Author: Aaron Fulk

Ms. Seay’s Group!


A Brief Poem of Today
By Spencer and Caroline a.k.a (podophobia girl)

Our group, led by Ms. Seay
Worked on Ms. Chatman’s house did we!
Trimming trees and pulling weeds,
We did this all as good deeds.

After our work, the day began to unravel,
Hours of adventure with tons of travel.
Sadly, we began to seem addicted to our phones,
We got reprimanded with a disapproving tone.

We put down our phones and then got dinner,
After a delicious meal we all felt like winners.
In a nearby park, there were trees with bark,
We gave toiletries to those in need ‘til dark.

We soon ventured over to the National Mall,
Where each and every person had a ball.
We discovered some veterans putting on a musical show;
A newfound patriotism we began to love and know.

Shout out to our Mommies <3!- Spencer, Caroline, & Helen

Dinner in U St. at Busboy & Poets!

Handing out toiletries in McPherson Square



An Impactful Reflection
By: Helen, Kenya, Sid, Spencer, and Caroline


            How we would love to focus on the positive and fun filled parts of our day, reflection time is always a somber reminder of the complex, financial realities of the world we live in.  We were given a hypothetical scenario of a single, unemployed mother with two children receiving food stamps and government assistance. Even though “Tina” qualified for Medicare, we learned of other expenses and difficult financial choices. For example, Tina could live in an emergency shelter for free, but with her two children, she would face dangerous conditions and a strict curfew policy making it nearly impossible to find and maintain a stable job. Her other more expensive choice would be housing in a small apartment but she would have little to no money for other necessities such as clothes, daycare, transportation, or unexpected emergencies. What we thought to be a hypothetical situation is a despairing reality for many people in this community, some of whom we have met and served.  Though we may not be able to solve the issues during our week here in DC, we are more educated about the world we live in and can more forward as better-informed and more compassionate citizens.



Air Force Band at the Washington Monument

Ms. Seay’s Group!


A Brief Poem of Today
By Spencer and Caroline a.k.a (podophobia girl)

Our group, led by Ms. Seay
Worked on Ms. Chatman’s house did we!
Trimming trees and pulling weeds,
We did this all as good deeds.

After our work, the day began to unravel,
Hours of adventure with tons of travel.
Sadly, we began to seem addicted to our phones,
We got reprimanded with a disapproving tone.

We put down our phones and then got dinner,
After a delicious meal we all felt like winners.
In a nearby park, there were trees with bark,
We gave toiletries to those in need ‘til dark.

We soon ventured over to the National Mall,
Where each and every person had a ball.
We discovered some veterans putting on a musical show;
A newfound patriotism we began to love and know.

Shout out to our Mommies <3!- Spencer, Caroline, & Helen

Dinner in U St. at Busboy & Poets!

Handing out toiletries in McPherson Square



An Impactful Reflection
By: Helen, Kenya, Sid, Spencer, and Caroline


            How we would love to focus on the positive and fun filled parts of our day, reflection time is always a somber reminder of the complex, financial realities of the world we live in.  We were given a hypothetical scenario of a single, unemployed mother with two children receiving food stamps and government assistance. Even though “Tina” qualified for Medicare, we learned of other expenses and difficult financial choices. For example, Tina could live in an emergency shelter for free, but with her two children, she would face dangerous conditions and a strict curfew policy making it nearly impossible to find and maintain a stable job. Her other more expensive choice would be housing in a small apartment but she would have little to no money for other necessities such as clothes, daycare, transportation, or unexpected emergencies. What we thought to be a hypothetical situation is a despairing reality for many people in this community, some of whom we have met and served.  Though we may not be able to solve the issues during our week here in DC, we are more educated about the world we live in and can more forward as better-informed and more compassionate citizens.



Air Force Band at the Washington Monument

Mrs. Markiewicz’s Group

June 9th a Tuesday

            Things today were swaggy, creepy, as well as exciting. We started with a harrowing trek on the bus to what we now know as a place that saves lives.  Serving food as well as cleaning dishes, mopping floors, and giving kind smiles are only some of the delightful acts we encountered on this fine day.
            I pondered my thoughts during sign in, my hands clicked the buttons like nothing before.  With a snap of the fingers we put our bags in a drawer and ventured to our task of setting tables.  There, I rolled the circular tables to their rightful destination.  From there I strolled to the chairs in order to house the needy.  BLAM! I am putting coffee grounds in a bucket and mmm did it smell good! ;)  Snip Snap patty’s back scrubbing dishes and cleaning utensils for the homeless.  SPIN MOVE going to grab juice and handing them to the people… Peppermint or Lemon? 

