fighting for their rights and for people to understand them

Bridget Marrine

I would say that the definition of my year, at least so far, is culture. I’m living and working on the Navajo reservation, so I guess that’s a little obvious. I am literally submerged into a completely different culture and every day I am surrounded by people with a much different ethnic, religious, and cultural background than my own. Yes, a big part of that is the Navajo culture, but there is much more than that too.

Cow with mop on head roaming

Firstly, there is the culture of living in the country. I am originally from New York. Not the city, but relatively close to. I grew up in a suburban area and made frequent trips into the city. I went to school at the University of Scranton which is located in a fairly urban area. So I guess the initial and for me hardest cultural shock was just the physical location of where I now live and work. This is COUNTRY folks. I mean, I probably pass about 5-10 free range cows on my way to work every day. There are usually sheep and goats on my road and even in my back yard. We have four working radio stations: one plays Navajo chanting, two play country music, and one plays all different music. About once a week my coworkers have a discussion about butchering their livestock. I actually was a little surprised by what we have in town, but it still is pretty limited to a grocery store, McDonalds, and Denny’s. This took a bit of getting used to for me, but I’m starting to learn to love it. You know, I’m also surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. Every day on my way home from work I drive right into the most gorgeous sunset which is completely unblocked by buildings or anything of the sort. I’m learning a little about crops, farming; I’m learning how to sew and use a sewing machine, and I’m learning a lot about cooking from scratch. It’s a different way of living, and I am definitely learning a ton.

There of course is the actual culture of the Navajo- their beliefs and their stories, which I must say that I absolutely love. Most of my coworkers are Navajo and they all have been so wonderful about telling me their stories and answering my questions. It is challenging, since all of my students are Navajo too, I have to adhere to their cultural norms and I don’t always know what they are. Such as animals that are taboo, or how death and dead ones are not really talked about. These things I’ve had to learn, and learn fast. Everyone at my school has been great about filling me in, and I know they know I’m not familiar with it all, so they give me a little leeway- but I don’t want to offend them or make them uncomfortable. Now that I have been here for a few months, though, I feel much more comfortable and feel I know a lot more. There is still a ton to learn, but I love doing it. There even are a few of their beliefs and values that I agree with or have adapted as my own. This was part of my draw to this placement and I love learning about this part of the culture.

Paintings done by students through the flying colors program

The last culture that really stands out is the culture of Developmental Disability. I am working at a special ed school as an Occupational Therapist and it has really enforced my belief that the developmentally disabled really have a culture of their own. My students disabilities range from physical needs to mental needs, and quite often daily tasks can’t be completed in the same way you or I would do them. But, quite honestly, as an OT I couldn’t ask for a better learning environment for myself. The school does such an amazing job of adapting the environment so that the students are able to complete these tasks, and not feel abnormal or strange. My absolute favorite thing I have been blessed to be a part of this year is a program called flying colors. It is an adaptive painting program which allows some of our lower functioning students to be able to express themselves artistically. Students choose the size of their canvas, the paint brush, the colored paint, etc and tell a “tracker” where to paint with the use of a laser- either hand held or attached to their head by a headband for students with physical needs. I am one of two trackers right now at the school, and I just love it. I think a lot of people out there would look at the students we have in this program, and throughout the whole school really, and think that there is nothing there. That because these students can’t communicate to us in the way we are use to that they are dumb or they don’t know what’s going on. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. These students create beautiful amazing artwork. Some of which have even won awards. Obviously, this population has been a passion of mine before this year. I studied Occupational Therapy in school for 5 years and was passionate about the rights of disabled persons long before that as well. But, after spending day in and day out with my students, I have learned just how much I love working with this population and just how passionate I am about fighting for their rights and for people to understand them. I am so happy and feel so blessed to be at this school and working with this population.

Bridget Marrine - St. Michaels Association for Special Education - St. Michaels, AZ

The best word I can use to describe our department is magical

(Left to Right) Rebecca Rybaltowski, Brianna McPherson, Elizabth Bennett

For the teenagers I work with it is a daily struggle to get through the complicated and multifaceted system that is foster care. I am volunteering with the Youth Development Department at MercyFirst, a special team created to help foster care teens prepare for adulthood outside of the system. The best word I can use to describe our department is magical. When a youth comes into our department with questions and concerns, they always leave with answers and solutions. It is awesome to be a part of such an effective and useful department where I know that lives are changing for the better. A large part of my position with the Youth Development Department is helping the youth navigate government offices to obtain their vital documents like their birth certificates and social security cards.

