Chicago Cares Leadership Training

Location: Chicago Cares Offices

Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2013; 5:30-8:30 pm

Despite my active participation in all of Chicago Cares programs, I had resisted applying for a Leader role.  Sure, I had led at ‘MLK Celebration of Service’, ‘Serve-A-Thon’ and as a back-up, but that was because it was a onetime role.  What I did not want to do was commit to a regular program, which would not allow me to improvise on my schedule.  Yes, I know it’s a lame excuse, but I have had an opportunity to participate in some remarkable programs because of this flexibility.  During a conversation with Wendy, I had mentioned this and she encouraged me to come and get trained as a leader and that would allow me to be a back-up for projects, without any firm commitment.  All Chicago Cares would do is put me on a mailing list when they needed a backup leader for a particular project.  I had already told Claire that I would be filling in for her at ODS for a few sessions and this was a similar concept.  I could do that and so I had sent Wendy a note expressing my interest in attending their next training session.  This led to me having to go through a phone interview with Wendy where she asked me probing questions to gauge my interest and also see what programs I liked.  I told her that apart from environmental projects – never again – I truly liked all of them: children’s, seniors, homelessness and hunger, you name it.  It was decided that after the main training session, I would join a breakout session for children’s programs, since that was the most exhaustive training that they conducted, and which would then allow me to be a backup for all the programs on the calendar.  All, except environmental, I hoped!

Chicago Cares offices

Prior to attending, we were also required to watch a short video on how to use the Chicago Cares ‘Leadership Portal’.  I was away on a business trip for a couple of days prior to my training session and so could do this while spending a boring evening inside my hotel room.  Following the video there were a few short questions that we were required to answer and thankfully they turned out to be easier than the ones at the end of a typical MAW training session!  I returned from my trip the morning of the training and went over to Chicago Cares offices with my travelling suitcase in tow. Amy, who opened the door, asked if it was my bag of tricks.  I said I did not know how long the training would take and so had come prepared for a long stay!  I was directed to the same room where we had our ‘Serve-A-Thon’ leadership training and I saw that besides me there were 7 other people being trained, including Linda, whom I had met at ‘Lincoln Park Conservatory’ project.  The staff members were Wendy, who would start with the general training and then we would have breakout sessions with Martha and Emily leading the ‘Children’s Services’ training and Amy was leading the ‘Human Services’ session. 

Wendy started with an ice breaker where we had to chat with our neighbor and then after getting to know them a bit, introduce them to the group.  I was next to Linda and since we had worked together – and by work I’m not kidding, since it was back-breaking labor – we got along well.  I learned that Linda’s been with Chicago Cares for two years and is now moving into a leadership position, taking over a landscaping project.  Besides these environmental projects – which are her favorites – Linda also participates in ‘Read With Me’ program at McCormick.  I introduced her by saying all of these things and saying that she is one of the hardest working volunteers – literally – that I have had the pleasure of seeing.  Linda had asked me what my favorite project with Chicago Cares is and then introduced me accordingly when I said it was any project where you can interact with clients one-on-one.  All the other duos did a good job of introducing each other and we were now ready to commence.

Wendy started by saying that one of the first and foremost things we as leaders are required to do is describe Chicago Cares.  After all, we are the representatives for the organization.  She went on to describe what it is about and also what the difference was between ongoing and annual programs.  Next, she pulled out a whiteboard and started a discussion on qualities for a leader.  Many ideas came forth such as timely, organized etc.  I said “Accountability” and Wendy asked what I meant by that.  I said that for me, the leader is on site to enable volunteer experience, but along with that they are accountable for the success of the project and it means leading from the front.  Another quality that I mentioned was “Passion”, and I said that the leader has to believe in the project because if they don’t, then others will not either.  Finally, I said that the leader must demonstrate “Humor” because while they take the project seriously, they should not take themselves too seriously. 

Next, like the ‘Serve-A-Thon’ training, we had to go through various scenarios that leaders may encounter on project sites, and I was once again paired with Linda.  Our first scenario was a “Bored” volunteer and how we would deal with them to ensure that it does not happen again.  We both agreed that if someone is bored, the leaders should watch for the signs and move them to a different task.  Else, the leader joins the group with the volunteer so as to lead from the front.  For the next project occasion, if the volunteer was in attendance, the leader should put them on a different task.  Some of the other situations were similar to the ones we had discussed at ‘Serve-A-Thon’ training, such as leaders oversleeping or being short on supplies.  Everyone seemed to have the right answers and before taking a break, the last thing Wendy did was to give us an on-call number for emergencies, should they arise during projects.

A question on senses!

After a short break we went into the breakout sessions and I was in the ‘Children’s Services’ session along with 3 other volunteers.  Martha and Emily, who lead these Chicago Cares programs, would be tag-teaming on the training. In the room were different ‘Starburst’ candies were spread on the table.  Emily asked us each to pick on and I chose red.  We then realized that it was an ice-breaker and everyone would be asked a question based on the color they had chosen.  My question was “If you had to lose one of your senses, which one would it be?”  This was interesting since I really did not want to lose my ability to ‘See’ or ‘Hear’.  What would life be if I can’t see another movie by ‘Pixar’ or listen to words written by Lennon & McCartney?  Also, ‘Touch’ is a basic human need and I would be totally despondent if I couldn't ‘Taste’.  So that left just one, which was ‘Smell’, though there is something about smell that evokes nostalgia.  I can still remember smells from years ago and the good memories associated with those moments.  But answers needed to be given and so I nominated ‘Smell’.

That done, we discussed all the things a leader is required to do prior to a project.  This includes sending out information to the volunteers, starting with the address of the location, if parking was available, where the meeting point would be etc.  I also said that since kids were involved, volunteers should not come if they think they are sick since we do not want to spread a potential infection!  We then talked about various scenarios – particular to children’s programs – such as kids not behaving.  Martha said that the best way to deal with this is by being completely direct with the kids rather than making requests.  For example, if someone is running around, tell them firmly. “Sit down” rather than “Would you sit down?”  We then discussed appropriate behavior with kids, such as the kids want to go to the bathroom and should a volunteer accompany them.  The answer is “Never!”  I said that since all of us leaders would be undergoing a background check but the volunteers would not, it made us both, accountable and responsible.  We also went through some other important details like no initiated contact with kids etc. 

