize how many services were offered, and how many volunteers helped. If it were not for the generosity of people within the community, Food and Care Coalition and other organizations like it would not be as effective as they are now. This realization is so significant. There are so many people in the community giving back, and helping in ways that they can. People’s charity astounds me. Going to Food and Care Coalition makes me realize how much I want to give back to the world, and I admire the hard work they have done to help others.
