Second Spike information:
My team got our FIRST choice. We are psyched!!
Project: Habitat for Humanity, building houses
Place: New Orleans
Housing: Camp Hope
Thrilled..And so releaved to know finally. Now to concentrate again on this project..
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Anticipation
Ryan, our team leader, turns 24 today.
Happy Birthday to him.
More importantly, he knows where our second spike (project) is going to me. And what we will be doing. And where we will be staying.
And he REFUSES TO TELL US.
Well, he refuses to tell just me. Or anyone, for that matter, before the entire team is assembled together. Which, given our crazy jobs, means about 5:30 pm.
I am not good at waiting.
Granted, I have patience. I was excellent at the quiet game. I can sit for hours reading a book. But tell me something is going to happen at a certain time, and keep that thing a secret, and I cannot focus on anything else.
It reminded me of the time after an audition before the cast list would be posted. Or before hearing from colleges. I know it's going to have a major impact on me. I know it's going to be news and change things regardless of th information. But I just want to KNOW. NOW.
Arggg...
Happy Birthday to him.
More importantly, he knows where our second spike (project) is going to me. And what we will be doing. And where we will be staying.
And he REFUSES TO TELL US.
Well, he refuses to tell just me. Or anyone, for that matter, before the entire team is assembled together. Which, given our crazy jobs, means about 5:30 pm.
I am not good at waiting.
Granted, I have patience. I was excellent at the quiet game. I can sit for hours reading a book. But tell me something is going to happen at a certain time, and keep that thing a secret, and I cannot focus on anything else.
It reminded me of the time after an audition before the cast list would be posted. Or before hearing from colleges. I know it's going to have a major impact on me. I know it's going to be news and change things regardless of th information. But I just want to KNOW. NOW.
Arggg...
Wildfire Arrives
Today we at Operation TLC got a new team to help us out. The wildfire team, with their physical training 3 times a day and their strict eating policies, have arrived at our office heavy job to work with us.
We automatically love them because they have opted to sleep in a sectioned off area of the gym rather than with us in our tiny room of bunk beds. Hurrah!
So far, we have tried to introduce them to the world of TLC, including the chaos that it our constantly changing jobs.
We have also decided to pool our food money and dinner cooking. So we went to Wal-mart, and 3 hours later, emerged with 550 dollars worth of groceries.
It is a lot of food.
We automatically love them because they have opted to sleep in a sectioned off area of the gym rather than with us in our tiny room of bunk beds. Hurrah!
So far, we have tried to introduce them to the world of TLC, including the chaos that it our constantly changing jobs.
We have also decided to pool our food money and dinner cooking. So we went to Wal-mart, and 3 hours later, emerged with 550 dollars worth of groceries.
It is a lot of food.
New Orleans
A bit of a crazy weekend.
Some highlights:
1. A slow speed rescue of a friend who wound up incoherant and lost in the wrong side of town.
2. Deciding that begging for beads is stupid. Later, deciding that my entire evening depending on getting said beads, plus a boa, stickers, and other random things thrown by men on floats.
3. Getting hit by a float in my attempt to achieve #2.
4. Eating at Cafe DuMonde with Jared and realizing that the food there was far better than the food at home.
5. Learning that the Day's Inn on Canal Street is absolutely gross. Do not stay there.
6. Laying in the grass in the French Quarter Park and just relaxing.
7. Having a psychic tell me that 1) I worry too much 2) She sees me working in the news 3)In Atlanta 4) And there, meeting someone who I will quickly fall in love with forever 5) And I worry too much (This was emphasized a great deal)
We really didn't get to see a lot of the devastation that still exists there, besides hearing stories of how many of the best psychics are still out of there homes and therefore aren't working in the area yet.
It was amazing to spend time with so many other teams and celebrate Rose's 22nd birthday!
Some highlights:
1. A slow speed rescue of a friend who wound up incoherant and lost in the wrong side of town.
2. Deciding that begging for beads is stupid. Later, deciding that my entire evening depending on getting said beads, plus a boa, stickers, and other random things thrown by men on floats.
3. Getting hit by a float in my attempt to achieve #2.
4. Eating at Cafe DuMonde with Jared and realizing that the food there was far better than the food at home.
5. Learning that the Day's Inn on Canal Street is absolutely gross. Do not stay there.
6. Laying in the grass in the French Quarter Park and just relaxing.
7. Having a psychic tell me that 1) I worry too much 2) She sees me working in the news 3)In Atlanta 4) And there, meeting someone who I will quickly fall in love with forever 5) And I worry too much (This was emphasized a great deal)
We really didn't get to see a lot of the devastation that still exists there, besides hearing stories of how many of the best psychics are still out of there homes and therefore aren't working in the area yet.
It was amazing to spend time with so many other teams and celebrate Rose's 22nd birthday!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Kahans Unite!
Good news.
Just talked to Jared, and the lucky kid had his project switched again, this time to Hands on New Orleans, just a few blocks from Burbon St.
And he'll be there Friday.
