Internships & Volunteerism Bring Compassion to Share Outreach Program
Internships and volunteerism are both impactful ways to help people experiencing homelessness. We are grateful to Leslie Pfannes and Norm Johnson for sharing about their recent time with the Share Outreach
Team.
As shared by Leslie:
After learning about Share’s incredible work in the fall of 2021, I applied to complete my master of social work foundation year internship with the organization. I have had so many impactful experiences here it would be impossible to list. The nonjudgmental approach to human services that each of the compassionate Outreach team members exhibits, and the empathic interactions I have witnessed have been a learning experience I will not forget. It was wonderful to see many people become housed.
Volunteering at Share has allowed me to engage with people in a completely different context than my current career. This opportunity has given me the chance to use empathy and understanding in a way I did not know I could. I have grown exponentially from this experience and would encourage anyone looking for a volunteer position to join Share in their efforts to eradicate homelessness in Clark County.
As shared by Norm:
My path as a Share Volunteer began as an intern from Clark College working towards an associate degree in addiction counseling education and bachelor degree in human services.
The experience gave me new insight and perspective on the unhoused community in Vancouver. It inspired in me a desire to help.
I spent a lot of time doing harm reduction with the outreach and syringe services program. There is a great deal of satisfaction and accomplishment when we find housing for our clients. And it doesn’t stop there; the continued wraparound services for our clients is imperative in keeping them housed.
There is an amazing amount of satisfaction when one helps others without any expectations of getting anything in return. Ask yourself this question: If I don’t help or contribute, then who will? Anyone and everyone can play a role, no matter how large or small, to help alleviate the problems associated with homelessness.