The training was at an end and then all that was remaining was filling out the paperwork for background check – which included putting down addresses’ for past 5 years!  We had to then rate the training session and I gave all of our instructors a positive grade, because they had earned it.  Before leaving I met with Wendy and she said that I was now ready to lead any project, my first task being leading ‘Job Coaching’ at ODS, standing in for Claire.  It had been 3 hours of training, but the time spent had been worth the effort.  Plus, it allowed me to think which of my senses I would be willing to give up and in doing so help me realize how precious each one of them really is. 

Roscoe Village Burger Fest!

Location: Roscoe Village

Date: Sunday, July 14, 2013; 2:00-6:00 pm

Well if yesterday was about making donuts, today was about a Burger festival.  While One Brick would not actually be making burgers, we would be volunteering at this annual burger festival to raise money for ‘Roscoe Village Chamber Of Commerce’.  According to the One Brick website, “The Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization committed to representing Roscoe Village businesses and to advancing the growth and prosperity of the Roscoe Village neighborhood. Our organization is dedicated to providing area businesses with all the necessary tools for economic growth and development and to providing a forum for networking and collaboration, in order that we may create a pleasant business environment for the community. The Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce works hand-in-hand with neighborhood organizations, local schools and the City of Chicago to reach a common goal of enhancing the business and cultural environment of the Roscoe Village community.”  I was the EC for this one and Dave was going to be the EM.  We had 14 volunteer spots and they filled up in no time.  Seems like everyone wanted to do this one.

Burger Fest!

It was extremely hot as I arrived at Roscoe village, having already done a 5K walk earlier in the morning.  I found Dave at the volunteer check-in booth and soon all of our volunteers started coming in.  I met John, who has recently moved from San Francisco and used to volunteer with the One Brick chapter over there.  Being a coast guard, we chatted about patrolling Lake Michigan and protecting us from those Canadian invaders!  We also had some veteran volunteers like Rich and Gary, who always give a 100% at events.  The organizers gave us our instructions and told us that that they wanted 7 volunteers at the beer tent and 7 at the gate, collecting entry fee.  Dave and I asked if people had a preference and almost everyone wanted to go to the beer tent.  Well, having been at ‘Lincoln Park Zoo Beer Festival’, I knew how much work was involved and hoped that these guys knew what they were getting into. 

The Roscoe Village street

We managed to split the crew in two groups and I took the beer team to their location, where they would be doing two tasks – pouring beer and collecting cash for the beer.  At the gate, the team had two tasks as well – collecting the $7 fee and the putting a sticker on people which said “I donated to Roscoe Village”.  Now, when we say $7 fee, we are really talking about a donation.  No one was denied entry if they did not want to pay.  This made the entire point of having so many volunteers moot in my opinion, since we could have had a donation box up front and those who wanted to donate would have done so.  In fact, people may have even put more that $7.  But, what do I know?  We were there to do whatever they wanted and if that meant asking people for a donation, so be it.

After assigning the volunteers, as an EC my job was to ensure everyone was comfortable and enjoying themselves.  This meant taking water to volunteers at both stations and also checking to see if anyone needed a break.  The smell of burgers was all around us and the festival was in full swing, including a rock music stage with some motivated musicians.  I went over to the front gate to join our crew who was collecting donations.  A lot of visitors were actually donating, perhaps unaware that they could still enter for free.  The funny thing was to watch how our volunteers were putting the tiny stickers on the visitors.  Many just got them while in motion, reaching out and putting it on their arm or wherever their fingers touched – easier for males than females of course!  I personally did not see the point of the sticker other than being a promotional tool.  Several visitors were coming in with their dogs and one of our volunteers was terrified of them.  So anytime a dog came through, she would back away and hide behind someone.  I found it amusing and took it upon myself to be a spotter for her.  Rich had been given an important task of preventing people from entering through the exit lane.  He was standing with a ‘Exit’ sign and was directing people toward us.  It truly was a thankless and lonely task, but such is Rich’s character that he did it with a smile on his face.  Of all the people I have met through volunteering, Rich is the one true gentleman. 

The beer tent

I was constantly shuttling to check on the beer folk and they seemed to be busy, but having a lot of fun.  None of them needed a break or anything else, so I came back to the gate to help out if required.  It was funny to see people actually stop and ask for a sticker, not knowing that it had no significance.  When some of our volunteers took a break, Dave and I stood in, putting stickers on people.  The organizers came and asked if we could stay beyond 6 pm, but some of our volunteers had to leave.  I went and asked the beer people and to my surprise, they were more than happy to stay longer.  At the gate area, Rich encountered a drunken guy who was intent on entering through the exit lane and when Rich stopped him, he started cursing and even threatening Rich.  This led to Rich rushing off to get security, who escorted the gentleman out.  Ever a pro, Rich went back to his station as if nothing had happened and with the usual smile on his face.  What a guy! 

At the gate our people were handling a lot of money and one of my tasks was to occasionally transfer it to a lock box.  One of the girls even told me that it was the most money that she had ever handled.  I found it amazing that for an event that was supposedly ‘free’, we had managed to collect a lot.  When some of our volunteers had to leave, I took over the collection duties.  Many people coming in did not want to pay and it was interesting to listen to their excuses, including lack of cash - which always led to me pointing to a nearby ATM!  In any case, many did pay and we had collected a lot of money when our shift concluded at 6 pm.  While we had managed to find replacement volunteers at the gate, the organizers were desperate for some of us to stay back.  To their credit, some of the beer tent crew wanted to stay and after ensuring a transition, Rich, Dave and I left.  I took the bus back to the train station, extremely tired after a busy but satisfying weekend.  I had been EC for two events and walked a 5K course for another. Donuts yesterday and Burgers today!  Keep this up and I may even have my own ‘Food Network’ show!

3rd Annual 5K Run To End Homelessness!

Location: Douglas Park

Date: Sunday, July 14, 2013; 6:30-10:00 am

I saw a sign in the lobby of my apartment building, asking if anyone wanted to join a team to participate in this 5K Run/Walk event.  I contacted Amanda in the leasing office, who was coordinating this event, and said that I would walk, but only if there were other participants.  I had done enough walks by myself to not want to do it again.  She said that besides our building, another one of our sister properties in the loop were sending people and there were sure to be other walkers.  To entice me to join she mentioned that there would be cash awards, not that I was going to decide based on that, or that I had any chance of winning!  Plus, we were going to be dropped off in a bus to the location and picked up after the event.  All I would have to do is show up at the other building site at 6:30 am.  I was sold and so went ahead and signed up for our team, ‘BYOURBEST’ and told Amanda that I would be at the pick-up location on time.  During the week I looked at the property where I would be going and quite frankly was impressed, even thinking to myself if I should ask for a transfer some time in the future!