I'm planning on road-tripping with my team on Saturday to go up there to
1. Celebrate my friend Rose's birthday
2. Meet up with about 6 other Denver teams
3. St.Patty's day ('nough said)
So Jared and I will finally be at the same place at the same time while in Americorps, which I was starting to think wouldn't happen. I'm pumped. We're already coming up with a gameplan.
Now, if only Ariel (older sister) wanted to fly in from LA....
Just talked to Jared, and the lucky kid had his project switched again, this time to Hands on New Orleans, just a few blocks from Burbon St.
And he'll be there Friday.
I'm planning on road-tripping with my team on Saturday to go up there to
1. Celebrate my friend Rose's birthday
2. Meet up with about 6 other Denver teams
3. St.Patty's day ('nough said)
So Jared and I will finally be at the same place at the same time while in Americorps, which I was starting to think wouldn't happen. I'm pumped. We're already coming up with a gameplan.
Now, if only Ariel (older sister) wanted to fly in from LA....
Feeling like a the media gal
Today Annie, our 2nd sponsor and the founder of Mississippi Home Again/Operation TLC, came back from her 10-day ski vacation.
Finally.
She gave me a whole lot of insight as how to do this crazy media/pr job here at the center, and because of her, I got to have a rather fantastic day.
She booked me to be on a radio show Tuesday to talk about getting more volunteers and donations for the program.
(I'll have to practice my sweet/sophisticated/older than I normally sound/responsible voice.)
I contacted local reporters to give them scoop on a great story for tomorrow morning. (I'll give the link if it makes it on tv or in the paper)
I made friends with the nice folks at the Chamber of Commerce, who let us use their photocopier.
I met a man profiled in one of the past Americorps member's articles in her hometown newspaper. He's writing a book on music theory. And learning how to type at 78 years old. Awesome.
I met a women who got into her house through her own blood, sweat and tears and works tirelessly to make sure others get what they need. She told me that she would fix me up with her adorable nephew and have me over for dinner. I fell in love. Her schedule is more packed than mine. She still drives and cooks and cares for people at 76.
A feel a little matchmaking action in the works.
I then sat in on a meeting of community members, heads of Churches, founders of various organizations related to Hurricane relief in the area, and FEMA Jay. (Well, Jay from FEMA)
Essentially, no one has what they need. People either have money and no crews, crews but no money, money and crews but no one to do case working, no skilled workers, not enough employees, trouble with the state's needs, trouble with the federal needs, the list goes on and on and on.
The amazing thing still is that no one gives up.
Everyone in that room knew they would still come in every day, still do whatever it takes to help their community. And that alone makes me sure that they will get it together. Because for me, there's nothing much I can do in that situation but sit back, assess it, and see whether I can offer anything with my fresh pair of eyes.
Can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring.
Finally.
She gave me a whole lot of insight as how to do this crazy media/pr job here at the center, and because of her, I got to have a rather fantastic day.
She booked me to be on a radio show Tuesday to talk about getting more volunteers and donations for the program.
(I'll have to practice my sweet/sophisticated/older than I normally sound/responsible voice.)
I contacted local reporters to give them scoop on a great story for tomorrow morning. (I'll give the link if it makes it on tv or in the paper)
I made friends with the nice folks at the Chamber of Commerce, who let us use their photocopier.
I met a man profiled in one of the past Americorps member's articles in her hometown newspaper. He's writing a book on music theory. And learning how to type at 78 years old. Awesome.
I met a women who got into her house through her own blood, sweat and tears and works tirelessly to make sure others get what they need. She told me that she would fix me up with her adorable nephew and have me over for dinner. I fell in love. Her schedule is more packed than mine. She still drives and cooks and cares for people at 76.
A feel a little matchmaking action in the works.
I then sat in on a meeting of community members, heads of Churches, founders of various organizations related to Hurricane relief in the area, and FEMA Jay. (Well, Jay from FEMA)
Essentially, no one has what they need. People either have money and no crews, crews but no money, money and crews but no one to do case working, no skilled workers, not enough employees, trouble with the state's needs, trouble with the federal needs, the list goes on and on and on.
The amazing thing still is that no one gives up.
Everyone in that room knew they would still come in every day, still do whatever it takes to help their community. And that alone makes me sure that they will get it together. Because for me, there's nothing much I can do in that situation but sit back, assess it, and see whether I can offer anything with my fresh pair of eyes.
Can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring.
I am the Queen...
of getting hurt in the most random ways.
Last night, for PT (Physical Training) we decided as a team to play kickball. But not just any kickball on some lame field, but obstacle indoor kickball. Half the gym is sectioned off by a large blue FEMA tarp and filled with such things as a basketball net, lounge area, drywall demonstration area, fridge of cold water bottles and of course, a recycling center.
No matter, we play anyway.
I'm up to kick.
The bases are loaded.
Ryan's at 1st, the water fridge.
Desi at 2nd, the red line on the floor
Carlo on 3rd, the "A" painted on the blue FEMA tarp.
And the pitch--
It's a kick!!
I race towards first, diving forwards with my hands reaching for the fridge.
