T.G.I.F.

TGIF! Project Transformation isn’t just for the kids…Fridays are dedicated to career exploration for the interns! We have the amazing opportunity of going to different ministry-related organizations around Dallas every Friday. As of today, I have been to 4 places around Dallas, and they have all given me something to think about!

PT Interns on our way to different Friday Experiences! (Okay, we were posing for a group picture)

 *Courtesy Kristen Singletary!*

        This Friday, I learned about immigration legal services provided by organizations like Justice for Our Neighbors. JFON, with offices in various churches around Dallas (and lots of other cities), gives free legal assistance to immigrants who would like to attain legal immigrant status, basically green cards. Growing up, I always excluded lawyer from potential careers, but as the leader spoke about her job, it didn’t sound so bad to me…

         My very first “Friday Experience” was at an urban community development center called Jubilee Park. Jubilee Park supports its neighborhood in comprehensive community renewal. They have several partners, including David’s Place, Head Start, and a Dallas Police Department sub-station that focuses on the Jubilee Neighborhood. This is a truly inspirational organization that is highly dedicated to its purpose: providing an overall better living situation for the neighborhood! I would really like to learn more about places like this closer to my home, too, like Joy-Southfield Development Corporation in Detroit (partners with Motown Mission, the program I worked with last summer!).

         The next Friday, I went to North Dallas Shared Ministries. This was an AWESOME experience for me. At first, we were told briefly about the organization…It began when 5 churches in the Dallas area decided to pull together and better utilize their resources. Now, there are at least 50 churches that support the central location to efficiently provide underserved residents with appropriate services. Some services they provide include a food pantry, a clothing closet, job counseling, financial assistance, medical and dental services, and education-related assistance. So much to do in such a small building! After the brief explanation, we were thrown into the job ourselves! It was a bit strange at first to be volunteering when we thought we would just be learning about the program, but the hands-on experience will stay with me a bit longer. I was able to, more or less, job-shadow and sit in on some interviews of the applicants. People come in early in the morning to stand in line for services, and once they fill out an application, they have an interview with a volunteer (NDSM only has ONE paid employee). This was an important day for me because I was able to level with people who are in need of such services.

         Last Friday was the most exciting Friday Experience for me so far. I learned all about nonprofits and nonprofit management from our very own PT director, Eric Lindh. Though this may sound relatively (cough) boring (cough), I was on the edge of my seat throughout the session! There are many things I could do with my soon-to-be degree in Human Development and Family Studies, but I don't see myself anywhere besides the "not-for-profit" sector. Who knows, maybe PT is in store for a Detroit location! Be on the lookout!

So, TGIF??

Thank God for Fridays, indeed!