Our 'team' cap

On Sunday morning at 6 am, I took a cab to 215 West Washington and arrived well before the meeting time.  I went inside to sit in the lobby and was waiting for others when I realized that people were already assembling in a limo van outside.  I went and sat inside the limo where a few people had assembled, including a lady with 3 teenage kids.  Amanda came in due course and I learned that the lady with kids was the leasing manager of this property.  She gave me my packet, which included a bag, a shirt, a wristband and a team cap!  While the kids would be running, there was another couple with a woman who was participating.  Her male companion was not, as were the two leasing ladies.  I was beginning to suspect that this would once again be a solitary walk for me. 

Event site

The limo dropped us at Douglas Park and there were several things that needed to be carried out of the limo, including some signs, water and other drinks as well as granola bars.  Then we had to find our allocated table where to set it up.  The ladies found one spot at side and started setting up the table with all the goodies.  It was apparent that they were going to camp out here and try promote the residential property. Then they tried to raise some signs, but the wind was playing havoc and nothing they did would get the signs to stand up. Since I wasn’t much involved in these activities, I walked about a bit looking at the various stations and entertainment areas.  I came back to see that the ‘team’ was posing for pictures without bothering to look for me.   All I had to do now was wait for the walk to start.

The walk took us past some fancy places

At 8 am all the runners and walkers assembled at the start line and my ‘team’ had already departed.  Both sets, the runners and the walkers, would be following the same route, meaning I was at the back of the group with the walkers.  We set off and I could see many families and some walking with dogs – a typical sight at all of the walks that I have done.  The walk itself was quite nice, past some lawns, field houses and even an outdoor pool. However, at places the path was narrow and the problem was accommodating both, runners and walkers – though the issue was with latecomers who were running and were now expecting us to share the path.  The route took us outside the park and alongside a main road, before turning back into the park.  I saw some walkers carrying the ‘Mercy Housing’ signs, an organization with whom I have done a Chicago Cares project.  Soon I could see the finish line and that was strange because I did not think we had already covered 3 miles.  On the way I had seen some runners looking confused on which direction they should be taking and I wondered if the walkers had taken a wrong turn somewhere.  In any case, I crossed the finish line and was handed my very own medal!  I went back to find my ‘team’ and the lady with the kids looked excited since one of them had just finished third.  I thought we would let bygones by bygones and celebrate together, till the lady asked me to take the ‘team’ picture.  At the end of Superbowl XLVI - which is still a painful memory - Gisele Bundchen famously said “My husband cannot 'bleeping' throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time.”  Those words came back to me as I pondered how I was going to be in the picture and take it at the same time.  But then I realized that the lady did not intend for me to be in the picture anyways and so I took the picture and told Amanda that rather than wait for the ride back, I would take the CTA bus home.

The medal!

As I rode back, I was mad at myself for believing this was a team exercise, but then the walk itself had been for a good cause.  According to the organizers website, “The event benefits A Safe Haven, an organization dedicated to transforming lives from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose, helping people aspire, transform, and sustain real change. A Safe Haven provides the tools for each individual to overcome the root causes of homelessness through a holistic, scalable model. A Safe Havens visible social and economic impact unites families, creating viable neighborhoods and vibrant communities.” 

Sure, having a cap doesn't always make a team.  But even a solitary walker can certainly play a part in addressing the issue of homelessness. I have quoted this before, but it does hold true..always.

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do” – Helen Keller

Time To Make The Donuts With Wonder Works In Oak Park

Location: Pilgrim Church-Oak Park

Date: Saturday, July 13, 2013; 9:30 am-2:00 pm

First of all, let us contemplate the title of this project.  Yes, it does have the words ‘Make Donuts’ in there.  So when I saw this show up on the One Brick calendar, I couldn't have been fast enough to opt-in as an EC.  As soon as I was assigned, throughout the preceding month Wilson – who was the EM – and I were promoting this event with One Brick as well as Chicago Cares.  We encouraged people to sign-up and promised everyone it would be the best time that they would ever have.  I mean come on, have you checked the title!

Mmm...donuts!

This was also the first volunteer project that I would be doing outside the Chicago city limits, Oak Park technically being a suburb. Thankfully it was accessible by the CTA, so I could take the train and got off at Oak Park on a beautiful morning.  I walked up to the location where the weekly Saturday Farmer’s Market was being held, as has been the case during the summer months for several years.  And for all of those years one tradition has endured – the famous Pilgrim Church donuts!  It is one of those traditions that generations talk about and people come from far and wide to buy.  Every year Pilgrim Church partners with more than a dozen local non-profit organizations each summer to make the donuts and coffee at the Oak Park Farmers Market.  They share the revenue with the organizations and help to get information about these organizations out to the Oak Park Community.  Today while One Brick volunteers would be helping with activity, the proceeds were going to go to support ‘Wonder Works Children’s Museum’.  A two-in-one deal for us!

The supplies

I arrived to find Wilson already there with some of his Red Cross volunteers, including Sarah - a travelling teenager from Switzerland - who was spending a few weeks in Chicago and volunteering while here.  We also had Laura – who had brought her visiting Mom – and some of the regulars like Polly, Franklin, Anvi and Sylvia.  We took some pictures while we waited and then one of the organizers from the church, Mary, came over to assign our duties.  A group had been volunteering since early morning and was in the kitchen making donuts.  We were going to assist them as they wrapped up and also be responsible for preparing the donuts and eventually selling them.  They needed 5-6 volunteer on sales and while Laura and her mom took over donuts sales, Wilson’s Red Cross folks took over coffee and juice.  The rest of us went downstairs. 

The fryer

The basement of the church has a restaurant style kitchen with heavy duty equipment, all of which was being used since 4:30 am in making donuts.  Some of our volunteers started taking finished donuts and dumping them in trays of powdered or cinnamon sugar.  Some of the donuts were being sold in the classic plain style as well.  Once the trays were full, there was a small window through which we could pass these to the team outside where they had the sales booth.  Mary asked if I could help out in the kitchen and I was more than happy to.  I put on an apron and went in to get my instructions, which were really to be a helper.  The way donuts were being made was there was a bag of pre-mixed donuts powder which went into a mixer with water.  After the batter was ready, it went into a dropper, which dropped perfect donuts into a huge pool of fryer.  What gave these donuts their taste, was that the fryer used lard instead of oil, and it had to be constantly replenished.  Once the donuts were done, someone removed the hot batch and then couple of girls put them on trays, loaded trolleys and sent them outside for mixing prepping with sugar etc.  My job was to ensure that water was readily available for the batter, sometimes weigh the donuts mix on the scale - 4.3 kg - and then also help pour the mixed batter into the dropper.  The batter was thick and gooey and at times I had to get my hands dirty trying to scrape off from one bowl to another.  I even helped lift a 50 lbs. box of lard when one fell on the floor.  The point was that I felt involved in the process of making donuts!

