SWK 210 Volunteer Service Project 2023 2 (1)

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1 Volunteer Experience Assignment Nikol Ange EKU Professor: Leigh Course: SWK 410 September 4, 2023

2 Volunteer Experience in Social Work Introduction In the completion of my volunteer work, I have earned different skills and more experience. In this paper, I will recount my experiences with four distinct organizations: Lifeline Christian Mission, Hope Center, Animal Shelter, and Food Pantry. These organizations gave me a deeper understanding of social work principles and practices. Reaching this place, I had two primary responsibilities: one was to pack uncooked food, and the second was to measure the food before putting it in its box. 1. Lifeline Christian Mission Lifeline Christian Mission is a dynamic organization with a multifaceted mission. Their commitment to causes such as church planting, child advocacy, and healthcare access emphasizes their desire to mobilize, develop, and empower communities worldwide. With a presence in various locations, including Arizona, Canada, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Panama, Uganda, and the U.S.A., Lifeline operates on a global scale. It operates as a non-profit organization supported by a governing body and various funding sources, including donations (Lifeline Christian Ministries, 2023). Social Work Services At Lifeline Ministries, social workers play essential roles in delivering services. These professionals possess extensive experience, with some boasting over 18 years in the field. Moreover, Lifeline actively welcomes students seeking internships and practicum opportunities. For instance, Abigail Dorival George, a former teacher, transitioned to social work at Lifeline Ministries after completing her education journey. Social workers here take on diverse

3 responsibilities, including addressing the unique needs of children with special requirements (Lifeline Christian Ministries, 2023). In addition to their longstanding commitment to community development, social workers at Lifeline engage in roles that directly impact the well-being of individuals and families. For example, they support families dealing with children with special needs. This involves working closely with parents to create tailored plans to improve the quality of life for these children. Lifeline's social workers also conduct community outreach programs, fostering connections with local residents. By identifying needs and providing resources, these professionals uphold the values of social work, particularly empowerment and community engagement (Lifeline Christian Ministries, 2023). Volunteer Experience My volunteer engagement at Lifeline Christian Mission was both enlightening and rewarding. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by a team of dedicated individuals who radiated warmth and friendliness. This atmosphere set the tone for a memorable experience. My primary responsibilities at Lifeline included packing uncooked food items and ensuring precise measurements before packaging. This meticulous process was essential in providing aid to communities across the world. Working alongside various groups, each tasked with specific roles, demonstrated the power of collaboration in achieving a common goal. The culmination of efforts at Lifeline was evident when pallets laden with food were prepared for shipment to destinations worldwide. Witnessing this process in action underscored the impact that dedicated volunteers and professionals can have on addressing global issues. The commitment and passion of the social workers and volunteers at Lifeline left a lasting impression on me. One valuable lesson I learned from this volunteer experience was the significance of

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4 community engagement. Lifeline's mission to empower communities aligns closely with the core values of social work, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and social change. Witnessing the organization's tireless efforts to uplift communities highlighted the potential of social work to effect meaningful change. Furthermore, my time at Lifeline Christian Mission allowed me to reflect on my strengths and areas for development as a prospective social worker. I demonstrated three strengths during my volunteer experience: teamwork, attention to detail, and adaptability. These skills proved essential in coordinating tasks and ensuring the efficiency of food packaging operations. Collaborating with diverse teams fostered an appreciation for the collective effort required in social work. However, I also identified three areas where I could use further development to be more effective as a social worker. These areas include cultural competence, crisis intervention, and client assessment. Engaging with diverse groups of volunteers and considering the global reach of Lifeline underscored the importance of cultural sensitivity in social work practice. Additionally, the exposure to challenging situations highlighted the need for advanced crisis intervention skills and a more comprehensive approach to client assessment. Ultimately, my volunteer experience at Lifeline Christian Mission contributed to my evaluation of my desire to pursue a career in social work. It was a meaningful experience that reinforced my passion for positively impacting individuals and communities. Witnessing the dedication and compassion of social workers and volunteers at Lifeline inspired me to continue my journey toward becoming a social work professional. 2. Hope Center The Hope Center serves a vital role in our community by addressing homelessness and providing life-sustaining services. Their mission revolves around offering comprehensive

5 support, including food, clothing, medical care, and shelter, focusing on addressing the root causes of homelessness (Hope Center, n.d.). Social Work Services Social work services at the Hope Center encompass a wide range of support for individuals facing homelessness and related challenges. These services include assistance for those dealing with substance use disorders, mental health diagnosis and treatment, employment support, transitional housing, and street outreach. Social workers at the Hope Center play a central role in providing clients guidance, advocacy, and resources, facilitating their journey toward stability and recovery (Hope Center, n.d.). Volunteer Experience My volunteer experience was both eye-opening and humbling. When I walked through their doors, I was greeted by a compassionate and welcoming staff member. Her warmth immediately put me at ease and set the tone for my time there. While volunteering at the Hope Center, I served meals to individuals struggling with addiction. The immediate impact of providing nourishment to those in need was striking. It emphasized the profound connection between basic human needs, such as food, and overall well-being. Observing the transformation in the faces of those who received a warm meal underscored social workers' fundamental role in addressing complex societal issues. It illuminated the significance of empathy, support, and understanding in social work. This experience deepened my appreciation for the Hope Center's dedication to serving vulnerable populations. The insights gained from my volunteer experience at the Hope Center extend beyond the immediate act of serving meals. It highlighted the broader role of social workers in addressing multifaceted issues such as homelessness and addiction. These professionals act as advocates, providing essential

