Task 1 Agency Selection
Brianna Clark
Old Dominion University
Agency Introduction
The agency that I have chosen is SERVE Inc., it is located in my hometown of Stafford, VA. I did half of my field observation at this location during the winter holidays. In my community SERVE is known as the local food bank. They have a food pantry that offers food assistance to families once a month, emergency utility assistance, and emergency prescription assistance.
Mission and Purpose
The mission of this company is helping Stafford County families in emergency need in 1979, and now you neighbors need your help as much as ever. You can donate, volunteer, support or ask for assistance if you are in need. To get assistance from SERVE you have to be on food stamps and that is how most people hear about the organization. SERVE strives to help families have food on the table for in between the monthly gap of other assistance programs.
Population and Agency Services
During my time volunteering at this organization I did find that most of the individuals coming in were of large families with very young kids. This agency is located right across the street from the Human Services office in Stafford, VA. I chose this agency because when volunteering here I could tell how passionate the other volunteers were and how they had grown such a bond to the people they were helping. I could really tell how much the families appreciated and benefitted from the assistance. It takes a lot for some people to admit that they need help and I really loved that this agency doesn’t make people feel bad or different than others. They are genuine and truly care about helping others.
Rationale for this Agency
This agency relates to what I want to do in the Human Services field in the future because it opened up my eyes to seeing all the hard work put in this is doing good for others. I got into this field exactly because of that, I want to help others and be the that person for them. It makes me feel good knowing that I am making a difference in someone else’s life.