The Saturday Market

The donuts were flying off the shelf and we were constantly making a new batch.  After our 13^th bag was done, we decided against opening another one, but that still meant that 100s could be prepared.  We then started cleaning the table and the mixing equipment, but it still was a chore due to the sticky batter.  We had plenty of rags at our disposal and the only thing you could really do was scrub.  I was on it as was another girl who had been there since earlier and quite honestly, she was doing a terrific job.  I cleaned my area and then emptied the water cooler before going outside to take a break.  I walked through the market and sampled all the fresh cheese and other goodies that were on offer.  I stopped at a bakers stall and purchased something called “Mesmerizing Pastry”, which was every bit its namesake.  At one place I bought a ‘Bloody Mary Mix’ and the lady selling it said that I could use it like a topping sauce for leftovers.  “I am going to use it as a topping for Vodka”, I replied!

I came back and while the donuts had been made, the wiping down of the kitchen was in full flow. Since it was a nice summer’s day, a lot of tables and chairs had been set outside.  As we were almost at closing time, these now had to be wiped down, folded and stored inside a shed.  I had soap water and rags to do the task and was joined by some other volunteers as well.  A guy from the church was giving orders and from the way he was talking, you could have mistaken our activity for some military battle exercise.  The sun was blazing hot and it slowed our progress, plus there were a lot of chairs!  Furthermore, the gentleman wanted the storage inside the shed to be precise and there was an art to it.  After some time all the chairs and tables had been stored to the gentleman’s satisfaction and I went back to see that most of the cleaning had been done as well.  I saw that all of our volunteers were being thorough about it, Sylvia even cleaning the exterior of the garbage can, which had been covered with powdered sugar! 

The donuts crew

We all went upstairs and the sales team was down to their last few donuts.  I asked Laura which ones were the most popular and she said that almost everyone went for the coated stuff, with a few purists who asked for the plain ones.  We had all worked hard and now it was time to relax.  A few of us walked down Oak Park’s streets and had lunch at ‘Eric’s Deli’.  We chatted about Red Cross and emergency response and how chaotic everything in Chicago would have been if the city had won it’s Olympic bid.  It had been an extremely satisfying morning and I told Polly so as she drove me back to downtown.  I am accustomed to doing projects and have done many of them.  But making donuts?  I mean come on, it doesn't get better than this!

Senior Diners Club

Location: Lidia Pucinska Apartments

Date: Thursday, July 11, 2013; 6-8 pm

I had not planned for a project this evening and at 5 pm looked at Chicago Cares website to find where the openings were.  I had heard about Lidia Pucinska apartments from Wilson, but never been there.  I arrived to find our leaders Josh and Erica, whom I had met at ‘Job Coaching’ at ODS.  Wilson arrived in due course along with three other volunteers, two of whom were new and one was someone I had seen at Grace House on Tuesday.  The kitchen was a part of the big community hall and but space was limited at the cooking stove.  But we need not have worried; we were in presence of a pro.  Of all the leaders that I have encountered at cooking projects, Josh was by far the most experienced since he is an actual chef at a restaurant!

Crumble, ready for the oven!

Similar to other breakfast and dinner clubs, over here we were going to be playing Bingo as well.  However, rather than doing so at the end of the evening, we were going to playing while the dinner was being prepared.  This was a very efficient use of time and while three volunteers went over to handle the Bingo, I stuck around for a cooking assignment.  Josh was dealing with the main course and asked if I could make a crumble.  Eh, what?  He repeated, “A crumble”.  Ok then.  Fortunately for me, he gave me step-by-step instructions and all I had to do was follow.  The first task was mixing flour, sugar and oats, which was simple enough.  Then it was the chilled butter which needed to be integrated carefully.  Through watching some Food Network shows eh, advertisements on ESPN, I know that the trick is to keep the butter chilled so that it does not melt during the incorporation, but rather later, so as to make the crumble crust flakier.  This meant that I had to work fast and using the tips of my fingers so as to minimize contact.  Josh looked impressed by my knowledge and it looked like I had earned the main chef’s approval!  

After the butter was in, we spread it on strawberries that were spread on two baking pans.  Josh had already mixed them with balsamic, orange juice, sugar and vanilla extract.  I put the pans inside the oven and now I had to keep watch, rotating the trays every 10 minutes.  Josh was making couscous and a chicken stock on the side.  Wilson and I then helped remove the chicken and then added the stock to the couscous, infusing it with flavor.  Erica was making a broccoli and bacon salad, everything being better with bacon.  She is from Pittsburgh and so we had plenty to chat about, including ‘Oakmont Bakery’, my apartments at ‘Heinz Lofts’ and of course, the ‘Steelers’.  We were getting close to serving and Josh wanted to add some crushed peppercorns to the chicken; but we did not have anything to crush them with.  I told him that Wilson was extremely resourceful and he could find something, and sure enough, he did.  So now with the food almost ready, we were just waiting for the Bingo to conclude. 

Crumble, ready for serving!

I walked about the room and as is the case with Bingo everywhere, people were concentrating hard.  One lady was using her own Bingo coins, which looked like gems.  I complimented her on those, wondering if I could find some for my buddy Emma, who loves shiny gems and would be thrilled to play with those at ‘Lakeview Nursing’.  Some of the Bingo boards looked homemade and I told Wilson that making Bingo Boards and coins should be a project for one of his Arts & Crafts’ programs.  I helped arrange food trays with plates and as Josh started doing the final preparations, went about serving drinks.  One of the residents asked if I wanted a calendar and I wasn’t sure if she was giving it to me or selling it.  I politely declined and came back to collect the plates.  The Bingo prizes had all been handed out and so we could now go serve dinner.  As is usually the case everywhere, people were very nice and thankful and we had managed to get the food out in an efficient manner.  