My hand grips the corner of the fridge, crashing into it.
It hurts. A lot.
I begin to whimper, not wanting to show my teammates that I am, indeed, a wimp.
A chorus of "Are you okay"s follow me as I motion "one minute" and, clutching my hand and stiflying my sobs, retreat to the women's restroom where I proceed to run cold water over my throbbing hand.
20 minutes later, plus a quick trip to the kitchen, I return to the game with red eyes plus a kitchen towel wrapped around a bag of ice.
But in the face of my teammates, I must "SUCK IT UP!" and be a trooper.
I play the rest of the game one-handed.
and only missed one catch due to looking at my swollen hand)
Last night, for PT (Physical Training) we decided as a team to play kickball. But not just any kickball on some lame field, but obstacle indoor kickball. Half the gym is sectioned off by a large blue FEMA tarp and filled with such things as a basketball net, lounge area, drywall demonstration area, fridge of cold water bottles and of course, a recycling center.
No matter, we play anyway.
I'm up to kick.
The bases are loaded.
Ryan's at 1st, the water fridge.
Desi at 2nd, the red line on the floor
Carlo on 3rd, the "A" painted on the blue FEMA tarp.
And the pitch--
It's a kick!!
I race towards first, diving forwards with my hands reaching for the fridge.
My hand grips the corner of the fridge, crashing into it.
It hurts. A lot.
I begin to whimper, not wanting to show my teammates that I am, indeed, a wimp.
A chorus of "Are you okay"s follow me as I motion "one minute" and, clutching my hand and stiflying my sobs, retreat to the women's restroom where I proceed to run cold water over my throbbing hand.
20 minutes later, plus a quick trip to the kitchen, I return to the game with red eyes plus a kitchen towel wrapped around a bag of ice.
But in the face of my teammates, I must "SUCK IT UP!" and be a trooper.
I play the rest of the game one-handed.
and only missed one catch due to looking at my swollen hand)
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Unofficial Americorps Party!
Saturday night madness.
4 teams got together at Camp Sunshine for a mini-Denver reunion. Chris's team, ours, Casey's and Amy's.
It was fantastic to see people. And compare notes on our first spike. Which mostly consisted of exchanging gossip and complaining.
We sat, quite literally, the dock of the bay. All that really remained of the pier was one dock, missing quite a few sections of wood and with random nails jutting out. We tried not to think about the reality of the storm that sat behind us, the foundations of houses that once stood there and the dead trees that once shaded their property.
So we played guitar
And talked.
And, of course, participated in legal activities dependant upon each person's age.
The stars were insane, and the moon's long-awaited appearance at 12:30 shone blood red directly in front of our dock, leading our eyes out into the vastness of the dirty water.
We all curled up in our sleeping bags
on the mats
that cushioned the red cross cots
that were lined up in the heated tents
on the property the destroyed church that is now
Camp Sunshine.
It was a fantastic night.
4 teams got together at Camp Sunshine for a mini-Denver reunion. Chris's team, ours, Casey's and Amy's.
It was fantastic to see people. And compare notes on our first spike. Which mostly consisted of exchanging gossip and complaining.
We sat, quite literally, the dock of the bay. All that really remained of the pier was one dock, missing quite a few sections of wood and with random nails jutting out. We tried not to think about the reality of the storm that sat behind us, the foundations of houses that once stood there and the dead trees that once shaded their property.
So we played guitar
And talked.
And, of course, participated in legal activities dependant upon each person's age.
The stars were insane, and the moon's long-awaited appearance at 12:30 shone blood red directly in front of our dock, leading our eyes out into the vastness of the dirty water.
We all curled up in our sleeping bags
on the mats
that cushioned the red cross cots
that were lined up in the heated tents
on the property the destroyed church that is now
Camp Sunshine.
It was a fantastic night.
what in the world is there to do in pascagoula?
Finally, time off.
For most of the team, at least.
On Saturday Morning, Tana, Scott, Curtis, Carlo and Ryan woke up, sleepily put on their uniforms, and were ready for work at 8am on the dot. Unfortunately, miscommunication meant that they didn't start work (at the correct place)for another two hours.
In the meantime, I slept, alongside David, Alex, Sara and Desi. And man, was it nice to sleep in.
I woke up around 9:30 and was a little guilty to find half my team working while the other half of us technically did not need to. We have to have a discussion about a work schedule. As my team leader Ryan advised me, "If don't want to work, I suggest you stay in the bedroom."
Never good to hear.
I swiftly decided to book it out of Operation TLC for the day, choosing to test my fate out in the community and hopefully find the weekend oasis that is a coffee shop to plant myself in for the afternoon.
Taking Ryan's words of advice to heart, I hid in the cleaning closet upon spying our workaholic site supervisor, Kate, talking to the team outside.
Blowdrying my hair at the front desk, I ducked when Kate, standing outside smoking, opened the door to talk to someone.
And finally, finally, I was free.
The sun bright in my eyes and breathing deeply of the polluted but amazingly fresh? air, I explored the "downtown" area of Pascagoula.