6 resources and fostering a sense of hope among clients. Witnessing their commitment left an indelible mark on my understanding of social work and its capacity for positive change. 3. Animal Shelter Jessamine County Animal Care and Control (JCACC) is a group dedicated to serving the local government and the general public. Established the Jessamine County Fiscal Court as a public department following Kentucky Revised Statutes; it functions under the name Jessamine County Animal Care and Control. This esteemed program is recognized as a government- sanctioned entity and adheres to the guidelines in Kentucky statutes. You will find a team of experienced veterinarian technicians proficient in animal care within this group. The mission of the Animal Shelter under JCACC is to ensure the well-being of Jessamine County Residents, regardless of whether they have two or four legs. Furthermore, this agency provides adoption services for cats and dogs, working diligently to ensure the happiness and health of these animals until they find permanent homes. Their efforts encompass vaccination, feeding, and training for dogs and cats. As a government-backed program, JCACC receives donations to maintain these beloved pets' safety and health consistently. Foster caregivers are crucial in providing temporary care until the animals are ready for adoption. Within the Animal Shelter, various job positions exist, including social work-related duties, human resources, adoption counseling, grief counseling, client support services, foster care placement, and staff training (Jessamine County Animal Care & Control, 2021). The Animal Shelter also collaborates with Canine Licensing, aiming to maintain a database that facilitates the identification of dogs. To achieve this, they have established a computerized system containing comprehensive information about each dog and its owner, including age, breed, markings, sex, and electronic I.D. While formal education is not

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7 emphasized at the Animal Shelter, they prioritize candidates with a background in animal care and relevant experience rather than degrees like B.S.W. or M.S.W. Specifically, the ideal candidate should possess experience in animal training and behavior analysis (Jessamine County Animal Care & Control, 2021). Social Work Services While the Animal Shelter's primary focus is on animals' well-being, discussions about treatment options with pet owners are not uncommon. These conversations are vital in addressing potential value conflicts when pets face health issues. The agency's emphasis on animal welfare aligns with the broader principles of social work, which emphasize enhancing the overall well-being of all community members (Jessamine County Animal Care & Control, 2021). Volunteer Experience Upon entering the Animal Shelter, the friendly and knowledgeable staff quickly dispelled my initial apprehension. They took the time to familiarize me with their operations and reassured me about my role as a volunteer. This welcoming atmosphere immediately put me at ease. During my time at the Animal Shelter, I had the opportunity to interact with various animals, including dogs, cats, and even some birds. Before selecting a pet for interaction, the staff provided essential guidance and information about their unique personalities and needs. This approach was crucial in ensuring a positive experience for the animals and volunteers. One memorable encounter was with a dog named Lilly. Taking Lilly for a walk outside was a heartwarming experience. Her gentle demeanor and our immediate connection highlighted the therapeutic nature of human-animal interactions. It underscored the importance of providing care and support to animals in need, even in a non-traditional social work setting.

8 While my time at the Animal Shelter did not involve traditional social work practices, it emphasized the broader principles of compassion, empathy, and care for vulnerable populations. It served as a reminder that social work extends beyond human clients to include animals, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings. 4. Food Pantry The Jessamine County Food Pantry has been a cornerstone of support for individuals and families in need since 2004. Their mission is centered on eliminating hunger and enhancing community health and well-being. They offer food distribution services and rely on various funding sources, including monetary contributions and support from programs like Kroger Community Rewards (Jessamine County Food Pantry, n.d.). Volunteer Experience My time at the Food Pantry was characterized by a straightforward yet profoundly impactful role: packing diverse food items into boxes and carefully placing them onto pallets for distribution. The sense of purpose that enveloped the pantry was tangible; it was a place where individuals from all walks of life came together to address a fundamental need—food. The Food Pantry's operations extended far beyond its walls. It served as a vital link in the chain of support for those facing food shortages within the community. Every box we packed held the potential to provide nourishment to individuals and families in need, not just locally but also globally. What made my experience particularly rewarding was the knowledge that the food we prepared would find its way to people worldwide. This global impact underscored the importance of community-based initiatives like the Jessamine County Food Pantry in addressing hunger. Established in 2004, the Jessamine County Food Pantry had honed its operations to provide a swift and efficient food distribution process. Their commitment to eliminating hunger

9 and improving community well-being was evident in their mission. As a non-profit community agency, they went beyond just providing food; they offered valuable community education and advocacy, aiming to address the root causes of food insecurity. The agency relied on diverse funding sources to sustain its critical work. Donations could be made monetarily through platforms like PayPal or by check, sent to P.O. Box 31, Nicholasville, KY 40340. The Kroger Community Rewards program also empowered customers to contribute funds to the Food Pantry through their Kroger Plus cards. The simplicity of this initiative made it accessible to a wide range of supporters. Creating an online account and selecting the Food Pantry as the chosen organization demonstrated how community engagement could drive meaningful change. The client registration process ensured that those needing assistance could access it easily. This client-centric approach allowed the Food Pantry to efficiently distribute food to individuals and families while maintaining their dignity and respect.

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10 References Hope Center. (2023). Our Mission. https://www.hopectr.org/ Jessamine County Animal Care & Control. (2021). Adopt A Pet | Jessamine County Animal Care & Control (JCACC). https://adoptjcacc.com/ Lifeline Christian Ministries. (2023). Home - Lifeline Christian Mission. https://lifeline.org/ Nikol, A (2022, September). SWK 210 Volunteer Service Project

SWK 210 Volunteer Service Project 2023 2 (1)

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