Breanna Sommers Blurb

Hello my name is Breanna Sommers. I spent this summer at Agape Child and Family Services. Our organization helps with adoption, homeless families, single mothers, utilities assistance, and similar needs. Our goal is to connect servants to service and build stronger families and neighborhoods. We recently started a partnership with the Achievement School District in the Frayser neighborhood to provide mentorship and wrap around services to students on caseloads assigned to specific Agape staff members called Connectors. In this context, wrap around services are considered to be formal services, interventions, community services and interpersonal support to aid students from underdeveloped communities in their non-academic needs.

I picked Agape because I wanted to see a complete picture of wrap around services and gain insight into the best practices of development, programming, and delivery. I also wanted to see two organizations collaborating and effectively coordinating to improve the lives of students. I found out about Agape through an Achievement School District employee. The director of community partnership worked at Agape previously and mentioned this new partnership to me as great way to see ground level solutions and implementation to support underserved families. I am so thankful for his connection and I feel as if I have definitely fully experienced wrap around services at its finest. 

My perception of Memphis has certainly expanded. I now consider Raleigh, Frayser, Whitehaven, and Hickory Hill as communities that are a part of greater Memphis. Before working with Agape in these neighborhoods, I had no ideas that they were major contributors to Memphis' history, economy, and social fabric. 

My roles in Agape varied drastically, but I think that deepened my experience with the organization and gave me a realistic look at what my future professional roles might include. I developed, implemented, and evaluated a literacy program for two neighborhood summer enrichment camps. I created a Frayser specific resource guide for Connectors based on their most used partnerships and connections. I created a student survey and compiled data on their specific likes and dislike about their communities. I presented research based practices on improving school attendance to staff.

My definition of service now includes the word "servant." As we discussed in our first Summer Service meeting, the word 'service' is loaded with connotation and can be misleading. As a Christian led organization, Agape embraces the word servant through the Bible with a positive connotation.  Before SSF I would hesitate to ever use the word servant or service in work that involved neglected neighborhoods. However, now I see the value in using the word servant because it reminds Agape why we are there dedicating ourselves to this work and how steadfastly we must pursue economic and social justice. 

I learned that non-profit work is messy, wonderful, life-changing, soul searching, and earth shaking work. Emphasis on the the word work. No two days looked remotely similar and I could count on any one of my projects taking a hard left at least once before I finished them. I learned my favorite, most valuable moments were playing with the awesome kids at the Raleigh and Frayser summer camps and just being their friend. I know that our Connectors are asked to move mountains, fix emergencies and change lives on a daily basis and they pull off such a daunting task with relative ease. I learned that my relationships with my coworkers make all of the bumps much easier to move forward. 

blurb

           This summer I spent nine weeks working at the Ira Samelson Jr. Boys and Girls Club. I was assigned the position as the Healthy Habits program director for this branch; the purpose of this program is to educate the children about healthy foods and the benefits associated with them. My class was structured so that I would meet with 4 different age groups twice a week. One class a week would be dedicated to nutrition, and the other class would be teaching them how to cook.

            I chose to work at the Boys and Girls Club because I strongly believe in the importance of their purpose. It is to provide a safe environment for children to grow and develop into adults. A community like the Boys and Girls Club is essential for the development of many of these children. Whatever their home lives may be like, the Samelson Branch gives them a community that looks out for them and provides them with many resources, such as my program. I was privileged to be a part of this club and build relationships with some amazing children.

            The summer service experience has been instrumental in the development my education and myself. In many of my classes at Rhodes, I learned of the social issues that accompany people living in poverty. I learned of the discrimination they face and the privilege I have because I do not face the same issues. Because of my work at the Boys and Girls Club where I have been able to see these social issues first hand, my understanding of them has improved dramatically. It is apparent the privilege I have over others that did not grow up in a similar situation. I am extremely thankful for the experiences that I have had while working at the Boys and Girls Club.

Catherine reflective blurb

As an environmental science major and avid tree-hugger, I believe it is incredibly important to teach kids about preserving the natural world. Throughout college, I have volunteered with organizations connecting inner-city youth to the great outdoors in life-changing ways. Environmental education programs allow kids to engage all of their senses while unearthing the wonders of nature.  Kids’ eyes light up as they develop connections with the earth, by simply biting into a hand-picked cherry tomato or attempting to catch the elusive butterfly. These “Aha!” moments, kids’ beautiful, raw realizations about the world, influenced my decision to serve in the Memphis Botanic Garden’s education department. The dedicated MBG education staff strives to build and strengthen kids’ connections with the natural world in hopes that these students, our nation’s future leaders, will someday serve as knowledgeable and progressive stewards of the earth.

I experienced many aspects of MBG’s environmental education program. I created and implemented camp curriculum, facilitated various eco-themed classes (my favorites of which included Jungle Adventures, Fruits and Veggies, and Pollinators), led a few pirate-themed birthday parties, and managed activities at community events such as Sweet Treat Sunday and International Mud Day. I learned how to present educational material in fun, proactive ways, creatively and effectively collaborate with my co-workers, and patiently interact with youngsters under the blazing Memphis sun (*change wording*).  I not only gained a better understanding of the challenges non-profits face, I also witnessed the dedication, collaboration, and ingenuity MBG staff demonstrated to overcome such obstacles.