Downtown consists of:
1. The Bargain Annex (clothes, mostly mens, all ugly)
2. An extremely cute gift/children's store that seemed very out of place.
3. Monica's restaurant. Closed.
4. The library.
and finally
Dough Joe- A fantastic coffee/lunch place that is going to save my life here. Wireless, great sandwiches, a staff that will make you any kind of crazy drink combo you ask for (mostly just me, because I'm very specific) and tall tables, chairs, and even a tv area for a little guilty MTV viewing.
Granted, it closes at 7pm on weekdays and is only open from 11-2 on Sunday, but hell, I'll take what I can get.
For most of the team, at least.
On Saturday Morning, Tana, Scott, Curtis, Carlo and Ryan woke up, sleepily put on their uniforms, and were ready for work at 8am on the dot. Unfortunately, miscommunication meant that they didn't start work (at the correct place)for another two hours.
In the meantime, I slept, alongside David, Alex, Sara and Desi. And man, was it nice to sleep in.
I woke up around 9:30 and was a little guilty to find half my team working while the other half of us technically did not need to. We have to have a discussion about a work schedule. As my team leader Ryan advised me, "If don't want to work, I suggest you stay in the bedroom."
Never good to hear.
I swiftly decided to book it out of Operation TLC for the day, choosing to test my fate out in the community and hopefully find the weekend oasis that is a coffee shop to plant myself in for the afternoon.
Taking Ryan's words of advice to heart, I hid in the cleaning closet upon spying our workaholic site supervisor, Kate, talking to the team outside.
Blowdrying my hair at the front desk, I ducked when Kate, standing outside smoking, opened the door to talk to someone.
And finally, finally, I was free.
The sun bright in my eyes and breathing deeply of the polluted but amazingly fresh? air, I explored the "downtown" area of Pascagoula.
Downtown consists of:
1. The Bargain Annex (clothes, mostly mens, all ugly)
2. An extremely cute gift/children's store that seemed very out of place.
3. Monica's restaurant. Closed.
4. The library.
and finally
Dough Joe- A fantastic coffee/lunch place that is going to save my life here. Wireless, great sandwiches, a staff that will make you any kind of crazy drink combo you ask for (mostly just me, because I'm very specific) and tall tables, chairs, and even a tv area for a little guilty MTV viewing.
Granted, it closes at 7pm on weekdays and is only open from 11-2 on Sunday, but hell, I'll take what I can get.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Scrutiny
So as a female in the Western World, I've pretty much evaluated every part of my body, real or imaginary.
But never, ever, have I considered face size.
Now, we're not talking about face shape...like for sunglasses or hats (which, by the way, I have the ideal one--thanks mom and dad for the good genes)
I'm talking actual face size. For full face respirators, used when mucking (cleaning out a house completely, ripping down drywall and mold etc).
My entire team stared at each other's faces for a good 15 minutes.
Large? Medium.
Society's evil pressures silently willed my teammates to diagnose my head size as small.
SUCCESS!
(Whether it fits, however, is another story.)
But never, ever, have I considered face size.
Now, we're not talking about face shape...like for sunglasses or hats (which, by the way, I have the ideal one--thanks mom and dad for the good genes)
I'm talking actual face size. For full face respirators, used when mucking (cleaning out a house completely, ripping down drywall and mold etc).
My entire team stared at each other's faces for a good 15 minutes.
Large? Medium.
Society's evil pressures silently willed my teammates to diagnose my head size as small.
SUCCESS!
(Whether it fits, however, is another story.)
A Plea for Care Packages
So I was talking to my LA-living, wedding-photo-studio-working-older-sister-Ariel the other day and she asked me what I could use or missed in terms of care packages.
I was standing in the backroom laundry area, lit only by the sun streaming in the windows, pulling out the warm piles of my teammate's towels.
And it hit me.
I didn't need anything.
How could I? I had a place to sleep, plenty of food (even though we can't afford desserts ;( ) and clean lungs. I really, for the first time in my life, was content with the fact that I didn't need ANYTHING.
Ariel pressed me. She had just purchased a pair of extremely cute summer sandals. Was I really sure that I didn't need anything? A magazine? Some candy?
There's really nothing, I said. And repeated. No tempt of material position could sway me. Now, this really did make me sad. I love things. But here, I wear a uniform. I don't even know what the trends are for this season.
And now I understand a bit why people in nonprofits dress so poorly. It, sigh, just doesn't matter as much.
Lesson learned.
HOWEVER, there are some things that you can send if you really want to. Wal-mart (I hate them but sometimes you have to go through the devil to do good work) cards, Home Depot Cards, laptops (FEMA keeps threatening to take these away from our organization), a car, cell phones and a family plan (FEMA keeps threatening to take our away)or well, money. The Red Cross and Salvation Army, as well as the state of Mississippi, have MILLIONS of dollars given to them by both taxpayers as the government that they aren't spending. Really. So if you're looking for a good organization, I'm working at it.
Operation TLC- Helps triage clients in terms of getting them various grants and access to resources. Also houses and manages volunteers from across the country that work on skilled and unskilled projects in clients homes.
