what am I gonna do?

Since Eric has already let y'all know what he's going to be doing at Henderson Settlement, I figured I'd better catch up!

I will be working in the Outreach Department. If you take a look at that link, you'll see that there are a whole bunch of programs in this department, and I am excited about that! When we went to visit, they mentioned to me specifically about the after-school program and the mothers and infants program, so my guess is that I'll be spending a pretty good amount of time with those programs. (I'm not so sure how much help I'll be in giving advice about infants, but we shall see!) They also mentioned that I might be substituting at the day care center on days that they might be short-staffed, so that should be good, too.

I think it's good that I'll be working with children again. I've found that sometimes when I go to work and I'm really cranky, it's when I hang out with the kids that I feel better.

And the library. Awesome. There's already a librarian down there who's a permanent (I think) volunteer, so I won't be heading it up, but I'm excited to help her with anything she needs or substitute if she takes some time off.

I have to say, though, that one thing that I'm really excited about is the variety of things that I could potentially be doing in this department. I could be working in the second-hand clothing store, the food pantry, and/or the adult literacy program. Or maybe I'll be working with the community newsletter or the women's group or the exercise classes (hahahahahaha!). I'm looking forward to trying a little of anything they want me to do!

Done

I have completed my requirements for my Masters of Social Work degree. No more classes, No more papers, No more internship (I will still be there this summer I will just get a paycheck now).

I see what we will be doing as social work, even if I will be working on a farm. As of now I will be working in the farming department at Henderson. They have a herd of charlais beef cattle, several pigs, as well as greenhouses and an apple orchard. With the cattle and swine they have a program where individuals who want to support the people near Henderson will pay the cost of feed and caretaking for the animals and when it comes time for butchering low income families will apply to purchase the animals at a reduced cost to provide food for the long term.

The economy of the area has been traditionally based on coal and timber. As these resources have been depleted is has become part of Henderson's mission to educate local individuals on different opportunities for land use. This along with providing a minimal income are the goals of the greenhouses and orchard.

I will be glad to be returning to farm work, I have some experience with cattle and greenhouses but the pigs will be a new adventure.