At my site, I witnessed the unique intersection between the issues of education, access, and sustainability. To ensure the health and well-being of future generations, communities must establish and teach their children about sustainable environmental practices. However, environmental education is a privilege. Generally, it is inaccessible to those who lack the means and information required to improve their environment, namely folks from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Access to natural spaces and associated curriculum requires financial investment and time, precious resources that many classrooms cannot spare.  By reaching out to local schools and community organizations, MBG works tirelessly to overcome this disparity and ensure that all children in Shelby County have access to meaningful environmental education.

I pursued SSF because I wanted to contribute my passion for the environment, but this experience has opened my eyes to so much more. Through our weekly meetings, my MBG duties, and personal reflection, I have developed a deeper appreciation for this vibrant, scrappy city, a unique place that shares in the struggles and triumphs of its inhabitants (*change wording*).  I have learned about issues affecting our community and society at large, engaged with dynamic leaders striving to promote positive change, and helped create a more sustainable community through the power of education. I am proud to have volunteered at MBG, a community cornerstone which provides indispensable services in a city which has taught me so much.

I would like to thank the incredible folks in the MBG education department who embraced me and taught me an enormous amount about environmental education. I would also like to thank Sandi, Beverly, Scott, and Shauni for serving as our fearless leaders and showing us diverse aspects of this extraordinary city. And lastly, I am grateful to all of the summer service fellows – I have learned so much vicariously through your blog posts and our conversations, I can’t wait to see what y’all do next.

Allison reflective blurb

This summer I had the opportunity to intern at the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center (MGLCC), an organization that seeks to empower, educate, and advocate for the LGBTQ community of the Mid-South. Because the MGLCC is the only LGBTQ community center in the entire Mid-South, what the center lacks in size, it makes up for in a variety of support groups, social groups, HIV and STD prevention programs, and rehabilitation programs for youth experiencing homelessness, to name a few.

One of the issues that the LGBTQ community faces in Memphis is health disparities that arise from discrimination from healthcare providers, and lack of education and connection to resources for people living with HIV/AIDS. I worked on two large projects during my time at the MGLCC. The first project was to identify and contact all the pharmacies in the greater Memphis region to determine whether each store carried Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Post Exposure Prophylaxis, two drugs that are used to prevent the spread of HIV and reduce the risk of transmission. Although the project was detailed and time consuming, the information that I collected will be used to bolster future projects that the MGLCC takes on pertaining to HIV prevention and education. The second project was to identify and contact healthcare providers around Memphis that are LGBT friendly and to create a referral list for both insured and uninsured people in the Mid-South. This list will provide our LGBTQ clients with a primary or specialty healthcare provider that is affirming and accepting of their identity - which in turn will encourage more people in the LGBT community to seek the help of healthcare providers.

I learned that many non-profits in Memphis have to do a lot with a little, and the MGLCC is no exception to this. All of the staff members at the center juggle many projects at once and as a result, it often takes a while to muster all the time and resources that a project requires. In the non-profit world it seems very easy to get caught up in the small daily tasks that are required to keep the center up and running, like mopping the floors, answering the phones, and taking inventory of our food pantry for youth experiencing homelessness. Even when tasks seemed small or insignificant, however, they always all up to a bigger picture, or make a difference in the long run. My definition of service has expanded over the course of the summer. While I still think of service in idealistic terms, I've learned not to underestimate volunteering yourself in small and practical ways. When people asked me what I do as an intern at the MGLCC, I would reply, "whatever anyone needs me to do." I am so glad I was given the change to work at the MGLCC this summer, and I know I will build on the skills that I learned there in both academic settings, and future jobs.

becky's blurb

I was lucky enough to work at the Girls Inc. of Memphis (GIM) Youth Farm. Girls Inc. is a organization that encourages girls to be strong, smart, and bold through various programs and activities. I’ve always had a passion for helping and teaching children and have often sought out opportunity to work in settings that let me exercise that passion. But I had exclusively worked with elementary-aged children and younger because I felt I would not have the patience to work with older children or be able to effectively interact with them. 

The Youth Farm is the newest program at GIM, and employed 6 high school girls. The participants not only learned basic farming techniques and healthy living habits but also entrepreneurship, leadership, and civic skills.  Each week, the participants would work on the 9.5 acre farm in Frayser, engage in workshops, participate in the local Frayser Exchange Club meetings, experience other local businesses on field trips, and sell their produce at the Memphis Farmers Market. At the farm, I assisted staff by planning and leading activities, in addition to working alongside the girls and interacting with them as a mentor.

