I am currently working on my own and the agency I chose to work with is The Night Ministry located in Chicago, IL on 4711 N. Ravenswood Ave. The Night Ministry, from their Health Outreach Bus and Youth Outreach van, provides services through listening and building relationships and helps people “of all age, races, religions, sexual orientations, economic and educational backgrounds” (http://www.thenightministry.org/, 2006). Their main goal is to serve and help others while connecting with people spiritually and emotionally, and they are willing to do all they can to provide support for those who are in need and “empower them to change their lives for the better. The basis for all their programs includes non-judgmental listening, caring support, and connecting people with resources to empower them to change their lives for the better” (http://www.thenightministry.org/, 2006). The Night Ministry staff consists of committed social workers, trained ministers, and volunteers. They follow a variety of beliefs and spiritual backgrounds and are not associated with any particular ‘congregation, denomination, or religion’. According to The Night Ministry staff “We recognize that we are all part of the human community. Each person is important and of value. We believe that supportive relationships can build dignity, confidence and a foundation for self-empowerment. We hope that the goods, services, and resources we offer will help people improve their daily lives.”
I believe I will help with their media room, sorting and organized in a way that makes sense to them in order to meet some of their needs. I will go through old photos and articles and organizing them accordingly. I will also work on building a media list booklet to build an understanding of how their organization is run and understand the impact The Night Ministry has had throughout the city of Chicago through the media’s eyes. I will apply to become a volunteer so I may be able to travel to different neighborhoods from 7pm to 11pm Monday thru Saturday on a Health Outreach Bus or Youth Outreach van and provide hospitality services to the nurses and pass out a few helpful resources such as, coffee, hygiene kits, new socks, warm winter wear, cookies, cocoa, condoms, and more. I will then observe The Night Ministry staffs encounters with the needy through advising and listening, building connections with those who need it the most. Thursday evening, if time will allow, I will also visit the Breaking Bread Ministry’s evening café to serve the homeless and I will have the opportunity to take part in serving and observing the staff as well as having a personal account on the impact it has on those in need.
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