Mississippi Home Again- Takes donations of clothes, household objects, and especially focuses on beds and appliances to give clients the freedom and independence that they had prior to Katrina.
My address here is:
2935 Pascagoula St.
Pascagoula, MS 39567
This is totally FYI. Use this info as you want. I'm doing what I can here, and I hope that if you want to help, you will in your own way. This is just a suggestion if you're looking for a good cause.
I was standing in the backroom laundry area, lit only by the sun streaming in the windows, pulling out the warm piles of my teammate's towels.
And it hit me.
I didn't need anything.
How could I? I had a place to sleep, plenty of food (even though we can't afford desserts ;( ) and clean lungs. I really, for the first time in my life, was content with the fact that I didn't need ANYTHING.
Ariel pressed me. She had just purchased a pair of extremely cute summer sandals. Was I really sure that I didn't need anything? A magazine? Some candy?
There's really nothing, I said. And repeated. No tempt of material position could sway me. Now, this really did make me sad. I love things. But here, I wear a uniform. I don't even know what the trends are for this season.
And now I understand a bit why people in nonprofits dress so poorly. It, sigh, just doesn't matter as much.
Lesson learned.
HOWEVER, there are some things that you can send if you really want to. Wal-mart (I hate them but sometimes you have to go through the devil to do good work) cards, Home Depot Cards, laptops (FEMA keeps threatening to take these away from our organization), a car, cell phones and a family plan (FEMA keeps threatening to take our away)or well, money. The Red Cross and Salvation Army, as well as the state of Mississippi, have MILLIONS of dollars given to them by both taxpayers as the government that they aren't spending. Really. So if you're looking for a good organization, I'm working at it.
Operation TLC- Helps triage clients in terms of getting them various grants and access to resources. Also houses and manages volunteers from across the country that work on skilled and unskilled projects in clients homes.
Mississippi Home Again- Takes donations of clothes, household objects, and especially focuses on beds and appliances to give clients the freedom and independence that they had prior to Katrina.
My address here is:
2935 Pascagoula St.
Pascagoula, MS 39567
This is totally FYI. Use this info as you want. I'm doing what I can here, and I hope that if you want to help, you will in your own way. This is just a suggestion if you're looking for a good cause.
Frustration Breeds Action Part Duex
TOP FIVE REASONS TO WATCH
the documentary "Who Killed the Electric Car"
5. It's really, really good.
4. Martin Sheen narrates
3. Does anyone besides a few people in California even know that the electric car got 300 miles per charge and could be charged in your garage?
2. The EV1 was adorable.
1. Because it's a little less intense that "An Inconvient Truth" And still really makes you mad.
Grrrrr.
As my mom's advice goes "Good! Go to law school and change the world!!"
Hmm...I'll work on it Mom.
the documentary "Who Killed the Electric Car"
5. It's really, really good.
4. Martin Sheen narrates
3. Does anyone besides a few people in California even know that the electric car got 300 miles per charge and could be charged in your garage?
2. The EV1 was adorable.
1. Because it's a little less intense that "An Inconvient Truth" And still really makes you mad.
Grrrrr.
As my mom's advice goes "Good! Go to law school and change the world!!"
Hmm...I'll work on it Mom.
Frustration breeds Action
I am frustrated.
"With what?" you may ask.
Today in general.
I woke up in my giant room of bunkbeds, moaned and groaned my way with the rest of the team to 1)really wake up 2)dress without too much exposure 3)grab breakfast prior to our 8am start time
8:30- I met with a local reporter and was given the scoop on the region and how I could collaborate with her. It was pretty cool, especially because it helped illustrate to me the amazing impact that the media can make in terms of exposing an issue to the public. But the community here and especially the community next door, Moss Point, is...well...struggling. Pascagoula alone has had an increase in violent crime, a 200% increase in suicide, and a 400% increase in attempted suicide. Those numbers really started to make sense later on in my day.
The reporter and I talked about the various community days that this county really could use: clean-ups ranking at the top. She told me that Americorps teams that were in my job previously were essentially responcible for getting the library back functioning order. So our shoes to fill in terms of leaving a mark on the community are pretty large.
Nothing can really change or happen without the media involved. Which increases the responcibility of my role on this project about a thousand percent. And also makes me slightly nervous that I've taken on too much already in terms of what I need to accomplish during these next 5 weeks....
9am- Community Surveying for 100 Homes in 100 days
The Caseworkers (Alex and Sara) and I went out with Jim Yancy (who is helping to organize this project as well as handles emergency calls and a lot of FEMA strings) to recruit and explain the 100 Homes in 100 days project. Basically it's an initiate based out of various non-profits (including Operation TLC, which can provide labor) and our "parent company" Mississippi Home Again, which can help provide supplies, to build/renovate 100 homes in 100 days around a certain section in Jackson County.