Next was the unenviable task of washing the dishes and while Erica did that, I helped with the drying, we both continuing to reminisce about our days in Pittsburgh.  The crumble was ready to be served and it looked fantastic.  Even the residents said so and while it was Josh’s recipe, I was proud to have contributed.  As the residents started filing out, one of the ladies came over and hugged me.  It was one of those surreal moments that I often encounter at some of these project sites.  We cleaned up and Josh said that I should definitely stop by his restaurant, ‘Etno Burger’.  It had been a great new project for me and like many before it, would make the list of those that I would definitely return to.  

Adult Computer Skills

Location: Grace House

Date: Tuesday, July 09, 2013; 6:15-8:00 pm

I had not done any projects for a long time, having been away for the holiday weekend.  Thus I was enthusiastic to participate in this one, though the ‘Computer Skills’ portion of the title was a bit worrisome.  According to the project description, “Grace House provides comprehensive residential and case management services to formerly incarcerated women so they can rebuild their lives.  Volunteers will work directly with residents to help them learn basic computer skills such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, and resume writing.”  While I knew that nobody expected me to be proficient in HTML programming or Java script, at minimum I was expected to know a bit about the Microsoft Products and the Internet.  In terms of the destination, I thought that I knew where I was going but lo and behold, my old habit of getting lost caught up with me and I got off at the wrong train station.  Fortunately, I realized that before I left the platform, but had to still wait for the next train to arrive.  Having disembarked at the right station and following the directions on my phone, I finally arrived at Grace House. 

We had a stand-in leader this evening, Gabriella and she told me how the project would unfold.  Each volunteer would be paired with a resident and rather than coaching without an agenda, we would be working off their personnel file.  Well, it’s not like the file was a detailed profile or anything like that, but a list of things the ladies had covered in the previous class and what the volunteer’s recommendation was for this evening’s session.  I was paired with Shirley and the immediate thing that you noticed about her was that she smiled a lot.  It is always nice to be working with someone like that because it means that both of us would have a good experience.  I looked at her file and saw that at the previous session she had opened an email account via Gmail, and this week’s recommendation was for her to use it, especially to learn more about typing. 

Facebook Coaching

We sat down in front of a computer and fortunately for us, she remembered her login credentials and was able to access her Gmail account.  The first thing we saw was that she had 40 new messages – all from Facebook! So; Shirley had a Facebook account.  She wanted to log on to Facebook and see what was going on.  Now, I am not a Facebook user and my reasons for that are not because I have anything against it – on the contrary, I think it’s a great tool and one of the top innovations of this century.  I just believe in more personal…more meaningful relationships, not just make it a numbers game.  I was on Facebook once but got quickly disillusioned when I realized that I was just accepting ‘Friend Request’ from people who really did not care about how I was and vice versa.  So I got off it and today people think of me as a weird old relic who refuses to accept the changing times when I tell them that I am not on Facebook.  In any case, while I knew a bit about the interface, I could well have been a novice.  I had mentioned to Wilson earlier that I was hoping not to have to coach someone on Facebook, and here I was doing just that.  Well, at least both of us would be learning together. 

We went to Shirley’s Facebook profile and saw that there were several updates.  She looked at the messages on her wall and was confused why people were sending her information and pictures about someone else.  I quickly explained that he wall was a common place for her to see what all of her contacts were doing and so the messages were not necessarily meant specifically for her, but being broadcast for everyone who was connected to the person posting them.  I learned that her son was also on Facebook and she said that he had a new image as his profile picture.  She said that she wanted a new picture as well and asked me to take her picture with my camera.  Now this request required me to get permission from Gabriella and she said that it was fine as long as I deleted it after transferring the picture.  I took her picture, sent by email to her account and then downloaded on the computer.  Next it was a challenge to figure out how to upload the photograph on her profile and after a bit of searching we managed to get it done. 

Shirley then wanted to post something on her son’s wall.  Seeing that his picture was some sort of music album cover with cash, she asked if we could type, “Can I get some of the cash?”  Since he was online, he responded immediately at which she said something in return.  She was impressed that her son ‘liked’ some of her messages and was thrilled at that.  After exchanging a few messages, I said that the wall was public and perhaps we should chat with him privately.  We figured out a way to chat in real time and she exchanged a few messages with her son, including asking him to look at her new picture with her hair cut shorter.  At the end she concluded with “I love you”.  I showed her how to use the emoticons and she added 4 hearts.  What followed was a priceless look on her face when he responded, “Love you too”.  Getting to see her reaction is what makes this all worthwhile, why I love what I get to do. 

Shirley has two son’s, both living together in Minnesota.  We sent her other son a message as well, though he was offline.  We then saw pictures on her son’s profile, including some of her mom, grandma as well as her grandson.  It was fantastic to hear her talk about them, especially her grandma from all those years ago.  Another resident wanted to add her as a friend and once again we spent some time trying to figure out how to look for friends and add them.  We then went into her Gmail account and deleted all the messages from Facebook.  Finally we added her newly taken picture to her Google profile and we were done for the evening.  I filled out her file saying that she had learned how to use Facebook, chat, delete emails and upload pictures.  In recommendations, I wrote that for next session she should learn how to do emailing.  She thanked me for helping her and asked if I would be coming back. I replied that I wasn’t sure when, but she should keep practicing.  

I gave the file back to Gabriella and she said that we should let the residents use Facebook only at the end.  The main objective is for them to learn skills like email and Resume writing, but I believe today we had made some progress with Shirley.  Gabriella said that after a few weeks training the ladies had to give a test to demonstrate their proficiency.  I said that Shirley’s chatting with her son would help build her skills for sure.  Furthermore, from what I saw when she was chatting with him, it brought her immense happiness.  Isn't that the ultimate goal for everyone anyways?  By that account, we had been successful all right.  

*All the client's names have been changed in order to respect their privacy

Job Coaching

Location: Open Door Shelter

Date: Monday, July 01, 2013; 6:45-8:30 pm

There have been times when I have struggled to be at projects on time, often rushing at the last minute.  Today, on the contrary, I arrived with plenty of time to spare - at 6 pm in fact.  I settled down and slowly others started to filter in starting with Claire.  The volunteers for this evening were Lindsey, Fahad, Laura, Matt and Aly – whom I knew.  As we waited, Claire told everyone that I would be leading the project in her absence for 3 sessions, starting in August.  Since I consider Claire to be one of the top Chicago Cares leaders, it would be a challenge to fill her big shoes.  She mentioned that for this evening’s session, we would be doing 3 main things – ‘Goal Setting’, ‘Conflict Resolution’ and finally ‘Introducing Yourself’.  It appeared to be a solid agenda.