While the farm threw me out of my element, it would be an understatement to say that I learned a lot. I learned how to grow vegetables, and how to lead workshops. But more importantly, I learned to listen. I learned that you cannot serve others without understanding your role and what you can offer. Helping others to satisfy your own personal need isn’t truly helping. I learned that you should serve because you can assist others to be the best versions of themselves that they can be.  ​​

Julie Coen revised blurb

This summer I spent what was actually nine weeks but felt like no time at all working at First Congregational Church as part of their Food Justice Ministries. I learned that every day can be completely different for a nonprofit and had the chance to do a little bit of everything, from typical tasks such as ladling out soup to unexpected undertakings such as preparing to move the entire organization into a new space and researching a variety of cold storage options for that space. In this way, I had the perfect opportunity not only to cultivate valuable personal and professional skills such as flexibility and vision, but also to gain insight about the multifaceted efforts of nonprofits, including how they network with other organizations and businesses in order to provide for the individuals they serve.

As you might expect, I also had a great time discovering all sorts of things about food. By learning about gardening and beekeeping as well as food preparation, I participated in a simple version of the process connecting farms and tables and subsequently began to recognize the value of small farmers and generally knowing where my food comes from. By engaging in discussions about food deserts and other significant problems but also interacting daily with people in need, I discovered a lot about both the big picture and the individual consequences related to that picture. Finally, by attending weekly meeting with other fellows, I observed a significant number of other social issues that tie into food insecurity here in Memphis and the food system in general. For example, a lack of transportation can effectively necessitate fast food, and there are definite links between improper nourishment and health difficulties such as diabetes.

Last but not least, this summer I really connected with Memphis. I ate at a whole list of restaurants based on recommendations from my Memphian coworkers, trekked to locations off the beaten path and got lost once or twice, and attended events such as PechaKucha Night, where a number of qualified presenters each lectured for several minutes about their experiences with food. I even had the chance through weekly meetings to take my first bus ride downtown, to visit the Civil Rights Museum and discuss contemporary race relations in Memphis, and to meet with the leader of a local school focused on core values as well as quality education for every student. Above all, I experienced firsthand both pride and hope for Memphis and had the chance to interact with a diverse range of local individuals, even if they were extremely different from me and our initial attempts at conversation were a bit awkward.

Ironically enough, all of this activity led to a lot of reflection. To return to the first of so many discussions that were part of this year’s Summer Service Fellowship, I now believe that I am called to serve because I want to actively influence a societal transition from where we are now to more equitable and ethical circumstances, and I feel empowered to do just that after working at a nonprofit that daily benefits additional individuals. Moreover, this summer I witnessed that community service, especially in relation to the issue of food justice, is immensely important simply because it touches everyone, regardless of church or other affiliations. We all participate in distinct ways in overarching systems such as the food industry, and while I am so glad to have learned all this in a city such a Memphis whose culture is so closely connected to food, I know that the lessons of the last two months will affect me for years to come and in a variety of other settings.

SSF Blurb

For the past nine weeks with the Summer Service Fellowship, I have been fortunate enough to get to work with the Refugee Empowerment Program (REP). REP functions as an intermediary between the refugee community in Memphis and the greater Memphis community. Originally founded in 2002 by a refugee new to Memphis, she noticed the need for educational support among the refugee community as well as the need to integrate the refugee community with the greater community. Today REP has grown from its humble beginning to serve over 400 refugees, mostly from East Africa and Southeast Asia, and focuses on serving and empowering this community through education. By providing programs like afterschool tutoring, an ELS program and GED classes, these educational tools will best prepare and equip the refugee community to merge with the Memphis community. 

            At REP, I assisted with the summer school program for the elementary and middle school kids. The summer program ran from Monday through Friday from 9:30-4:30. Prior to the program starting we gave all the kids a diagnostics test based on what grade they were entering in the fall and the material they need to know in order to be successful in the school year. Focusing on Math, Reading and English, we divided the kids into 3 sections based on their score and grade level. I taught 3-5^th grade math and 6-7^th grade grammar and reading. On a typical day we had math and English in the morning, then after lunch we had reading and recess. On Fun day Fridays we took field trips to different places like the Children’s Museum, Sky Zone and roller-skating.

I chose to work with REP because I had been volunteering with their afterschool program during the school year and wanted to become more involved in this community. Prior to working at REP this summer, I noticed that I sometimes felt ineffective and disconnected from the kids I was working with. During the course of the summer, I have been able to create relationships with many of the kids, which has allowed me to be more effective when I teach them.

I noticed a common trend with many of the sites we visited that before any change could be done to alleviate a certain problem there needs to be a connection between the non-profit and the community. There needs to be trust and openness from both sides in order to accomplish the change the community wants. Service is more than just “helping” people but rather it is bridging communities together through a common goal. Through our weekly meetings and readings, Summer Service Fellowship has greatly opened my eyes and shifted my understanding of what service means and looks like. Although there are specific needs within Memphis ranging from educational needs to healthcare that seem daunting fix, it has been amazing to people who are dedicated to improving the needs of Memphis. I have really grown to love and appreciate the refugee community I have been working with and am so thankful for this eye-opening experience the Summer Service Fellowship provided me.