It's going to be HUGE. I'm not handling press but look out for info about it around March 26th, when we break ground on it. I'm overwhelmingly thrilled to be working on a project with such zing and drive. (Apparently it's the brainchild of many, including a guy who worked on "Extreme Makeover" which I heart and cry for each episode)
So we start walking out in the neighborhood (hurrah! sunlight! fresh(ish) air!) and everywhere we go, it's drastically different circumstances. I met a woman who was doing the last finishing touches on her home/business but couldn't get any assistance on the property she owns and rents next door. (Most policies and grants only covered primary residences.) A disabled woman is living in a FEMA trailer next to her home, which is too unsafe for her to go back to. And still others, without even FEMA trailers (or they may have been taken away already) are living in mold-infested homes with no place to turn.
It really starts to make me think.
1pm- Caseworking training. Alex, Sara and I sat down with Tammy (one of the kick-butt sponsors and co-founders of the organization) to conduct interviews with clients (always clients, never victims) about their needs and to assess whether we could help them in any way. We met the extremes: A woman who simply needed her molding put on and outlet covers screwed in, and also a disabled single mother of two who was living in a moldy home with medical problems as a result up to the hilt.
So we file.
And we call our resorces and we contact our emergency numbers to pull strings. We offer to drive clients to the mall to file for a grant. We are their advocates. And for the most part, we are their last resorts.
It's quite a lot to ask from 3 girls with 2 days of training. But what better way to learn then to dive right in?
"With what?" you may ask.
Today in general.
I woke up in my giant room of bunkbeds, moaned and groaned my way with the rest of the team to 1)really wake up 2)dress without too much exposure 3)grab breakfast prior to our 8am start time
8:30- I met with a local reporter and was given the scoop on the region and how I could collaborate with her. It was pretty cool, especially because it helped illustrate to me the amazing impact that the media can make in terms of exposing an issue to the public. But the community here and especially the community next door, Moss Point, is...well...struggling. Pascagoula alone has had an increase in violent crime, a 200% increase in suicide, and a 400% increase in attempted suicide. Those numbers really started to make sense later on in my day.
The reporter and I talked about the various community days that this county really could use: clean-ups ranking at the top. She told me that Americorps teams that were in my job previously were essentially responcible for getting the library back functioning order. So our shoes to fill in terms of leaving a mark on the community are pretty large.
Nothing can really change or happen without the media involved. Which increases the responcibility of my role on this project about a thousand percent. And also makes me slightly nervous that I've taken on too much already in terms of what I need to accomplish during these next 5 weeks....
9am- Community Surveying for 100 Homes in 100 days
The Caseworkers (Alex and Sara) and I went out with Jim Yancy (who is helping to organize this project as well as handles emergency calls and a lot of FEMA strings) to recruit and explain the 100 Homes in 100 days project. Basically it's an initiate based out of various non-profits (including Operation TLC, which can provide labor) and our "parent company" Mississippi Home Again, which can help provide supplies, to build/renovate 100 homes in 100 days around a certain section in Jackson County.
It's going to be HUGE. I'm not handling press but look out for info about it around March 26th, when we break ground on it. I'm overwhelmingly thrilled to be working on a project with such zing and drive. (Apparently it's the brainchild of many, including a guy who worked on "Extreme Makeover" which I heart and cry for each episode)
So we start walking out in the neighborhood (hurrah! sunlight! fresh(ish) air!) and everywhere we go, it's drastically different circumstances. I met a woman who was doing the last finishing touches on her home/business but couldn't get any assistance on the property she owns and rents next door. (Most policies and grants only covered primary residences.) A disabled woman is living in a FEMA trailer next to her home, which is too unsafe for her to go back to. And still others, without even FEMA trailers (or they may have been taken away already) are living in mold-infested homes with no place to turn.
It really starts to make me think.
1pm- Caseworking training. Alex, Sara and I sat down with Tammy (one of the kick-butt sponsors and co-founders of the organization) to conduct interviews with clients (always clients, never victims) about their needs and to assess whether we could help them in any way. We met the extremes: A woman who simply needed her molding put on and outlet covers screwed in, and also a disabled single mother of two who was living in a moldy home with medical problems as a result up to the hilt.
So we file.
And we call our resorces and we contact our emergency numbers to pull strings. We offer to drive clients to the mall to file for a grant. We are their advocates. And for the most part, we are their last resorts.
It's quite a lot to ask from 3 girls with 2 days of training. But what better way to learn then to dive right in?
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Spike #1- The arrival
After caravaning for 3 days, we finally dropped off Chris's team at Bay Point, Mississippi. We stood in front of the church where they would be sleeping on the floor and rolling up their bags each Sunday for Sunday school. We watched their faces as they were told by their sponsors that they would be showering in a trailer behind the church. As we stepped away as to not confuse the sponsors, the members of Fire 3, aka "Team Funk" joined together in a circle of hope to give off good vibes for a better housing situation in our own town.
We bid them a fond farewell and arrived at the Pascagoula Recreation Center on Pascagoula St. in Pascagoula Mississipi at 7pm.
And breathed a huge sigh of relief.