Yeah, none of us could swim!

We went upstairs and I could not spot my buddy Kallie.  I did however see Sylvia and she mentioned that she had managed to get 3 job interviews, including one in TV.  I said that was fantastic and would take her one step closer to her goal of being a journalist.  Claire gathered us around the table and after the introductions mentioned that our ice breaker game for today would include us breaking out into smaller groups and finding out 10 things that you had in common.  This was an excellent idea to get us all conversing with the youth and would lead them to open up to us during the coaching session.  I was in a group with Lindsey and 2 residents – Seina and Idelle.  I started by asking Seina if we should all discuss our favorite food.  She said that it would be difficult for all of us to agree on that, so we started by asking if anyone were from Chicago.   None of us were – that’s one.  We went through the other things that we had in common such as, all have gmail account, all are foodies and like chocolate, all are night owls instead of early birds, none of us have pets and the best one – none of us could swim.  In today’s day and age that is very rare for a group of 4 and so we were quite excited about that.  I was pleased to see the interaction in our group and Seina and Idelle had been totally engaged.  As the various groups shared their discussions, it was apparent that people had put some effort in coming up with some unique commonalities and once again, kudos to Claire for her ice breaker idea. 

We then separated in a different group to start our coaching session and I was with Peter and Sonia, who also had her 10 month old daughter with her.  I asked them both if they had a particular career in mind and Sonia said that she wants to become a police officer and Peter said that he wants to be a doctor.  With this we were ready for setting our goals.  The first thing I asked is why they wanted to be what they had said.  Peter said that he likes to write poetry and also science and math.  He said that he was especially good in biology and knew his dissections and other things like layers of the skin.  I said if he was really interested in this stuff, then he should totally go for it.  I for one hate the sight of blood and so had never wanted to be a doctor…well the medical one anyways.  He said that people have been telling him that he should be a nurse rather than a doctor because of his present circumstances.  I said that circumstances change and he should never give up on what he wants to do and be.  Having said that, I mentioned that as he works towards this goal, he should have something else to fall back on.  I asked him what his five year goal was and he acknowledged that he would still be studying.  This was extremely refreshing to hear since this told me that he knew the timeframe to becoming a doctor and that it wasn’t something he could do in a few years.  I then turned my attention to Sonia, who had said that she wanted to be a police officer.  I asked what her motivation was and she said that she wants to change the way things are today.  She wants not just to go after criminals; she wants to understand them - their behavior.  I said that perhaps she should be a detective.  She said that she would first start as an officer.  I asked her to describe her weakness and she said that she does not tolerate stupidity.  I said that if this was asked in an interview, frame it as, “I have high expectations of others whom I think should be operate at high standards”.  I saw Kallie nearby and went to say hello.  She mentioned that she had a job at the Mayor’s office and thus would be leaving soon.  While this is great for her, I would miss my repartee with her moving forward. 

The next topic was ‘Conflict Resolution’ and Claire had given us a questionnaire with 9 questions that dealt with different situations.  We all decided to go through them and discuss our answers, including mine.  Peter talked about being a better man.  He said that all minor conflicts can be resolved as long as they are not harming the team.  But if they were, then it was up to us to bring it to our Manager’s attention.  Then we talked about making mistakes and I said that making mistakes is fine as long as you learn from them and not cover up.  The three of us went through a case study on conflict resolution and I was glad to see them so engaged.  Finally, we talked about how one should introduce oneself at an interview.  It is critical that you make an immediate impression with the interviewer and so the first few minutes could potentially make-or-break a candidates chances.  I told them to give me their “elevator speech”.  Sonia started with her age and birthday and I said that she may want to skip that since this was a professional interview and not a casual after-hour’s party.  Peter said that he always wanted to be a cardiologist since he himself has a big heart.  I loved this response since he had not only communicated his interest, he had done so using humor and had put the interviewer at ease.  I then asked them both to write down their elevator speech in the form that Claire had provided. 

Our time was almost up and people were wrapping-up.  I saw that Laura was dancing while listening to something and then I learned that it was a song written by a resident who was in her group!  All the volunteers had enjoyed themselves and said so as I took a train ride back with Fahad and Lindsey.  Tonight’s session was another success for both, the youth and us. It is like chipping away at something to get to the core.  But if you do it consistently enough, you will eventually get there.

*All the client's names have been changed in order to respect their privacy

Pride Parade 2013

Location: Uptown – Lincoln Park

Date: Sunday, June 30, 2013; 11:00 am-4:00 pm

I had done a couple of projects with the ‘AIDS Foundation of Chicago’, well attended really – The ‘AIDS Walk’ last year followed by the delectable ‘World Of Chocolate’.  However, I had not volunteered with them and so when I saw that they needed volunteers for the annual ‘Pride Walk’, I informed them that I would be interested.  I thought that I would be helping with the set-up, registration, handing water etc.  Then I heard back from them saying how appreciative they were of me participating and were looking forward to having me walk in the parade on the AIDS Foundation float.  Eh, let’s try that again.  They wanted me to be in the parade and not just that, be on a float.  Now, I had seen pictures of people in this parade, especially the floats and if there are two words to describe them, they are ‘Flamboyantly Colorful’.  I may be many things, but I most certainly am not any of those two words.  Plus it seems like the entire city of Chicago descends to watch the parade, meaning there would be countless eyes on me.  I almost wrote back saying that I would be unable to participate.  Don’t get me wrong, my reluctance was not because I have prejudice against Gay and Lesbian communities.  On the contrary, I think this parade is a brilliant idea – a celebration even.  I just wasn’t sure what I was signing up for and knew that I would be embarrassed to be spotted wearing neon colored outfit, a feathered hat or a peacock tail.  But I knew it was a ludicrous reason to decline and so I decide to do it.  I was sure that there would be some place on the float where I could hide behind my fellow volunteers, while they took the spotlight with their outfits – Not that there’s anything wrong with it.

Floats everywhere...including our Google Float

When my friends heard about this, they wanted to design some accessories for me.  I joked with them that my biggest concern was that all the eligible ladies of Chicago would give up on me if they saw me in this parade!  But jokes apart, deep down I knew that like everything else, an opportunity to participate was a privilege and I was going to ensure that I honored that.  That morning as I took the train uptown, I saw that all around me people were dressed for the occasion.  As I exited the train station, the festivities on Broadway Street were well and truly underway.  There were floats all around me as were the flamboyantly dressed people that I was expecting to see.  I went to Monroe Street to find the AIDS Foundation Float.  It was easier said than done since the street was lined up with floats on both sides.  I finally found the float and collected the AIDS foundation shirt – my fears about wearing a neon outfit were unfounded – and then learned that I had been assigned to the Google float.  As I walked up to the float, I asked if it was going to be some sort of a high-tech float, being sponsored by Google! 