            Tip toe through the window we are rumbling around in the mushy middle making banana pudding for future use.  Slish Slosh back to work, mopping floors as well as snapping necks aka green beans.   Then we said “bye, bye, birdie” as we leave the site for the mall.  Fast forward a couple hours, we are back to work setting more tables and cooking muffins, and making a fruit bowl and pancakes.  Swoosh doors open and people spill in like an avalanche.   I didn’t know we were at the beach because things were getting “Shelly.”Lol!  Smooth like butter, Shelly was dropping knowledge like a couple of apples from a tree.  Smack, Wham, no said ham, muffins were out of the oven and dessert was being served.  Things look grim when ice cream was threatened, yet light shined once more when was it in store. Meow, Meow, Kittie purrs and gives some delightful nicknames out the wazoo, unlike the Ragu packed yesterday.  Snaps all around, the day came to a close when we sat down to right this blog.
            -Joe, Annie, AC



Mrs. Markiewicz’s Group

June 9th a Tuesday

            Things today were swaggy, creepy, as well as exciting. We started with a harrowing trek on the bus to what we now know as a place that saves lives.  Serving food as well as cleaning dishes, mopping floors, and giving kind smiles are only some of the delightful acts we encountered on this fine day.
            I pondered my thoughts during sign in, my hands clicked the buttons like nothing before.  With a snap of the fingers we put our bags in a drawer and ventured to our task of setting tables.  There, I rolled the circular tables to their rightful destination.  From there I strolled to the chairs in order to house the needy.  BLAM! I am putting coffee grounds in a bucket and mmm did it smell good! ;)  Snip Snap patty’s back scrubbing dishes and cleaning utensils for the homeless.  SPIN MOVE going to grab juice and handing them to the people… Peppermint or Lemon? 

            Tip toe through the window we are rumbling around in the mushy middle making banana pudding for future use.  Slish Slosh back to work, mopping floors as well as snapping necks aka green beans.   Then we said “bye, bye, birdie” as we leave the site for the mall.  Fast forward a couple hours, we are back to work setting more tables and cooking muffins, and making a fruit bowl and pancakes.  Swoosh doors open and people spill in like an avalanche.   I didn’t know we were at the beach because things were getting “Shelly.”Lol!  Smooth like butter, Shelly was dropping knowledge like a couple of apples from a tree.  Smack, Wham, no said ham, muffins were out of the oven and dessert was being served.  Things look grim when ice cream was threatened, yet light shined once more when was it in store. Meow, Meow, Kittie purrs and gives some delightful nicknames out the wazoo, unlike the Ragu packed yesterday.  Snaps all around, the day came to a close when we sat down to right this blog.
            -Joe, Annie, AC



Mrs. Markiewicz’s Group!

Our group spent the day at Thrive D.C. in the northern part of our nations capital. We rode the bus today, which was a bit slower than the metro but still succeeded in getting us there on time and in one piece. We were put to work upon arrival at Thrive. Some were setting up tables while others helped out with preparing the meals in the kitchen (like one team member who sliced more bread then he ever thought was possible). The doors opened around 8:30 and the service began. Sandwiches donated from local restaurants were served along with soup until 9:15 and then “breakfast” began, which consisted of a turkey like substance and some side dishes were served along with tea. All 168 of those we fed were very nice and appreciative of all the work our group was doing, which made it all worthwhile. We concluded our service with some various kitchen activities. The team then returned to our residence to rest and snack.  

            At 4:30 our group made our way back to the church from seeing the sights at the national Mall. We needed prepare to serve 40 D.C. area residents a breakfast dinner which consisted of pancakes, fruit salad, egg casserole, and muffins. Things needed cooking, tables needed setting, and coffee needed brewing; there was much to do. At 6:00 the doors were opened and in spilled the hungry visitors. Much fun was had by all as we met some fun and interesting people of all types. We played games with the visitors and chatted with them about where they were form or their hobbies. Everyone was sad when our newly made friends had to leave so that we could clean up. After clean up, the group reflected on our experience (some more silently than others) and talked with some experienced YSOPers. The group is now “settling down” before bed.


            Side note-everyone please call Maya Mehta “Mayo” now due to a name tag mishap at our site today that had everyone laughing.




Mrs. Markiewicz’s Group!