The center is FABULOUS. Picture a camp gone amuck, with handmade signs, cutesy galore, and hundreds of handmade and painted bunk beds spread across the gym surface. There are lounge areas, bikes, offices, a tool room, a private kitchen with a huge family table, and even a room with 10 bunk beds and cubbies perfect for the Americorps teams that come in to run the center.
Oh wait. Run the center, you may ask?
According to our kick-ass caretaker/employee Kate, the sponsors from rock-and-roll liberal heaven, Tammy and Annie, and everyone else we've met, we ARE the staff of Operation TLC.
Which means that rather than mucking houses all day or working together to build a house, we're all given supervisory positions and are going to be working 24/7.
Doing what?
I'm working with caseworking, which means evaluating people as they come in that are in need of various grants or material objects (beds, washer/dryers) labor or supplies in order to get their lives back together.
I'm also in charge of the media for the project, which is already becoming pretty intense. Meeting with various newspapers, reporters, and getting together story ideas, press releases for here as well as in our hometowns, and calls for donations and volunteers. I'm so overwhelmed but excited to get to put my degree to work and actually make some connections. Media for a good cause? Ideal!
Other positions that my teammates have received are:
David - Volunteer Coordinator
Sara and Alex - Case Workers
Des - Facilities Manager and Webmaster
Scott and Tana - Program Coordinators
Curtis - Tools and Grounds Manager
Carlo - Warehouse Manager
Ryan (Team Leader)- Asst. Warehouse Manager, Jack-of-all-trades
So off to work! Volunteers come in 24/7, and essentially the need never ends, so I'm going to use my well-honed camp methodology of resting when necessary and not over working myself in order to survive these next 6 weeks. While, of course, doing a great deal of good for the people in the community.
Wish us all luck!!
We bid them a fond farewell and arrived at the Pascagoula Recreation Center on Pascagoula St. in Pascagoula Mississipi at 7pm.
And breathed a huge sigh of relief.
The center is FABULOUS. Picture a camp gone amuck, with handmade signs, cutesy galore, and hundreds of handmade and painted bunk beds spread across the gym surface. There are lounge areas, bikes, offices, a tool room, a private kitchen with a huge family table, and even a room with 10 bunk beds and cubbies perfect for the Americorps teams that come in to run the center.
Oh wait. Run the center, you may ask?
According to our kick-ass caretaker/employee Kate, the sponsors from rock-and-roll liberal heaven, Tammy and Annie, and everyone else we've met, we ARE the staff of Operation TLC.
Which means that rather than mucking houses all day or working together to build a house, we're all given supervisory positions and are going to be working 24/7.
Doing what?
I'm working with caseworking, which means evaluating people as they come in that are in need of various grants or material objects (beds, washer/dryers) labor or supplies in order to get their lives back together.
I'm also in charge of the media for the project, which is already becoming pretty intense. Meeting with various newspapers, reporters, and getting together story ideas, press releases for here as well as in our hometowns, and calls for donations and volunteers. I'm so overwhelmed but excited to get to put my degree to work and actually make some connections. Media for a good cause? Ideal!
Other positions that my teammates have received are:
David - Volunteer Coordinator
Sara and Alex - Case Workers
Des - Facilities Manager and Webmaster
Scott and Tana - Program Coordinators
Curtis - Tools and Grounds Manager
Carlo - Warehouse Manager
Ryan (Team Leader)- Asst. Warehouse Manager, Jack-of-all-trades
So off to work! Volunteers come in 24/7, and essentially the need never ends, so I'm going to use my well-honed camp methodology of resting when necessary and not over working myself in order to survive these next 6 weeks. While, of course, doing a great deal of good for the people in the community.
Wish us all luck!!
Road Tripping in the USA
3 days in a 12 passenger van.
Driving driving driving. Sleeping sleeping sleeping.
Ample opportunity to veto people's terrible taste in music and ask them extremely personal questions because well, we're family now.
Personal laundry is aired.
Through new mexico, texas, louisiana and finally, to mississippi.
2 overnight stays in hotels.
Far too many rest stops and fast food joints.
Highlights include:
Being bitten by fireants during a quick driver change. Oww!!
The bevy of meat products that were famous in the south, served by a woman in a reststop who called us all, "Darlin'"
Listening to my first complete book on tape. Loved it.
Driving driving driving. Sleeping sleeping sleeping.
Ample opportunity to veto people's terrible taste in music and ask them extremely personal questions because well, we're family now.
Personal laundry is aired.
Through new mexico, texas, louisiana and finally, to mississippi.
2 overnight stays in hotels.
Far too many rest stops and fast food joints.
Highlights include:
Being bitten by fireants during a quick driver change. Oww!!
The bevy of meat products that were famous in the south, served by a woman in a reststop who called us all, "Darlin'"
Listening to my first complete book on tape. Loved it.
Project!
Pascagoula Missippi.
Small town. Many below the poverty level. The town was completely destroyed by Katrina and is still in dire need of help. We'll be living and working in a rec center with our own room of bunk beds and helping process people for needs assessments, purchase building materials, and help build houses. Operation TLC and Rebuild Jackson county are the specific groups we'll be working for. Hurrah! So we're basically getting to work with people throughout the entire process. That's about all I know right now...So I guess I'll be better informed after arriving...