The simple transaction of filling out a form, waiting in line and interacting with the clerk can be confusing and intimidating for anyone, but especially for teens that have never experienced it before. Even though it seems like a simple task, being in foster care can often make it even more difficult to access the information necessary to apply for vital documents. This can be discouraging for the teens, but we do our best to leap over the hurdles we face so they can get the documents they need.

Before I started working at MercyFirst, I had no experience with foster care, let alone teens within the system. I didn’t know how I, a young woman who grew up in rural Ohio, could help street-smart teens who grew up in Brooklyn. What could I offer them? When I took the first youth to the DMV to get a non-drivers photo ID—a document necessary for everything from applying for a job to enrolling in college—I was so nervous and shy. I was worried that I had prepared the wrong papers or even that the clerk may turn us away simply because the youth is in foster care. Despite these fears, the process went smoothly. The youth also felt better knowing that she would now be able to open a bank account and keep the money she had been saving safe.

After working with the youth in need of vital documents for three months, I know the steps for each office by heart. I’ve also learned how to present myself and the youth in a professional manner and speak confidently with the clerks. I’ll always be thankful to the youth for teaching me these important life skills. Now that I am confident and know how to navigate the system, I can more fully assist the youth here at MercyFirst.

Brianna McPherson - MercyFirst - Brooklyn, NY

Teach them how to have fun

Amber Lindstrum walking at Presque Isle

I am now two months into my volunteer work-site, Safenet, a center for domestic violence victims.  People I encounter often ask, “what exactly do you do?,” and I respond, “just about everything!”  In addition to volunteer recruitment, advocacy, and community outreach, childcare has been one of my main responsibilities at the work site.  Tuesday nights in particular, we have children’s group.  Children ranging in ages from 2 to 12 years old, participate in activities based on a healthy mind and body.  Safenet created “40 Developmental Assets,” which emphasize support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, constructive use of time, commitment to learning, positive values, social competence, and positive identity.   In addition to children’s group, childcare is often needed at a moment’s notice.  Just the other day, I was caring for a 10 year old child that I brought into the playroom.  Her first words were, “I don’t play with toys.”  After games of tic-tac-toe and a few crayon drawings, she told me she was bored.  My first thought was “Oh no, what do I do now?”  Instinctually, I reverted back to 13 years ago when I was at her stage in life.  We got creative and made paper airplanes out of the drawings she had made.  Unfortunately, she was bored, yet again.  Then, something told me to ask her if she knew the game, “hot or cold.”  In this game, you take an object and hide it.  The other person has to look for it, and depending on where the finder is in relation to the object, he/she will be “hot” or “cold.”  The 10 year old loved it!  We played the game for over an hour!  What I got from this and other childcare experiences is that it is important to be creative and entertain children, especially those children who may be struggling to smile because of their experiences of violence in their homes.  While they may never forget what has happened to them, their experiences with volunteers and interacting with children of similar backgrounds, may help these victims of domestic violence remember how to, or even teach them how to have fun. 

“Dreary Erie,” as many have described, is definitely a city that encounters much rainfall.  I would say 8/10 people, who come to learn that I originate from the mid-west wish to warn me, “Beware of Erie winters!  We get lots of snow!”   Luckily, the snow has not fallen just yet.  I have been determined since I arrived to make it more like “Cheery Erie.”  So far, it has been pleasant.  Presque Isle is one of my favorite places to go to take scenic walks and get a good work-out in.  Erie also has a decent night-life, not as bad as I had earlier anticipated.  All in all, I feel like I am enjoying myself and meeting many new people has been tons of fun!  For the remainder of the year, I am hoping to continue to grow as a person, as a colleague, intellectually, and of course, live in the Mercy Spirit!

Amber Lindstrum - Safenet - Erie, PA

surrounded by so much possibility, culture, and inspiration

Elizabeth Bennett

Before leaving my home in New Mexico, I tried to imagine what life would be once I began living and working in New York City. A blank canvas of the unknown stared back at me.  When I told people about my plans to live in Queens and volunteer in the South Bronx, my news was often met with looks of concern and questions as to why I would want to do such a thing. I had no personal experience of the East Coast to use to color in my expectations of the future, and anxiety built as I faced my own ignorance about what was to come; however, after spending only a little over a month in the city, New York has revealed itself as a masterpiece that must be experiences in person.

