Monday, January 24, 2011
Is it Rescuing or Helping?
As paperwork and funding policies are changing, we all have to learn/relearn how to go about working with the consumers and their crises. It used to be that if they provided proper documentation, etc. we would help inviduals with up to a certain amount, and families such and such. Now the way it is working, we are having to go deeper with people and find out if their situations are really sustainable. Are we rescuing them from that one particular crisis or are we truly helping them in the long run as they face the future? I am personally finding it difficult to deal with people in this way because some of them may be working really hard to do what they can to prevent eviction from their homes, but it isn't enough for us to financially assist them. We are basically put in a position to judge whether their situation is worth helping to improve. If life was perfect, we say we would help everyone. But if you go deeper and consider the potential consequences, would we? Do you want to help someone who is going to stay in the rut they are in due to their personal life choices? Hopefully this new method of working with consumers will help us to truly empower people and hand them the reins of changing their future.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Week Two
This week in field I got to meet with some consumers in person, answer phones, and do follow up surveys. The experience that sticks out to me took place on Monday, when I was meeting people directly.
This case dealt with a woman who had all of the paperwork she needed and was ready for us to do our part in helping her financially. Through my dialogue with her I learned that we had already assisted her in getting to the point of sustaining her housing by suggesting she call legal aid. We encourage consumers to make goals such as finding/holding on to work, developing positive relationships with landlords, etc. She's also seeking grief counseling on her own initiative. As I was working with her in signing the remaining forms, I mentioned to her that I may be going about it more slowly because I want to make sure that everything is taken care of. She was so kind and said, "all I know is that a really nice lady in gray helped me". (I was wearing a gray sweater).
It continues to amaze me how positive people can be when they are facing crises. Many of the people I see at my internship are like this, and there is also a good portion of people who are more negative in their interactions and response to the trials they face. I know where my strength and encouragement comes from, and sometimes I wonder if I should "wonder" more with people about their values.
This case dealt with a woman who had all of the paperwork she needed and was ready for us to do our part in helping her financially. Through my dialogue with her I learned that we had already assisted her in getting to the point of sustaining her housing by suggesting she call legal aid. We encourage consumers to make goals such as finding/holding on to work, developing positive relationships with landlords, etc. She's also seeking grief counseling on her own initiative. As I was working with her in signing the remaining forms, I mentioned to her that I may be going about it more slowly because I want to make sure that everything is taken care of. She was so kind and said, "all I know is that a really nice lady in gray helped me". (I was wearing a gray sweater).
It continues to amaze me how positive people can be when they are facing crises. Many of the people I see at my internship are like this, and there is also a good portion of people who are more negative in their interactions and response to the trials they face. I know where my strength and encouragement comes from, and sometimes I wonder if I should "wonder" more with people about their values.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Week One
After my first semester of graduate social work field work last semester, I decided that I wanted to better keep track of the experiences and lessons I have. This term I am going to try doing that through blogging. (I guess I'm on a blogging kick right now. lol)
Last week I had an interesting encounter on the bus as I was on my way home from class. Due to seeing seats in the back and wanting to leave room in the front for others, I ended up sitting in the back. When I got back there a man (who later told me he was 48) said Happy New Year to me and I returned the greeting. I had my earbuds on, listening to my music, and assumed that he would let me sit and enjoy that during my ride. But, no.
This man proceeded to tell me about how he had a really nice house and two cars and all he needed was a woman. I just nod politely and continue to listen to my music. He goes on to talk about how his wife wanted a Mustang and he got it for her - at this point he starts to tear up - and then she died in her sleep from internal bleeding. He was very emotional and had to stop a couple times due to his tears. Before it was time for me to get off the bus he tells me that the guy I marry will take care of me. I was just like "thank you". This whole time he kept saying how all he needed in a woman was to take care of the house while he worked. As he talked to me I kept thinking about how he seemed to be searching for fulfillment in life and thought that a woman would give that feeling of wholeness. I guess all he needed on that bus ride was someone to listen. Thank you empathy training from internship last semester!
Last week I had an interesting encounter on the bus as I was on my way home from class. Due to seeing seats in the back and wanting to leave room in the front for others, I ended up sitting in the back. When I got back there a man (who later told me he was 48) said Happy New Year to me and I returned the greeting. I had my earbuds on, listening to my music, and assumed that he would let me sit and enjoy that during my ride. But, no.
This man proceeded to tell me about how he had a really nice house and two cars and all he needed was a woman. I just nod politely and continue to listen to my music. He goes on to talk about how his wife wanted a Mustang and he got it for her - at this point he starts to tear up - and then she died in her sleep from internal bleeding. He was very emotional and had to stop a couple times due to his tears. Before it was time for me to get off the bus he tells me that the guy I marry will take care of me. I was just like "thank you". This whole time he kept saying how all he needed in a woman was to take care of the house while he worked. As he talked to me I kept thinking about how he seemed to be searching for fulfillment in life and thought that a woman would give that feeling of wholeness. I guess all he needed on that bus ride was someone to listen. Thank you empathy training from internship last semester!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)