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Opportunity to volunteer

Diane-M
Diane-M
The city I work in and grew up is starting a homeless shelter because the nearest one is 30 minutes away. There is thought to be a large homeless population here and the project will run from January to April will the goal in mind to make it permanent. There is a call out for volunteers. There is a meeting tomorrow at Catholic Social Services, which is like a sister agency to where I work. I think I will at least go to the meeting. I do have a degree in Social Work, which might benefit me, and I already know some people on the committee.I have been so lost lately.and helping others is never a bad idea. My only concern is that I get attached to people quickly, and their pain becomes my pain...and I am already in a very shaky place emotionally.
lorrieonline
lorrieonline
Seems to me this could be a great opportunity for you... If you go into it with the idea that you are setting boundaries for yourself at the get go, that might help. Will there be someone you can lean on to keep a clear perspective if need be? I think this sounds wonderful, Diane. I do that their pain/my pain thing a lot too. I think boundaries are the key. Can't wait to hear what you decide. <smile>
JoyceMarilyn
JoyceMarilyn
What a wonderful thing to do! Knowing your weakness can actually bel one of your strengths. Keep us posted with the outcome of the initial meeting and your decision to make it a go or no go.
billwfriend
billwfriend
good luck...hugs
Koyu
Koyu
That is so great! I wish you luck.
kathy1962
kathy1962
That is a wonderful idea! If you are able to set the boundaries you need to set for yourself, like Lorrie said, you could help a lot of people. And helping others is good for us. I say go for it. Let us know what you decide.
Group Foundergustokitty
gustokitty
Diane, I wanted to comment about this...I don't know if I can find the article again, but it showed an area that used open space of some sort and built little 1 room homes and a neighborhood w health care and a library for homeless. it was a whole little village and it was awsome! I'll see if I can track it down, But I don't know who managed to get approval for something like that. Seems to me as a people we would solve our problems much better without all the stupid gov oversight.
Diane-M
Diane-M
So the plan is a "moving shelter". The location will move from church to church once a week. There will be an evening meal and the shelter hours will be 7 PM to 8 am. well....they need volunteers overnight that will be staying there with a paid security person. That is pretty much off the table for me because I have to sleep at night and be at work in the AM. But they guarantee me there will be something i can do to help. There is another meeting in 2 weeks.
billwfriend
billwfriend
GOOD LUCK!!!
Group Foundergustokitty
gustokitty
Dianne, Why aren't you doing something with kids?
Diane-M
Diane-M
I may eventually look into Big Sisters. But my husband won't do foster care. He turned down a fresh air kid for a couple weeks in the summer. I don't really have any other options
Group Foundergustokitty
gustokitty
What is "fresh air kid".
Yes, I know your husband was against fosters. Was thinking more like you mention big sis, or something at a childrens home, or?? i have no idea.
Good luck w your volunteering. Don't over do!
kathy1962
kathy1962
I was a Big Sister to a teen mom for a few years. It was very rewarding work. Hard but, rewarding. The girl went on to graduate from college and graduate school and works as a social worker. She came from a horrible family and told me once that I was a real help to her. That meant a lot to me.
billwfriend
billwfriend
I think that is great Kathy!
kathy1962
kathy1962
Thanks Bill!

My point being, Diane, you never know how much your efforts might be helping someone. Could make all the difference in the world to them.
Group Foundergustokitty
gustokitty
Kathy, that is so great you were able to help that woman!

I say...on our death beds...do we want to be the one, who made peoples lives better, or who made them worse? I don't understand people who like to go around making peoples lives worse.
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