What amazed me most about our visit to the Jewish Family Services of San Diego was the devotion for lending a helping hand to the community. During our tour, I learned so much about the countless programs of services they provide- they range anywhere from family services, free meals, to safe parking at night. I felt that this was quite unique in comparison to other facilities/programs that focus on helping a particular population of people.
While touring the buildings of JFS, we stopped by the mini market that is open for prequalified individuals and families. I have personally worked at food pantries for churches and nonprofit programs in Los Angeles, but none compare to the ambience and feeling of regaining a sense of confidence at JFS. Often times, people and families may feel embarrassed having to go to a food bank to receive free food- it is as if it is shameful for needing such help. When I worked in different food pantries, many of the clients would keep their heads down and no further interaction would take place. Here at JFS, the atmosphere at the market is bright and welcoming which allows one to regain their sense of self and reduce any thoughts of shame they may have. Moreover, JFS not only provides free food, but clients who come are given further assistance- the workers try to figure out how else individuals can be helped and what could be done to bring them back to their feet.
After our tour, we spent some time with a class of older adults and played BINGO with nursery rhymes. The individuals I sat with were so well versed in these childhood nursery rhymes; I did not even know half of them! The woman to my right was appreciative of the help I gave her when trying to pinpoint a word to a picture on her BINGO card. She was also so happy for me when I won BINGO (as a prize I got a super cool 1-million-dollar bill). All in all, I genuinely enjoyed my experience at JFS and I hope that after I graduate, I can come back to help as a volunteer.
While touring the buildings of JFS, we stopped by the mini market that is open for prequalified individuals and families. I have personally worked at food pantries for churches and nonprofit programs in Los Angeles, but none compare to the ambience and feeling of regaining a sense of confidence at JFS. Often times, people and families may feel embarrassed having to go to a food bank to receive free food- it is as if it is shameful for needing such help. When I worked in different food pantries, many of the clients would keep their heads down and no further interaction would take place. Here at JFS, the atmosphere at the market is bright and welcoming which allows one to regain their sense of self and reduce any thoughts of shame they may have. Moreover, JFS not only provides free food, but clients who come are given further assistance- the workers try to figure out how else individuals can be helped and what could be done to bring them back to their feet.
After our tour, we spent some time with a class of older adults and played BINGO with nursery rhymes. The individuals I sat with were so well versed in these childhood nursery rhymes; I did not even know half of them! The woman to my right was appreciative of the help I gave her when trying to pinpoint a word to a picture on her BINGO card. She was also so happy for me when I won BINGO (as a prize I got a super cool 1-million-dollar bill). All in all, I genuinely enjoyed my experience at JFS and I hope that after I graduate, I can come back to help as a volunteer.