Volunteer Community Service Paper

One of the first times I ever went to a hospital was when I had to have a medical examination done to support sexual assault allegations. I was 12, and I elected not to have my mother with me for fear that she could not emotionally handle what was about to happen. Although I was lucky to have compassionate physicians, I still remember the loneliness that I felt and that I would continue to feel after that appointment. I was fortunate enough to be able to receive free therapy throughout my high school years, and that is something that has never been lost on me. Because of this, I have a personal passion for supporting sexual assault victims in whatever way I can. Throughout my high school years, I spoke at various engagement to fundraise for

I offer my services to the community in a way that many people wouldn’t expect. Due to financial issues I wasn’t able to volunteer the way that I wanted to but that didn’t change anything. In my area and amongst peers I have become someone they can come to in times of needs, whether it’s for a place to sleep, a hot meal, or an outlet for their emotional and mental distress. I have done extensive research on how to handle certain mental illnesses and emotional outburst so I can be prepared to give everyone the care they need. I am also very active in educating other members of my family and community about mental illness, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse in the black community. I found that there are many ways to give back to the community.

Tonier Cain, a nationally- known public speaker and traumatic event educator has inspired many women across the nation, she tells her story to audiences filled with men and women who specialize in substance abuse programs, mental health agencies, corrections facilities as well as trauma survivors and many more. Tonier, also known as Neen was introduced to the jail system at an early age and has a criminal record of 83 arrest followed by 66 convictions. Cain’s story is empowering, inspirational and unforgettable. As of today, her efforts to uplift women who have experienced trauma has given her a position as the team leader for the newly funded National Center for Trauma.

The PEACE Domestic Violence agency’s mission is to “reduce victim trauma, empower survivors, and promote recovery through direct services” (University of Phoenix, 2012, para. 9). Also, according to University of Phoenix  Appendix B (2012),PEACE also strives to reducing the occurrence of sexual assault and domestic violence by educating the abused and the community and proposing ways to fight against social norms and beliefs. It will reside in the city of Portland, a large metropolitan city, that has been experiencing a rise in reports of not only domestic, spousal, and child abuse, but also youth violence, assault, and road rage over the last five

As a student, I have demonstrated many works of service to my community and school. Service opportunities have shaped me into the person I am today and these projects have made me realize how fortunate I am for all that I have. While I've been doing these service projects through the years, it has been a pleasure seeing the joy on the faces of people that aren't as fortunate as I am. Service projects that I have completed include managing the fish booth at the St. Leo's Parish Festival, being an altar server at St. Leo's Parish, helping cook dinner for the Ridgway Fire Department during carnival day setup, participating in the St. Marys Light Up Night by dancing, and Christmas caroling to local residents. I also participated in a zombie/princess

We had a guest speaker from Mutual Ground that explained what programs and services Mutual Ground offers people who face Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Teaching us about the various forms of abuse people in a relationship face. Based on the various forms someone seeks power and control in a relationship. Such as using coercion and threats, intimidation, emotional abuse, economic abuse, male privilege, children, isolation and minimizing, denying and blaming their partner to suppress their partner and have power and control. Our guest speaker talked about some of the plans they have to help the LGBTQ community to provide the same services to help victims of sexual violence and domestic violence get the necessary help needed to protect everybody

Laura Jackson spoke as a guest speaker at Texas A&M University-Commerce (where I am proud to be a student) on September 22nd to discuss the importance of healing from sexual, physical, mental, and psychological abuse. Her life story was horrific, but somehow she survived to tell about it. She addressed different topics such as raising awareness about domestic violence and the importance of a personal relationship with God. I was honored to hear her speak and acquired knowledge from her that I can apply to my life and my surroundings.

It is apparent that the individual is out of touch with his/her environment, as we live in a time of isolation. This view of a frightful outside world is a common mindset in people, prompting them to stay home with the excuse that some things are not worth experiencing. Beyond this misconception, is a world that although may need some work, has opportunities for every kind of person. In fact, a "frightful outside world" can change with the contribution of a helping hand; this is what makes community service imperative. There is no better way to encourage students in assisting their communities than implementing service requirements in High School, and various sources explain the benefits behind these standards. A few of these excerpts include "Community Service

Berks County, Pennsylvania Community Health Needs Assessment. (January, 2013). Public Health Management Corporation, Philadelphia, PA. Retrieved from http://www.uwberks.org/wwwpub/assets/base/ pdf/Commu

My program, "The Wounds of Words," was held on the campus of area high schools. Three women spoke; one was a specialist on dating and domestic violence, and the other two were survivors of emotionally and physically abusive relationships. Approximately two hundred people attended the program; some came out of concern for loved ones, others came out of concern for themselves. Regardless of their reasons for coming, I knew as I listened to the speakers and their courageous stories that if one girl could be saved from the emotional abuse that may await her in the future because of my program, the program was a success.

The company aims to raise awareness about sexual/domestic violence and available resources, as well as educate members of the healthcare community about the critical importance of assessing for domestic violence. For example the company hosts what is called The Safe Homes Clothesline Project in partnership with Safe Homes and Orange County’s agency for prevention of domestic violence and support for victims of violence. The project is a tribute to women and girls in Orange County that have experienced domestic and sexual violence. Over the generations the clothesline has been where information has been exchanged, a place where women might gather quietly and hopefully safely, to share the news of their households and sometimes their hidden secrets with their neighbors and

Instead of doing the traditional group sessions for women who have been a victim of abuse, many people have decided to try out a new program called “The Women of Courage”. This program is a way for women to get together with others who have gone through the same thing they have, and to be out in the wilderness to go through different task like, rock climbing, canoeing, and simply just making their own meals. All of these task will help the women learn the importance of their responsibility for their self and can share with others in the group. All of these women work together to overcome the violence that they have been a part of in new ways, besides sitting in an office with a counselor. This can help them learn that you do not always have to go and talk everything through, you can simply just go out into the wilderness and work together to overcome this.

By making society conscious of domestic violence against male victims, it has aided in creating and informing victims of help that is out there for them. This would include support groups. Being able to identify with peers that have similar situations, and discussing these issues, can help the healing begin.

Depending on what part of the country your from many are people today are surprised to discover the majority of first responders nationwide are volunteers. I must admit that due to my almost strictly paid career as a firefighter and paramedic for the past twenty six plus years I was just a little bias towards volunteers. I know have a better understanding of what makes a good volunteer,but I have also been had my thoughts of what makes a bad volunteer confirmed. A volunteer that is dedicated to the branch of public safety they choose to volunteer for is extremely difficult to distinguish from that of a paid member.

Volunteering is a way of life for most people like myself. I was always interested in helping others from a young age. I have been involved in volunteering organizations since fourth grade such as the beta club. I was thirteen when I first learned about the VolunTeen program at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. It was a few months before my fourteen birthday, but I was still too young to apply at the time. I waited the year to apply, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.