This week was my favorite week by far. This seems to be quite redundant in my reflections but it is true nonetheless. I feel like this week was the best mix of learning, interacting with the elderly population and service work. We had a presentation where we were told that that the federal poverty line was created by estimating what one uses for food and triple in 1955 and is still used to this day. Those who visit the center fall below the poverty line and although most receive their federal benefits and food from the center, housing is still an issue and many are on waiting lists with hindered ahead of them, deeming the voucher system useless to a large extent. The clinic was a large help for those wishing to be tested and the dental facilities are some of the most advanced and some of the only free ones in the nation, which was surprising to see but delightful as well. The location of the facility was really adequate for its needs and population in my opinion since there is a large homeless population in downtown and being so central allows them to help a large group of people easily.
The food was great and free if they use their services, but the only downfall was that it is standardized meaning that it is not adjusted to those with dietary restrictions, albeit due to religious reasons or due to allergies. The food is also under seasoned as to fit the pallets of most and basic seasoning is offered to those if wanted. Tea and coffee is offered at 75cents and the elderly lady serving it was one of my favorites there. She knew how most of the people liked there drinks, with the exact measurements of sugar and creamer, down to the type of sweetener. She wore a red hat with a red jacket and red lipsticks and smiled throughout her shift. She was a great conversationalists and was a joy to work alongside whilst serving food.
Interacting with the elders was rewarding as well. A small group of us was talking to a gentleman that was the brother of one of the elders that was a director of the center. He was originally from Louisiana but was transient at the moment in order to see all of his children. He kept joking with us and the staff, but always made sure to greet anyone that walked in and out and even had nicknames for them to make sure that they felt special which is something I want to start implementing and keep doing.
The food was great and free if they use their services, but the only downfall was that it is standardized meaning that it is not adjusted to those with dietary restrictions, albeit due to religious reasons or due to allergies. The food is also under seasoned as to fit the pallets of most and basic seasoning is offered to those if wanted. Tea and coffee is offered at 75cents and the elderly lady serving it was one of my favorites there. She knew how most of the people liked there drinks, with the exact measurements of sugar and creamer, down to the type of sweetener. She wore a red hat with a red jacket and red lipsticks and smiled throughout her shift. She was a great conversationalists and was a joy to work alongside whilst serving food.
Interacting with the elders was rewarding as well. A small group of us was talking to a gentleman that was the brother of one of the elders that was a director of the center. He was originally from Louisiana but was transient at the moment in order to see all of his children. He kept joking with us and the staff, but always made sure to greet anyone that walked in and out and even had nicknames for them to make sure that they felt special which is something I want to start implementing and keep doing.