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.
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!
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!
Wow, as I prepare to board the flight to Johannesburg, I cannot contain my excitement. But after prepping since January with mini research missions on the Namibian economy, government, and conservation efforts, I feel more than ready. The long flight is really intimidating, and I am really bad at sleeping on planes, so I hope that I am not to tired when I arrive. I am most looking forward to doing independent research at the Cheetah Conservation Fund, which will build off of my classroom knowledge with real world experience. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and I thank Collegiate School and my family for making this trip possible
Wow, as I prepare to board the flight to Johannesburg, I cannot contain my excitement. But after prepping since January with mini research missions on the Namibian economy, government, and conservation efforts, I feel more than ready. The long flight is really intimidating, and I am really bad at sleeping on planes, so I hope that I am not to tired when I arrive. I am most looking forward to doing independent research at the Cheetah Conservation Fund, which will build off of my classroom knowledge with real world experience. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and I thank Collegiate School and my family for making this trip possible
The last of our meetings today was based around the idea of “need”. The point of the meeting was to discuss our needs, the needs of Los Quinchos, and how our needs compare to theirs. After much discussion, we concluded that we all have needs in the emotional sense and that Los Quinchos also are/were faced with the need to survive. After coming to this conclusion, we decided that it would be important for us to make our needs known to Los Quinchos so that they don’t think we are any better than they are. This openness of our needs demonstrates the idea of vulnerability or the willingness to be open about sensitive sides of your life. Overall, the theme of vulnerability manifested itself throughout the entire day. There were multiple occasions in which members of our group opened up about their needs and struggles. Their vulnerabulity brought us closer together.
Kirby K.
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
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
Hey everyone!
Today was a great day of service! We began the day at 7:45 with an orientation where we learned about YSOP’s mission. We also learned about the missions of each of the sites we will be working at, as well as some general information on the people we will be working with. We were assigned to go to a program known as “The Wider Circle” which provides high quality refurbished materials to low-income families who have just purchased/acquired homes. In addition to furniture, there were also sections for house ware, toys and baby clothing. They have an upper dock which serves as an area to load up the clients’ vehicles with their new furniture. The lower dock receives the donated furniture which in turn is sorted into categories where it is inspected for cleanliness, functionality and damage. Colson, Connor, Brad, Kieran, Charlie and Ashray all were sent to load and unload. Once any given piece of furniture is deemed usable, it was given a red sticker which meant it was ready to take upstairs to the showroom. We had 5-6 truckloads full of stuff being donated as well as 7-8 trucks leaving with stuff for clients. After leaving Wider Circle, we returned home to the church. The walk from the warehouse to the metro station was roughly 1 mile and overall today we logged about 10.5 miles.
Hey everyone!
Today was a great day of service! We began the day at 7:45 with an orientation where we learned about YSOP’s mission. We also learned about the missions of each of the sites we will be working at, as well as some general information on the people we will be working with. We were assigned to go to a program known as “The Wider Circle” which provides high quality refurbished materials to low-income families who have just purchased/acquired homes. In addition to furniture, there were also sections for house ware, toys and baby clothing. They have an upper dock which serves as an area to load up the clients’ vehicles with their new furniture. The lower dock receives the donated furniture which in turn is sorted into categories where it is inspected for cleanliness, functionality and damage. Colson, Connor, Brad, Kieran, Charlie and Ashray all were sent to load and unload. Once any given piece of furniture is deemed usable, it was given a red sticker which meant it was ready to take upstairs to the showroom. We had 5-6 truckloads full of stuff being donated as well as 7-8 trucks leaving with stuff for clients. After leaving Wider Circle, we returned home to the church. The walk from the warehouse to the metro station was roughly 1 mile and overall today we logged about 10.5 miles.
