Best Blog Ever!!!

At 23 years old, I am the youngest staffer at United Way, and this is my first blog. I’m a little freaked out this is long—but it’s worth it!

Maybe I’m not as cool as my fellow Gen Y’ers (as my boss likes to refer to us) but this is my first - so bear with me. When Nancy told me that I was going to go out to agencies… all by myself… and come back and blog about it- I was really scared and excited at the same time.

This was the first assignment that I went out in the public to represent the United Way without a trusty sidekick. My first assignment: Salvation Army.

Just to give you a little background about me. I am just about two years out of college (wow that’s a scary thought!) I grew up in the Park Ave area and although I live in the city- I’ve never ventured downtown much. I also went to Mercy High School, so I guess what I am trying to say is that I have led sort of a semi-sheltered life up to this point.

When I first arrived I was very excited that I was able to navigate my way around downtown without getting lost and able to find a meter to park at. I quickly walked down to the main office to meet with Bonnie, the Director of Development at Salvation Army. I talked to Major Deitrick and we headed over to Booth Haven- the men’s shelter. (see the picture above – I took it outside of Booth Haven.)

I was really surprised when we walked into the shelter. It was not what I thought a shelter would be like—it was incredibly clean. It was almost like a college dorm with a common area, a health clinic, free laundry facilities, a cafeteria downstairs, and small rooms that you share with a roommate.

I soon learned about all the different opportunities that Salvation Army offers.

They really try to take a holistic approach and serve people in all aspects of their lives. They also really try to work on achieving the next level of sufficiency for the men who come in.

I was also surprised to learn that they are at full-capacity year round, and even have a waiting list to get into the shelters.

The Salvation Army really differs from other shelters. There are no rules other than no drugs or alcohol on the premises. They also take you as you are, and are willing to do everything they can to get you back on your feet.

Every client who walks thru the doors of Booth-Haven and stays for more than one night meets with a case worker to get an individual plan. They help pay bills, have drug and alcohol counseling, help you get gainful employment. I had no idea!

On the way back, Bonnie and I came across a man who needed some help with his RG&E bill. I was very impressed that Bonnie took the time to listen to this man’s story and really try to point him in the right direction.

I guess I always wondered where the ‘crisis’ money to United Way went. Now I know. Next year I will give more because I know that great things will be accomplished with it.

Stayed tuned in the next couple weeks, where I will spotlight another one of our agency partners as I continue my venture… and learn more about how the dollars given to United Way help our community.