Yeah, I wasn't going to be doing this

The float wasn’t anything from the future, but it was still being decorated, with a picture of two Droids holding hands being put up. Google was letting the volunteers from AIDS Foundation walk with them and being a few floats behind the main AIDS Foundation float, it would allow us to promote the foundation even more. Besides Google, the AIDS Foundation had also partnered with ‘AIDS Legal Council of Chicago’, 'Center on Halsted’, ‘Chicago House’,’ Howard Brown Health Center’ and ‘Test Positive Aware Network’.  I was thrilled to learn that one of my co-volunteers, Courtney was also a volunteer with ‘Lakeview Pantry’ and had in fact walked on their team at the ‘Hunger Walk’ yesterday.  As we waited by the Google float, the music was blaring out from the other floats, particularly Akira’s float behind us where people were having an all-out dance party.  A guy came to hand out beads and feathery garlands and by now I had been bitten by the bug as well.  I picked up a few beads and the colorful garland and put it on.  Then it was just waiting and soaking in the atmosphere.  Getting all the floats rolling was no mean task and we were waiting for our signal to depart.  We were sitting on the float and one girl came and said that we had to make a decision right now whether to stay on the float for the duration of the 3.5 mile route or walk besides it.  We could not get on and off while the float was in motion.  I decided to stay on board, till I heard the girl say that anyone staying on the float would have to dance.  No sooner had she said that than I jumped off and prepared to walk! 

People were everywhere...everywhere!

Finally, after a long wait, the parade started.  There were several people on the float and more of us walking on either side.  The convoy turned on Broadway and then it was akin to being in Mardi Gras.  Tens of thousands had lined up on both sides and they were screaming.  There was music, dancing and people in costume - not just in the parade, but those in the crowd as well.  As we walked past all of them, they wanted to hug us, high-five or just do something to show their support.  The floats were moving at a very slow pace and so we had a lot of time to wave and interact.  It was brilliant to see just how happy the people were.  Halfway through the parade we were told to start handing off small cards to promote the ‘AIDS Run & Walk’ in September.  With information on one side and a double entendre saying on the other, these had somehow become like a collector’s item trading card for the people by the roadside and all of them were extending their hands for one.  I handed out my quota and hoped that they wouldn't end up as garbage on the road.  I was now interacting more with the crowd and saw a little girl leaning against the railing with her parents.  I removed my beads and put them on her, at which point she was absolutely ecstatic.  I suspect I would have gotten the same reaction from anyone else in the crowd, irrespective of age.

I was glad to have participated

All good things eventually come to an end and at Sheridan and Diversey our parade was over.  Courtney and I then had to then make our way to a CTA station, and that was going to be the most challenging task of the day since the parade route was in the way.  We were told that there were designated crossing points, one of them being more than a mile up the route we had just come.  So after having walked 3.5 miles on the route, we were making our way back, but this time through the crowd.  Courtney decided to just walk home rather than attempt a crossing, something that I should have done since I was having a tough time.  Not only did the cops not let anyone cross at some streets, at the so called crossing points, there were thousands of people - almost all of them totally wasted.  It was a nightmare experience and after an hour of trying to get to the station, I finally succeeded.  I rode the train back with many of the satisfied attendees, still wearing some of my beads and the garland.  What a difference a few hours makes.  While in the morning I had been apprehensive, now I wanted it to go on for some more time.  It had been one of my more fascinating volunteer experiences, and I have never seen Chicago so joyous and united in something.  Not only was I part of this celebration, it was also for a good cause and for a great organization.  I cannot wait to do it again next year, though you would still not find me in a flamboyant costume – Not that there’s anything wrong with it!

28th Annual Hunger Walk

Location: Soldier Field

Date: Saturday, June 29, 2013; 8:00-11:00 am

It was a huge event

I had heard about this 5K walk from Keith at 'Wells Street Café' and had joined the Breaking Bread team.  I had informed Keith that I would be walking with them and we agreed to meet at the site.  Well, having been to multiple walks this summer; I knew that without a pre-defined place to meet, this would be a difficult task.  One of the reasons why I had been volunteering for the walks rather than participating is because I usually see people walking in groups, either with family or friends.  Even within the huge crowd, I have always felt alone.  Hence, when I heard that Breaking Bread folks were going to be walking together, I was pleased that finally I would be able to be a part of a team.  However, without finalizing a meeting place, I had my doubts as I arrived at the venue.  Either ways, I would be participating in the 28^th Annual Hunger Games Walk. 

Cue the 'Imperial March' music

As suspected the green outside Soldier Field was full of people.  As I walked past the festivities, I almost went to the volunteer tent, before remembering that I was actually a walker!  After asking around a bit, I located the check-in tent and collected my shirt, not knowing if the rest of my team was there.  There was still some time before the walk commenced, so I walked about and as I did so, noticed a few familiar faces.  I saw Judy, who runs the ‘Sunday Dinner at Roger’s Park’ program of Chicago Cares, as well as the team from ‘Esperanza’, with whom I had done a One Brick project.  I also spotted a sign saying ‘Deborah’s Place’ and somewhere in the crowd was the team from ‘Lakeview Pantry’.  It looked like everyone with whom I had done projects was walking.  In addition to all of these organizations, also present was a man on stilts and ‘Storm Troopers’ from ‘Star Wars’, with ‘Darth Vader’ in tow!  In fact these guys were extremely popular and lots of people were lining up to take pictures with them.  I failed to see their link with eradicating hunger, though the Empire did rule with an iron fist over the Rebels and perhaps this was a way of showing them that people would stand united against their oppression. What, I could be Hans...or Luke...or at least one of the X-Wing pilots!

And we were off

McDonald's was the main sponsor for the walk and one of the executives welcomed everyone.  After a round of stretching exercises led by ‘Ronald McDonald’ and me making another futile effort to locate my team, we were ready to begin.  I lined up behind thousands of people and thousands behind me.  I could see the ‘Esperanza’ team in front and soon the DJ led a count down and we were off.  The main difference between this walk and the previous one that I had done here was the route.  Instead of walking North towards the loop and downtown, we would be going South down Lakeshore Drive.  We walked past the Soldier Field parking lots and then through the long tunnel of McCormick Place.  We emerged out and continued down the path before turning back after about 2 miles.  I looked around me and as usual; I could see a lot of groups and communities walking together.  As the path took us next to the lake, I could see the beautiful sights near the harbor as well ‘Northerly Island’.  Also present were the cheering crew who were encouraging us as we made our way back to the stadium. 

