TECA 1303 Service-Learning Research Report

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Stephen F Austin State University *

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1332

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Health Science

Date

Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by PresidentPorpoisePerson1013

Your Name: _____Carys-Noelle Casper____ Volunteer Location: __ Nacogdoches HOPE Food Pantry ____ TECA 1303 Service-Learning Research Report 1. Why did you choose this specific organization as your volunteer site (5 points)? I have had the opportunity to volunteer at food pantries before and have loved the experience. The impact you can make from something as simple as handing out food to families in need really puts life into perspective. As a young college student I have been beyond blessed to receive financial help from my parents as well as hold a part time job myself. I have not had to struggle much but donating my time to helping children, teens, adults and families in need has been such an amazing opportunity for me to have. I had a lot of interactions with children and was even able to play with a few while the families went around the loop collecting their food. This was so fun to see and interact with the kids. Some were shy and some were super extroverted and ready to play. Overall this experience was very life changing. 2. Describe in detail your volunteer experience. Discuss the specifics of your time volunteering (e.g., With how many people (children and/or adults) did you work with, what did you do?) You should have a minimum of 8 sentences for this question. (10 points). The first time I went to the food pantry there were not many people there so I had to cover multiple stations. The regular volunteers were a huge help in encouraging me and making sure I knew what to do. After a few minutes of getting familiar with the food and what order the people would walk in, the doors opened and families and individuals began to walk through. I saw so many different types of people, older, younger and inbetween. Each person that came through showed their gratitude and asked how my morning was. They were so kind and I was happy to be helping them in any way. The children would ask questions and keep conversation with me as well. Some of the children had to translate for their parents or grownups they were with. Some teens and children would go around and get the food for the parents while they waited outside or in their cars. This was hard to witness and see how these children had to experience the real world and grow up too soon. The second time I volunteered I got to play with the kids more while the parents would shop and it was so fun to see how they would interact with kids they maybe never met or they lived on the same street at home. The kids and families were so kind and fun to be around. 3. Describe the children’s behavior and how they responded to you as you worked at your location. Did you have any children “act out” or misbehave? If so, what was your reaction/response? You should have a minimum of 8 sentences for this

question. (10 points) There were a few kids who would begin to get anxious or nervous around so many people and would cry or get scared. They were tired from being up so early to get in line to get food and the children and parents were impatient and tired so some children would act out. For the most part the children would behave and stay quiet while their parents got the supplies. The children would talk to me or tell me which items they would want from the food line. The parents would allow the children to pick some items but for the most part the children would not interact much while shopping for food. The older kids did not say much but would translate to me what the parents wanted. When some children acted out, it depended on the age but I would normally make some conversation with them to help them calm down. The kids, for the most part, were very fun and hardly ever acted out. In the early morning some kids would be so tired they didn't talk or would just cry to go home. 4. Did you feel the contact person/supervisor was prepared for you and provided the materials and directions you needed? Explain. (5 points) The contact between me and Miss Harrison was extremely easy. I emailed her and called her and she was very easy to contact. She was super helpful in explaining the times I could come in, what to wear, and any other information I may have needed. She was helpful with the paperwork I needed to complete for this class as well. She was always available and was very fun to work with. 5. After volunteering, what professional recommendations would you make to the organization you worked with regarding the volunteer experience? You should make at least two recommendations. You should state each recommendation and have at least three sentences explaining why you are making the recommendation. (15 points) Some days there were not enough volunteers to cover all the stations and some people would be working two to three stations all by themselves. I think ensuring that there is enough staffing before making volunteers cover multiple stations would be helpful for those feeling overwhelmed by only one station. This food pantry is smaller than the ones I have volunteered at before, and those had lots of staffing rather than volunteers. This worked well because staff was still available but if there were enough volunteers to work the stations there was no worrying about any stations being left unattended. 6. After volunteering, what professional recommendations would you make to the organization you worked with regarding increasing parent involvement? You should make at least two recommendations. You should state each recommendation and have at least three sentences explaining why you are making the recommendation.

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