What do you think of when you hear homeless? What kind of pictures of the homeless people come to mind? Dirty, smelly, hungry, all their earthly belongings in a few bags? I must admit that is kind of the picture I come up with. So when I volunteered at Project Homeless Connect I figured I would see several people fitting this description. Don’t get me wrong, these people need and deserve help if they need it and I wanted to put my “fears” aside and immerse myself into a world I have never ventured into. I was surprised to hear in orientation that at last years event nearly 60% of the participants claimed they were not homeless, but with the present economy it was understandable that several services were being unmet. I arrived at 6:30 for orientation and met several persons already in line. How did they find out about this event? How did they get there? My informant for this event became the client I was assigned to. For confidentially concerns I will only use their initials, J.L. As of 2 weeks ago J.L. is no longer “homeless” but just moved from the shelter. Unable to obtain employment and living on unemployment benefits. J.L. was seeking dental, vision, and drivers license services. While waiting in line for the eye exam we had time to talk. I asked how the information was obtained about the event. Church. How was transportation obtained? Walked. We talked about life at the shelter and what a blessing the apartment was. J.L. was clean and very pleasant to speak with. I could not begin to name all of the sponsors but eye care and eye glasses were donated, both of which J.L. received and appreciated. The dental services offered were limited and didn’t meet J.L.’s needs, so a referral was given. After the drivers license needs were met, J.L. was ready to leave. No lunch, nothing to drink. No loading up on the freebies. J.L. did take a duffle bag and a bus ticket to get back home. Many of my preconceived ideas were dispelled. I did see people who were dirty and had several bags of belongings, but this was the exception. I believe today’s economy brought more people than would have in recent years. I am thankful for this event as several persons who needed essential services were helped.

Amish, not as simple as you think!!

When most people think of the Amish, they think of “Little House on the Prairie”. I know I do. No electricity, horse and buggy, long dresses, and farm work. All of these are true. I researched and wrote a paper for one of my social work classes about the Amish culture. Little is written about them, mainly because they are extremely private and do not welcome “outsiders”. The fact also that little has changed in almost 300 years lends to the lack of current information. The research I found regarding the Amish “Rumspringa”, again was small and narrowly focused. I then viewed the film, “Devils Playground” and boy were my eyes opened!! The film was about Amish teenagers actually experiencing Rumspringa, or “sowing their wild oats”. It was amazing how these seemingly sheltered young people know where and how to obtain the materials needed to throw a huge party. Materials such as alcohol and drugs, items denied them their whole life. These teenagers, who for 16 years were told when, what, and how to do everything in their lives are then freed to do whatever they please. Some move out of their parents homes, as one boy put it, ”because he doesn’t have 200 channels and a refrigerator full of beer at home”. Rumspringa can last for a few months to several years, with almost 90% of the youth returning to the Amish religion and a life long commitment to remain Amish. Some, however, never return or wait several years to do so. The requirements for returning are more than some are willing to do. One boy, Faron, was addicted to meth, and was actually arrested for possession. He had decided to return and had to get himself clean. Before he returned he got involved with another Amish girl who had decided not to return. The dynamics of Amish life, while on the surface seem quite simple; can be very confusing, even to the Amish themselves. In a rare interview, parents who had experienced Rumspringa themselves admitted they missed certain parts of the “English” world, specifically the music. Yet, they decided to return rather than face eternal damnation. I can somewhat understand the dilemma these youth are facing. You are raised all your life to believe and act a certain way, because it is right and God requires it. Then you are given a taste of the way God does not want you to live and it is fun, exciting, and liberating. How can one go from making no choices in his life to making one of the most important choices of his life? This is one dilemma I am glad I do not have to deal with.

