As my year of service comes to an end, I sat back and attempted to reflect on what this year has meant to me, and what I have gotten out of it. It was such an honor to assist so many members within our community through service, as well as work along side so many passionate individuals I have met during my service year. While attending Lackawanna College where I am majoring in Human Services, I also served full time at The Hamidian Training Institute as a COVID-19 Liaison. My duties consisted of me navigating clients to COVID-19 and community related resources in the area, and I assisted with the implementation of a Community Closet in our facility to help address some of the pressing needs that our clients have.
While reaching out and engaging with clients, I saw how so many are heavily impacted daily by the struggles of having to survive without necessities like food, hygiene products, and how mental health played a major role in their struggles. I was able to act as a listening ear, as well as a helping hand. Working within an outpatient mental health facility has helped me to understand the concept of the social determinants of health more, and how much of an impact that these factors can play when it comes to being able to function to one’s fullest capacity.
I am happy to say that volunteering through NHC: CCCC has opened my eyes and has truly solidified my desire to help those around me and help my community. I hope to be able to continue to assist my community once I complete my college degree and have no doubt that my year of service aided in realizing and actualizing my goals and dreams. I am thankful for the fellow service members that I met who I can now call lifelong friends, and appreciate the people I worked alongside. I have nothing but positive things to say about my year of service and would recommend anyone that is thinking about committing to a year of service to go for it!
