Emily Abbata

1)Where the student volunteered their time?
I volunteered at Pilgrims Inn in the food pantry.

2)How the service activity reflected concepts learned in the HDFS curriculum?
This activity made me truly reflect on myself and realize how fortunate I am. I believe the HDFS curriculum requires you to do this to avoid biases towards other people who are different from me. Volunteering also reflects on the importance of giving back to the community. The HDFS curriculum strongly revolves around helping others and ensuring the well-being of individuals, families and communities. This service activity correlates directly with that because food is an essential need for a person’s well-being. Pilgrims Inn also offers child-care and a shelter for women and children.

3)How the student networked with other professionals while participating in the activity and
what they gained from that networking?
There was not a huge networking opportunity with professionals during my volunteering. However, I did have the opportunity to work with a very diverse group of people. I worked with people who lived there at the shelter, other volunteers from Winthrop and even volunteers from the community. While we all have very different backgrounds, we were all able to work together and in the end, achieve a common goal which was making sure clients got their food in a timely fashion, keep the pantry stocked and sort through donations received.

4)The potential effect the service activity and/or the service organization can have (or does have)
This organization has a huge impact on the community. Not only do they feed individuals and families, but they also feed the elderly monthly. They provide a roof over families’ heads as well as food, clothing, non-food items and anything their clients would need to live. They also provide adequate childcare at no cost to their clients and for a small fee to the community. Pilgrims Inn also educates their clients to help obtain jobs and set up interviews.

5) A general reflection on the assignment (e.g., reactions, feelings, life lessons)
I have really enjoyed my experience at Pilgrims Inn. On the last day I didn’t even want to leave. I can definitely see myself returning to the shelter on my own time to help out again. The people are extremely friendly and fun to be around. It is such an impactful and rewarding experience to be helping my community.