Home Sweet Home

Imagine, if you will, living in a house you bought and paid for. You have worked hard, married, and raised your children in that house. To you, that is HOME. It doesn’t have to be big, it could be an apartment, never the less, it is yours. You have retired to enjoy the “golden years” and the remainder of your life. All of a sudden something as devastating as a stroke or accident leaves you unable to care for yourself. You recover in the hospital but further rehabilitation is required. You are transferred to a Rehab facility for up to three weeks of rehab, after which you fully expect to return home. But it is soon discovered that you cannot return home. Your spouse cannot care for your needs, you did not progress as the doctor would have hoped, or any number of reasons hinders your return. You are then transferred to the long term care wing and your new HOME, 200 N. Pine Ave, Jefferson Rehab and Health Facility, or any other long term care facility in your neighborhood. You are sharing a room with a perfect stranger. Your room is no bigger than a regular hospital room with a bed, television, and a night stand. You are allowed visitors, but this is not home, then again, it IS home.
They are called residents, not patients. Several reasons bring them here. Alzheimer’s disease, chronic illnesses, even old age. Whatever the reason they cannot care for themselves and family is not available, some 125 persons call 200 N. Pine Ave home. We all know or have known someone living in a nursing home but have we really LOOKED into their psyche regarding their new home? They may try to decorate to feel more at home but it is never the same. They get visitors but the grandchildren can never spend the night again. They cannot bake cookies, or even go fishing. They are being told, when, where, and what to eat, when to bathe, and what activities are available. Some are quite functional while others rely on someone for most of their activities of daily living. This may seem quite restricting and for some it is, but because of the care that is required this is often the best option.
I am volunteering at Jefferson Rehab as part of a field observation requirement for one of my Social Work classes. I have noticed the staff working with the residents with respect and care. They have activities scheduled for the residents and a Valentines Day Banquet was held for them. Most residents eat in the common dining room and they have made friends with one another. Once a month the facility sponsors a Pot Luck dinner and encourages family to bring dishes that are not usually served, ones the residents may be missing. This can bring bittersweet memories I would imagine. Sometimes it is easier to not be reminded of what you are missing. At other times, the memories are good.
Once again, the stereotype that older persons are set in their ways is dispelled. This is not the option that they may have picked for themselves, but it is where they are, and they are making the best of it. I realize other cultures, Asian and the Amish, for instance, would frown deeply at the thought of putting ones elderly family member in such a facility. The American culture sees no problem with it. As large a land space as the United States is, moving to other areas of the country is a very real possibility. And some would argue that we as Americans are very selfish, and do not want to be bothered with our elderly and ill family members. It is easier to place them in a home and pay the bill. One way of out of sight, out of mind. Until the day comes that family member is declining and you must face facts.
I would recommend when we are faced with this dilemma to research the facility extensively and make surprise visits. Do not be intimidated by the staff, that is YOUR family member, and you always want the best for them.

Winnie Mandela

Winnie Madikizela Mandela spoke at the Alys Stephens Center on March 8, 2010 as part of a trip to Alabama commemorating the 45th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the march from Selma to Montgomery. She is the former wife of Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned in South Africa for 27 years for sabotage. His arrest and conviction was part of his overall attempt to overthrow apartheid, apartness between races. I remember some of the violence reported on the newscasts during that era. I must admit I didn’t completely understand the reasoning behind the segregation or even why it had occurred. I remember the desegregation that occurred at my school when I began first grade and thought we were the last ones to take care of that problem. Obviously I was wrong. My history classes never got past the World War I so what I knew was from the news, which could be tainted. Ms. Mandela spoke very strong and clear. I was concerned that I would not be able to understand her accent but that was not the case. She seemed gracious and appreciative for the opportunity to visit Alabama once declaring the three words, Sweet Home Alabama. Alabama has so much history we need to tap into. It is amazing how much of it can parallel with history from other parts of the world such as South Africa. I am not for a second saying our racial history was as bad as South Africa, but in some ways it was and it was especially for the people in Alabama living it.