Our group spent the day at Thrive D.C. in the northern part of our nations capital. We rode the bus today, which was a bit slower than the metro but still succeeded in getting us there on time and in one piece. We were put to work upon arrival at Thrive. Some were setting up tables while others helped out with preparing the meals in the kitchen (like one team member who sliced more bread then he ever thought was possible). The doors opened around 8:30 and the service began. Sandwiches donated from local restaurants were served along with soup until 9:15 and then “breakfast” began, which consisted of a turkey like substance and some side dishes were served along with tea. All 168 of those we fed were very nice and appreciative of all the work our group was doing, which made it all worthwhile. We concluded our service with some various kitchen activities. The team then returned to our residence to rest and snack.  

            At 4:30 our group made our way back to the church from seeing the sights at the national Mall. We needed prepare to serve 40 D.C. area residents a breakfast dinner which consisted of pancakes, fruit salad, egg casserole, and muffins. Things needed cooking, tables needed setting, and coffee needed brewing; there was much to do. At 6:00 the doors were opened and in spilled the hungry visitors. Much fun was had by all as we met some fun and interesting people of all types. We played games with the visitors and chatted with them about where they were form or their hobbies. Everyone was sad when our newly made friends had to leave so that we could clean up. After clean up, the group reflected on our experience (some more silently than others) and talked with some experienced YSOPers. The group is now “settling down” before bed.


            Side note-everyone please call Maya Mehta “Mayo” now due to a name tag mishap at our site today that had everyone laughing.




Cougars Doing Great!

Yesterday, the White House was evacuated for a security threat, but we want to assure everyone in the community we are doing fantastic. Most of the students didn't know this event happened yesterday. We will publish new posts later in the day!

Cougars Doing Great!

Yesterday, the White House was evacuated for a security threat, but we want to assure everyone in the community we are doing fantastic. Most of the students didn't know this event happened yesterday. We will publish new posts later in the day!

Mrs. A’s Group: Grace, Brad, & Guest Poster Polly

Today we went to a Wider Circle to help move furniture. We moved the furniture from the trucks and into the warehouse. The warehouse was dirty but clean in the same way.
          
The Wider Circle, a furniture and clothes warehouse, not only “widened” my perspective, but also enlightened me that people all over DC struggle with the cost of their needs. I was asked to work in the toys department, collecting and distributing puzzles and stuff animals around the “store.” It was amazing to see how high demand simple toys can be. Within minutes people would take the toys. Even though I did not have a personal experience with any of the people, I knew that for a little kid to take their own toy and to call it their own means so much to them.

Another job that was assigned was working with linens and baby clothing. The amount of clothes and bedding that had been donated was overwhelming in a good way because the demand for something as simple as bedding was so high.

When we returned from our trip, an AmeriCorps member, Mariah, told us her story about why she started working for YSOP. Mariah grew up in Colorado in a town named Greeley and last year she became homeless due to a natural disaster. Her experiences being on the other side of the service made her realize that she wanted to work for a non-profit organization. She joined YSOP to try and teach volunteers how to treat people without a home with compassion and respect. 

Organizing like champs...

Blue Men Group

The capitol may be under construction, but that doesn't stop the YSOP'ers adventures

Mrs. A’s Group: Grace, Brad, & Guest Poster Polly

Today we went to a Wider Circle to help move furniture. We moved the furniture from the trucks and into the warehouse. The warehouse was dirty but clean in the same way.
          
The Wider Circle, a furniture and clothes warehouse, not only “widened” my perspective, but also enlightened me that people all over DC struggle with the cost of their needs. I was asked to work in the toys department, collecting and distributing puzzles and stuff animals around the “store.” It was amazing to see how high demand simple toys can be. Within minutes people would take the toys. Even though I did not have a personal experience with any of the people, I knew that for a little kid to take their own toy and to call it their own means so much to them.

Another job that was assigned was working with linens and baby clothing. The amount of clothes and bedding that had been donated was overwhelming in a good way because the demand for something as simple as bedding was so high.

When we returned from our trip, an AmeriCorps member, Mariah, told us her story about why she started working for YSOP. Mariah grew up in Colorado in a town named Greeley and last year she became homeless due to a natural disaster. Her experiences being on the other side of the service made her realize that she wanted to work for a non-profit organization. She joined YSOP to try and teach volunteers how to treat people without a home with compassion and respect. 

Organizing like champs...

Blue Men Group

The capitol may be under construction, but that doesn't stop the YSOP'ers adventures