Yesterday, I gave my very first training with Meredith observing. It went pretty well...at least I hope it did! I did get lost on the way there, which never helps. But once I got settled in the training was actually quite fun! I like the experience of helping counselors. It was great knowing that once I was done training them they could go right out and start helping clients. I trained 6 counselors from a few different organizations. We actually finished a little bit early despite lots of good questions from the counselors!
Lately, I've also been working on identifying potential sites for OBB as well as for member agencies for the Freestore Foodbank. It is a little hard sometimes doing both. For example, in my work with Freestore Foodbank I will be working with agencies in Kentucky and Indiana where the benefit bank has not been set up. It just makes things a little more confusing! I've also been trying to find sites in some of my rural Ohio counties (Scioto, Pike, Highland, Adams, Brown, etc) and even the more urban ones to have more trainings. If anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate them!
Also, I've done some exciting things with Anita (my supervisior) lately. My very first day, in fact, we did a mobile food pantry out in Greenfield, Ohio. It was great! In case you haven't heard of the mobile food pantry, it is a service that allows food distribution in any area. The refrigerated truck that is used was donated to the Freestore and can be set up for distrubtion in a parking lot/driveway/etc. Last week, I also went on a site visit to a food pantry that's just getting started in Newport, KY. It was a good experience to see what it's like to start a pantry and all that goes into the process.
It's crazy to think I've worked 4 work weeks (including all of my travel to trainings in Columbus and Indianapolis). The time has been flying by so quickly! I'm really glad that I've settled into my place at the Freestore Foodbank and that my work with the Ohio Benefit Bank is starting to really pick up. I'm excited to see where everything leads!
Over-the-Rhine
This is the place that really inspired me to do the work that I do and it is also my current home.
About Me
- Michelle
- This blog is meant to chronicle my year of fighting poverty as an Americorps *Vista. I am serving out of the Freestore Foodbank in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am working on the Ohio Benefit Bank project and increasing rural outreach for the Freestore.
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