Diversity Avenue

Diversity Avenue Birmingham, AL 35215

I was raised and lived all of my life in a homogenous neighborhood. The diversity I experienced was at school or work. When I decided to continue and finally finish my degree, I wanted to attend UAB. I must say that Birmingham’s reputation, outside of Birmingham, is not favorable. All of my family and friends thought I was crazy for wanting to move here. My husband and I began looking for houses with three requirements, safety, price, and proximity to UAB. Ethnic make-up was never a factor. We found our house on 26th Ave NW in the Center Point/Pinson area. The neighborhood is old, from the late 50’s, the houses are brick, and the yards are mostly landscaped and neat. We felt good about the house and neighborhood and moved in last October to the most diversified street in Birmingham, if not America, both racially and generationally, which is extremely interesting. Our neighbors to our left are an African American nuclear family. Mom, Dad, pre-teen son, teenage daughter. When we were moving in they came by to welcome us to the neighborhood, and to make sure we were moving in and not just fixing up to rent out. Our neighbor to our right is a Caucasian, 81 year old widower. He came over as well, welcoming and confirming our intentions. Everyone seems much happier that we are actually living in the house and not renting it out. Across the street is a young African American male and next door to him are two middle-aged Caucasian females, elderly mother and her middle aged daughter. A few houses down is a Hispanic family with which I have seen at least three young children. Next door to them is another original member of the neighborhood. A Caucasian couple in their 80’s. We met him last weekend and he relayed the following about his Hispanic neighbor. Last summer, he was sick and his yard showed it. His Hispanic neighbor came over and maintained his yard, at no cost and continued to do so until the elderly man was well enough to take care of it himself. The Hispanic neighbor also gave the elderly man seeds from some peppers he commented on. The elderly man has a greenhouse and has them planted for the Hispanic man to put out into his garden when the weather clears.
The generational diversity and their acceptance of other ethnic groups have really surprised me. This is a generation who lived thru and may have participated in the civil rights era, yet both men seem open and accepting of all groups. This really shatters the stereotype that all of the elderly are racist and cannot accept change.
I moved to Birmingham with certain expectations, mostly with the idea that I would be isolated with a healthy fear. I had spent many weeks preparing myself for this. Yet, I have experienced a kind of “reverse” culture shock. I was expecting one extreme and found another. However, I realize that not all neighborhoods are as good as mine, the people in my neighborhood, people at UAB, even people on the street are nice. People wave, are courteous, and I believe I have made some friends for life here. It feels a lot like home. I can’t wait for spring and summer so I can meet more of my neighbors and get to know the ones I have already met better.

Safe Zone dialog

I attended the Safe Zone dialog meeting the week before spring break. I was not sure what exactly to expect as this was a required meeting. I would not have been surprised to see and hear some disrespectful behavior, from both sides. I realize a faculty facilitator was on hand to stop any problems that would arise but this was an open forum so that all views could be expressed freely. The panel could have exhibited an attitude of “in your face” with the questions. How dare we question their lifestyle? It is their life and we should accept them just as they accept us. The participants could have exhibited similar attitudes. Why do I have to spend my class time listening to this? Why don’t these people get over it and live like they are supposed to? Any number of questions and concerns could have been shared by both sides. However, I was grateful that both sides offered their stories and gave and accepted the criticism well. The dialog was informative and productive. Even at UAB, number 3 in diversity, these young people have experienced discrimination. It is really sad that our school has to offer “safe places” on campus. I would hope that any one would be safe anywhere on campus at any time.

Jewish Food Fair

I attended the Temple Emanu-El Food Fair on March 7. This is a Jewish Synagogue, a culture and belief system I have always had an interest in. I went into this event with several pre-conceived notions regarding the Jewish faith and food. The easiest notion to explain is that I have always thought of Jewish food as abundant and rich, both proved correct. We decided to try the Noodle Kugel and Quajado. Each is considered a side dish, however, between both of these, we could not have eaten another bite. Full plates were offered with meats, side dishes, and breads. We witnessed such a plate, you know the “go boxes” from restaurants? The big ones? The top could not fully close, and food was dripping out of the sides! The meats consisted of Corned Beef, Chicken, and Roasted Brisket. Ok back to the food we did eat. The Noodle Kugel is a type of pasta pudding. It looked like lasagna, layered noodles with a sweet sauce and crumb topping. The Quajado is a spinach, pasta, three cheese quiche type casserole, without the pie crust. Both were very good and very filling. Two people could have easily shared one full plate. Another thought I have always had about the Jewish population is that they were very reserved, almost to the point of unfriendly. This was disproven, however, I do realize they were selling their product but after all, they did open their facility to tours, something that was not necessary to have the fair. The tour was given by their Rabbi, who explained some of the Jewish beliefs and answered as many questions as time permitted. We were allowed to see the Torah, their chapel and their sanctuary. The Rabbi invited each one to “Jewish classes” he will hold in the Fall and made everyone feel comfortable. The foods servers were extremely friendly and hostesses were about checking to make sure nothing was needed. I was pleased to see several ethnic groups in attendance, including Middle Eastern. I hope to attend the classes in the Fall and continue to dispel the negative stereotypes I have held regarding the Jews.