When I reflect back on my time here it is hard, impossible really, for me to pick out one story to share with you.  Should I tell you about the Puerto Rican woman who sells fresh alcapurrias from a shopping cart on 3^rd Ave? Should I tell you about the parade of folks who pass through the subway offering  a song, a story, a DVD, a dance, or a candy bar in exchange for whatever change you can spare? Should I tell you about the vibrant Indian Independence Day Parade we happened upon one Sunday morning? Should I tell you about getting caught in the rain and picnicking under a gazebo we shared with a large family playing Latin dance music from a boom box?  Should I tell you about getting goose bumps at a Saturday night poetry reading?  Should I tell you about getting goose bumps at Mercy Center’s new staff orientation as my supervisors shared how they are nurturing the spirit of Mercy in the Bronx?  Or perhaps about getting to know the history of the Bronx as we passed out thousands of program flyers around the neighborhood, letting people know what Mercy Center has to offer?  

So many recent experiences have helped create a thrilling introduction of New York, and it is only just the beginning.   I am very excited to continue discovering all that the city has to offer, and I am honored to have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to such a fascinating place.  Never before have I been surrounded by so much possibility, culture, and inspiration.

Elizabeth Bennett - Mercy Center - Bronx, NY

Transforming my life

left to right Katie Gwynn, Agnes Cannella, Jenny Brown

         As I started to get acquainted with the beautiful city of Savannah and the people here, I realized what a blessing this volunteer experience is for me. I have been able to meet many different people throughout my journey so far and every one has left a lasting impression on me.  I have found a marvelous match for me here in Savannah in my supervisor, “The Jenny Brown”. Jenny has taken me to several different places, introduced me to the sweetest people, has supported me with my work, and has helped inspire me through my spiritual walk. I am so grateful to be able to have such a marvelous supervisor that can support and encourage me in so many ways!

It is difficult to pinpoint one particular experience that has been life-changing during my time with MVC because on an almost daily basis I am meeting so many people who are transforming my life. It’s remarkable to me to look back at the different activities and different people I have met throughout my time here so far! I have found my niche with the Arts and Crafts class for the Day Center and also with the beautiful Tybee Beach! I have also started to learn sign language and communicating with some of my clients- it’s an amazing feeling! There’s definitely a share of different adventures down here in Savannah! I am looking forward to continuing my future here with all the wonderful people that surround me!

Katie Gwynn - St. Joseph's/Candler SOURCE Program - Savannah, GA

a more welcoming place for all

Amy Keller

            Our time in Detroit has been full of new adventures and exciting challenges.  Just last week, all of us moved into a beautiful new house and have since been setting it up to make it presentable for when the sisters come to visit, which is often!  Last weekend we had the joy of celebrating Mercy Day with the sisters in Detroit and had a wonderful time being welcomed into their evening of prayer and dinner.  As someone who attended a Mercy High School, I was thrilled to once again spend the day with the sisters!

            My experience at work has been wonderful so far. I am the Education and Community Playwriting Coordinator, which basically means I help organize and teach classes and also update scripts for the Matrix Theatre Company.  Both of these things are tremendous fun, and I love working with the kids to create new scripts based on their open imaginations.  Classes begin this week for all age groups and each one will be creating their own script and acting it out in December.  I am really looking forward to what they come up with! On Thursday evenings I work with a different section of the theatre that is creating a play about the use and abuse of water in Detroit. It will be presented here in February, and the writers don’t necessarily have a theatre background, but all of them enjoy the process of collaborating with writing.  I am learning a lot from them, because I usually just write solo.

            Justice issues are certainly coming up every day I am here as well.  I am learning much more about water preservation, and helping the swamplands in Michigan, which I knew hardly anything about back in August.  Also, the topic of immigration has always been important to me, and I have encountered many sisters who are passionate about the issue as well. There are rallies in Detroit and other events to raise awareness for why Detroit needs to be a more welcoming place for all, and I am excited to get more involved with this. 

            All in all, the experience so far has been great. I enjoy the job, fellow MVC family, and the opportunities here.  Next up on the list is seeing a Detroit Red Wings game!

Amy Keller - Matrix Theartre Company - Detroit, MI

are you a REAL teacher?

Molly Dougherty

          Throughout my first week as a volunteer at Detroit Cristo Rey High School, I was consistently bombarded with the same question: "Are you a REAL teacher or are you a volunteer?" For the first few days, I told them I was a volunteer. By the end of the week, reality began to sink in--volunteer or not, I am as "real" as any paid staff member at the school. At first, that fact made me feel overwhelmingly anxious, frustrated, and afraid. Now that I have a couple weeks under my belt, I still deal with anxiety and frustration, but the fear is gone for good!