It's just such a relief to know 1) who I'm going with and 2) where we're going.
Small town. Many below the poverty level. The town was completely destroyed by Katrina and is still in dire need of help. We'll be living and working in a rec center with our own room of bunk beds and helping process people for needs assessments, purchase building materials, and help build houses. Operation TLC and Rebuild Jackson county are the specific groups we'll be working for. Hurrah! So we're basically getting to work with people throughout the entire process. That's about all I know right now...So I guess I'll be better informed after arriving...
It's just such a relief to know 1) who I'm going with and 2) where we're going.
Team!
After a long day of training, the anticipation was killing everyone. The team leaders had known for a day who was on their team and chose to be as obnoxious as possible when talking to us about it--either denying that anyone was on their team or greeting us with an eager, "Hey! Of course you're on my team!"
I like to call today, "Arranged family day." The day when we would finally, finally would get to know who we living with, driving with, sleeping with, and becoming one giant 10-person dysfunctional family with. Looking around the room at the 72 potential new family members, new teammates I would be getting, I was filled with dispair and excitement. The chances of being placed with one of my new CTI friends was slim to none, but I was hopeful that I wouldn't be put on a team with too many of the socially-awkward misfits that will take slightly longer to befriend.
We all gathered on the 6th floor of the admin building, sitting in a makeshift circle facing inward. My eyes shifted from one person to the next, trying to sense some sort of connection as to our status come a few more minutes. Sandy, our awesome team leader, talked to us. And talked. And talked. And as much as I think she's amazing, during those minutes I wanted to strangle her. It's been a while since the anticipation of something occupied me completely, but this was surely one of those moments. Finally, finally, she stopped talking. And the team leaders passed around slips of paper with clues about a teammate that would link us eventually to the rest of our team.
My clue read, " _____ ____ Roth."
Hmm, I thought. What? Ohh...David Lee Roth?
David Lee!!
From my first makeshift team! Hurrah, a friend!
I shouted his name and was filled with relief. At least 1/10th of team would not be at all socially awkward.
But then David looked at me strangely. And handed me his slip. It read, "Her brother is in Americorps NCCC Sacramento."
Which is...me...
So basically we were now on a team with just the two of us. Which made it impossible to find the other people who would link us together with our complete team.
Huh.
Luckily we were pulled aside and told that apparently someone has screwed-up the chain of teammaking and that we were on Fire 3, Ryan's team.
That's the first team we were both on--so knowing our Team Leader, and liking him already...we were pumped.
Like lost children we went around to the piles of people trying to construct their message on the floor of who their team leader was repeating, "Do you need two people? Do you need two people?"
Eventually we found our team, of which I recognized 2 people. Not a great start.
After running down the street to our desitination to officially meet our TL and be given our project we collapse on the 2nd floor lounge and just gawked at each other. Here is my new family. Live it, learn it, (grow to) love it.
I like to call today, "Arranged family day." The day when we would finally, finally would get to know who we living with, driving with, sleeping with, and becoming one giant 10-person dysfunctional family with. Looking around the room at the 72 potential new family members, new teammates I would be getting, I was filled with dispair and excitement. The chances of being placed with one of my new CTI friends was slim to none, but I was hopeful that I wouldn't be put on a team with too many of the socially-awkward misfits that will take slightly longer to befriend.
We all gathered on the 6th floor of the admin building, sitting in a makeshift circle facing inward. My eyes shifted from one person to the next, trying to sense some sort of connection as to our status come a few more minutes. Sandy, our awesome team leader, talked to us. And talked. And talked. And as much as I think she's amazing, during those minutes I wanted to strangle her. It's been a while since the anticipation of something occupied me completely, but this was surely one of those moments. Finally, finally, she stopped talking. And the team leaders passed around slips of paper with clues about a teammate that would link us eventually to the rest of our team.
My clue read, " _____ ____ Roth."
Hmm, I thought. What? Ohh...David Lee Roth?
David Lee!!
From my first makeshift team! Hurrah, a friend!
I shouted his name and was filled with relief. At least 1/10th of team would not be at all socially awkward.
But then David looked at me strangely. And handed me his slip. It read, "Her brother is in Americorps NCCC Sacramento."
Which is...me...
So basically we were now on a team with just the two of us. Which made it impossible to find the other people who would link us together with our complete team.
Huh.
Luckily we were pulled aside and told that apparently someone has screwed-up the chain of teammaking and that we were on Fire 3, Ryan's team.
That's the first team we were both on--so knowing our Team Leader, and liking him already...we were pumped.
Like lost children we went around to the piles of people trying to construct their message on the floor of who their team leader was repeating, "Do you need two people? Do you need two people?"
Eventually we found our team, of which I recognized 2 people. Not a great start.
After running down the street to our desitination to officially meet our TL and be given our project we collapse on the 2nd floor lounge and just gawked at each other. Here is my new family. Live it, learn it, (grow to) love it.
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