It may have only been 5K, but we had come a long way

I crossed the finish line and saw that the celebrations were on.  The walk was organized by ‘The Greater Chicago Food Depository’.  According to their website, “The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago’s food bank, is a nonprofit food distribution and training center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community.  The Food Depository distributes donated and purchased food through a network of 650 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters to 678,000 adults and children in Cook County every year.  Last year, the Food Depository distributed 66 million pounds of nonperishable food and fresh produce, dairy products and meat, the equivalent of 150,000 meals every day.  More than 860,000 people in Cook County--1 in 6 people--are food insecure and unsure of when they will receive their next meal. In some communities, more than 1 in 3 people are food insecure.”  I have done several programs with Chicago Cares that have driven home the point on how prevalent the issue of hunger is in our community.  Today’s walk was an exercise in solidarity for all of us to make a statement to end this hunger.  So what if I had not met up with my team.  I may have walked by myself, but I most definitely was not alone.  

Deborah’s Place

Location: Dolores’ Safe Haven

Date: Thursday, June 27, 2013; 6:00-8:00 pm

I had never been to this location and besides knowing that it was a cooking project, had no additional information regarding this program.  So when the regular volunteer leader sent me an email asking if I could lead since they were unavailable, I was a little lost for words.  I said yes anyways, with a caveat that although I felt capable of leading, I would be improvising as we went along.  Eventually, Amy from Chicago Cares wrote saying that since I did not have any experience at this place, she would be in attendance and also lead the project.  This suited me and I showed up at the location at 6 pm, ready to do whatever was required.  When I saw that besides me and Amy there was only one other volunteer, I knew that we were in for busy evening.

The other volunteer’s name was Dani - a visitor from Germany - in Chicago for the summer and volunteering while here.  Now, these are the people who impress me a lot and her personality made it apparent that she was going to be a terrific teammate.  Before we began Amy told us about the place, which was a safe haven for homeless women by giving them shelter.  However, while they can sleep there, in order to be eligible for other perks the women had to participate in programs to cure themselves of drugs and alcoholism.  While kitchen was a big room with a huge island in the middle, outside was a nice lounge where several women were sitting and watching TV or chatting. 

Instant Stuffing!

The menu this evening was Meatloaf, beans and veggies and stuffing.  While the meatloaf had already been prepared and was warming in the oven, Amy said that she would make beans while Dani chopped the veggies.  This left me with the stuffing, another ingredient that I had never used before.  I read the instructions on the package and it seemed straightforward.  All I needed were pans and some butter.  While I was able to find two pans, the only butter in the refrigerator was ‘garlic butter’.  Speaking of things inside the refrigerator, there were several items which looked well past their prime and many that actually were.  The overall state of the refrigerator and its hygiene wasn't very good and I was not very keen to use any ingredients from in there.  I was disappointed that the site rep or someone who was responsible for the kitchen would be so negligent. 

I poured the stuffing in the two pans and mixed with butter.  Being instant stuffing it was ready in no time, allowing me a chance to help Amy with the beans…and boy, did they need some enhancements.  Amy had just left the beans to boil, without adding any seasoning and so it was no surprise to find them slightly mushy and totally bland.  I knew that a major salvage operation would be required, and so went in search of some pepper and other spices.  I found some seasoned salt, some sort of seasoning and red chilli flakes, though I had to be careful with that.  Even with all of that addition, there was no improvement.  I told the ladies that we were switching it up and were now going to make a bean casserole…though I had no idea what was supposed to be in it.  I drained the beans and mixed with some sour cream.  Dani suggested that I also add some onion dip flakes to impart some flavor.  We then spread it out in a casserole, added some cheese on top, sprinkled bread crumbs and put it in the oven.  I mentioned to Amy that while I may not cook regularly, I was still a very good improviser. 

Dani, Amy and I made a great team

By now all the dishes were done and we were ready to serve, though we had to go around the kitchen and find plates.  I cut the meatloaf into 1 inch slices and started plating, with Dani and Amy at the counter serving the stuffing and the casserole.  The ladies would come to the counter and we would serve them as per their direction.  Some wanted only casserole while others wanted only stuffing.  A few of the ladies were slightly impatient and demanding, but our job was to get them what they wanted.  It also happened to be one resident’s birthday and so we had a cake for dessert. One lady with walker looked like the leader of the group and was extremely excited about the resident’s birthday.  She kept telling us about it and how we should do it and at what time during the evening.  She needed help carrying the plate to her seat and as I helped her, I noticed how she liked everything to be precise, including the placement of her utensils and water!

It was time to cut the cake and we put candles on something which had brilliant purple icing.  Everyone assembled by the kitchen counter and as the lady cut the cake, the rest of us sang ‘Happy Birthday’.  Then we started cutting the cake – which was purple from inside as well – and served with ice cream.  Many ladies wanted just ice cream, including the lady with the walker, who took three scoops.  Dani had started washing the dishes and I joined her, taking over the rinsing and sanitizing stations.  While the kitchen had a dishwasher, it was broken.  We laid out towels and aprons on the center island and left all the plates and other cooking utensils to dry.  Washing was taking a long time and it gave me an opportunity to chat with Dani about other projects and her experiences in Chicago.  Amy told us about a project ‘New Life For Old Bags’, where they make mattresses from plastic bags and even showed us how to make a yarn. 

Wilson's proverb - absolute truth

Even thought it was a lot of hard work, I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with Dani and Amy and we were all smiling as we took a group picture at the end.  I was extremely tired and that night exchanged some texts with Wilson where I complained about some of the things at the project site, including the disinterested attitude of the site rep, as well as some of the resident ladies who had been a little short with us.  Wilson reminded me that these ladies have had a tough life that we could not even comprehend.  I said I understood, but my frustration was with the site rep and the conditions in the kitchen. I was sure that the refrigerator was a health hazard.  Next day, after a night’s sleep, I saw his point. He then sent me a picture of a Native American saying from the ‘American Indian Center’.  Yes, the ‘Deborah’s Place’ project could be better.  But you always play with the cards that you have been dealt and it was our responsibility towards those ladies to play a good hand.