              I have developed an incredible respect for high school teachers and administrators--it's still strange being on the "other side" of things, sometimes. The amount of work that goes on behind  the scenes is astounding. The faculty and administration here appear to be tireless, which provides daily inspiration for me to increase my efforts.

             It has been a struggle sometimes to bring enthusiasm to community life because I feel so drained from ministry, but Colleen, Brit, Amy, and Xochitl have been very supportive and understanding. Everyone is working hard and we have been pretty good about responding to each other's needs. Detroit itself is amazing! It is a fascinating city with great people and a unique atmosphere. I can already see why so many volunteers have stayed in the area after their service year. Keep us in your prayers.

Molly Dougherty - Detroit Cristo Rey High School - Detroit, MI

Reasons Behind the Poverty

Katie Acosta

               My experience with MVC thus far has been eye-opening, challenging, and thrilling. Working and living in New York City is incredible; there is always something new and exciting to do and thankfully, a lot of it is completely free. There are so many opportunities to pursue your interests through free classes or meet-ups, no matter how varied or obscure your interests may be. We’ve been able to take advantage of a free orchestra concert in Central Park, donation-only yoga classes, and book readings, and we have just barely scratched the surface of all the things that we want to do and accomplish during our year here.

            Although I love all the free activities and events that New York City has to offer, my job at my service site has been my favorite part about my experience as a Mercy Volunteer so far. All of the staff at Mercy Center are overwhelmingly nice, helpful, and open to sharing their experience and knowledge of the South Bronx and Mott Haven neighborhood with me and my fellow volunteers. They have been so welcoming to us that it has not taken long for us to feel right at home here. It is the participants and their stories, however, which have had the greatest impact on me. Although challenging at times because of the language barrier that often exists (most of the participants speak Spanish and my Spanish abilities are limited), I have been able to have some wonderful interactions and conversations with some of our most devoted participants. Although I would never know from the happy smiles that most of our participants wear while at Mercy Center, I have come to learn a lot about the challenges and obstacles that our participants face every day, along with many other residents of the South Bronx. They are constantly surrounded by the poverty that exists in the neighborhood, and they lack the political and financial power to address many of the obstacles to development that exist in the South Bronx such as underfunded public schools, a lack of tenants’ rights, and an overall need for greater investment in the neighborhood.

            I have no doubt that during this year of service I will continue to learn more about the struggles that our participants endure, and many of the reasons behind the poverty that exists in the South Bronx, but I am ready for the challenge of working alongside our participants and absorbing all that I possibly can. My experience has been amazing and enlightening thus far, and I hope that I only continue to grow more and more as a person as the year progresses.

Katie Acosta - Mercy Center - New York, NY

Optimism for the year ahead

Philly volunteers building community at orientation (left to right: Kaimeesa
Stevenson, Leslie Clague, Julianna Ryan, Megan Mathews)

Life in Philadelphia has been going great. My house mates and I have gotten settled into our house in Narberth and into our new jobs. We have also had some time to explore the city and see some of the sights including Reading Terminal Market, Penn’s Landing, and the Italian Market.

My position is with Bethesda Project as the Church Shelter Assistant. This means that I work with the men who stay at Bethesda’s three church shelters. Right now only one of the churches is open (the other two open in November when it starts to get cold), so it has been kind of slow and there has been some down time, which has given me a great opportunity to get to know some of the guys.

This is my first time working with the homeless population, so I was a little worried that I wouldn’t have the right skills or that the guys wouldn’t feel like they could relate to me. But, the guys have been great! They have put all my doubts aside and have been so welcoming to me. They have also been tremendously helpful. Anytime I have a question or need a favor they are quick to help. They also have given me great suggestions on where to go and what to do in the city. Not only are the men generous with advice, but they are generous with their stories. Already, so many of the guys have opened up and shared their incredible life stories with me. This has been a great way for me to get to know them and start to build relationships with them.

Having the men be so willing to open up to me has shown me that I have more in common with them than I thought. We may come from different backgrounds and have vastly different life experiences, but I have seen that we still have a lot in common. We might have the same hobbies, like the same food, or have the same favorite sports teams. And, at the end of the day, we all like to have a good laugh.

Being able to relate to the men and already being able to develop relationships with them gives me optimism for the year ahead.

Leslie Clague - Bethesda Project - Philadelphia, PA