Health Imperatives is a non-profit company that serves the south shore area in domestic violence and sexual assault. The person I worked with was Elissa May who works as the volunteer coordinator.
942 W Chestnut St,
Brockton, MA 02301
- What?
-What happened?
Elissa May introduced me to the team who work with different backgrounds. Advocates ranging from victims working with immigration, to victims who align with LGBTQ come here for services. Learning their roles.
-What did you observe,hear,
Learning about the advocates and their personal reasons to join this non-profit was inspiring. I always see how respectful everyone is to one another and it felt good seeing a positive environment for this advocacy.
What did you do?
Elissa May works with volunteers who are the main fuel to help run this non-profit. I participated in giving out brochures for an event and did my best to direct people with information needed. I also helped around the office with organizing later events and setting up.
-What health issue is being addressed and what population is being served?
The main health issues that this organization assists in is psychological trauma. Most people in the community come here looking for direction and access to resources.
Interview:
* What training and education on health behavior theory and models was included in
your job training/education?
In Health Imperatives they use general models when finding a plan of action for assisting patients. By assessing the people and ask questions, they can help find resources for intervention that can help out. Health imperative advocates will follow up with people to further make sure they are in the right path.
*What was your preparation/training for this field/job?
Talking to Elissa May, currently goes to graduate school and is working here at Health Imperatives to get hands on experience. Every advocate here had to go through different training for certifications as a standard. This is important for every advocate, volunteer, and administration worker here because it is an environment where respect and understanding towards others take place.
* How has this training or lack of training impact your day-to-day interactions and
activities with your clients?
Elissa says within a short period of time of being here and going through all the training has made her more aware and informed of what the victims go through. Knowing how crucial it is to gain the trust of the people who come here, it is important that we all can create a positive environment for others.
So What?
-Did you learn a new skill or clarify an interest?
I learned how to be more mindful of the people in my environment. It made me more aware of my understanding on what people go through. The time I spent here has made me feel more passionate about pursuing to become an advocate. Advocates have the skills to help others and either find or create resources for those in need.
-What did you like/dislike about the experience/setting?
I liked how everyone who works here was very welcoming and always open to help with understanding the purpose and mission of their non-profit. For me personally my experience here did feel intimidating knowing how sensitive and extreme situations can be for all kinds of people. I personally would feel overwhelmed knowing I would have to keep staying positive and as helpful as I can be.
– What are some of the pressing issues/needs of the community/population served?
The main office is located in Brockton, MA and is in a convenient location for anyone to go to. They serve anyone in the south shore area who faces some form of domestic violence and sexual assault. Anyone who needs assistance in finding resources and getting the right help to help themselves, this is an environment they can come to.
Now What?
-How can you apply this learning?
Being here momentarily made me want to learn more about advocacy. I want to learn more about community work and knowing more about advocacy work in communities inspires me to learn more on what I can do to make a difference in the communities. In a model plan of action, I want to use what I learned from this non-profit and apply it to other works.
-What would you like to learn more about, related to this project or issue?
I want to learn more about other forms of resources to help people in the community relating to this issue. I would also like to be involved in more nutrition based non-profits where they combat malnutrition and hunger. I want to use what I learned being with Elissa, and hope I can learn more about volunteering other programs in the area.
-If you could do the volunteer work again, what would you do differently?
If I could do the volunteer work again I would like to be more involved with helping people who come in and assist them on anything they need. I also would like to learn more about the organizing process of the non-profit and learn more about the advocacy aspect of working here.
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