Grocery Distribution Volunteer with Mercy Drops Dream Center of Portsmouth, VA
A requirement for MPH 776 Global Health was to have a Service Learning Experience with the objective to utilize what I have learned through the MPH program to better help an organization achieve global health.
Mercy Drops Dream Center (MDDC) is a faith-based organization in Portsmouth, VA. The organization provides many services to those in-need in the city of Portsmouth, however, my role was with Grocery Distribution. For the course requirement, I served 4 Saturdays throughout October and November 2021 for 2-3 hours each visit. MDDC has several neighborhoods that they have “adopted” based on need, and provides groceries to their adopted neighbors once a week.
Swanson Homes community is the neighborhood that I served in on Saturday afternoons. During my first Saturday, all the volunteers watched a quick video about the role MDDC plays in Swanson Homes, and I quickly realized it was more than handing out groceries, it was about connecting with the members of Swanson Homes and letting them know they are not forgotten. My first visit, I learned we would be entering a community that was mourning the loss of a 15 year old child who was killed in a drive-by shooting, a few feet from the playground. I wasn’t there to provide only groceries, instead, I was there for support, as an extension of MDDC. In addition to distributing groceries, I played tug-o-war with the kids and colored alongside of them, trying to bring care and comfort.
Over the course of my time with MDDC at Swanson Homes, I was called upon by the volunteer coordinator to lead by showing new volunteers how to organize the truckload of groceries and distribute once on-site at Swanson. I encouraged new volunteers to reach out engage with community members when we were in the neighborhood. I made connections by carpooling with other volunteers from MDDC to Swanson Homes. I developed lasting relationships.
My time with MDDC was very impactful and I have continued to volunteer.
Norfolk Medical Reserve Corps
I joined the Norfolk Medical Reserve Corps in 2021, and when I had time to assist, I volunteered at COVID-19 vaccination sites as administrative support. This experience highlighted the importance of volunteerism in the community, especially during a pandemic or any large scale response.