Of the many outlets for volunteering – and the many nonprofit organizations based in the city – the ones I find most meaningful are those that enable individuals to become self-reliant where they were once unstable, impoverished, or powerless. Providence House does exactly that. A Brooklyn based shelter that houses women who were previously homeless, incarcerated, or living with abuse, Providence House offers more than a physical home. It guides its residents toward independence and stability, offering resources in job placement, affordable housing, and childcare.
At my synagogue in Park Slope where I head the social action team, we discussed partnering with a local organization whose mission spoke to us. Rather than plan a series of one-off events that have little connection to one another, we were inspired to take on something more substantial, more interpersonal. We loved that Providence House was based locally yet very broad-minded in scope. We loved that its mission is to “break the cycle of homelessness” by helping its residents heal and begin their lives again.
Our first event was just last week - a Back to School Drive to help the children of Providence House stay on par with their classmates as they enter a new school year. A number of volunteers met up, each having purchased a specific set of school supplies. We laid out our collection of items and began to assemble backpacks until they were each fully stocked with new school supplies, children’s books, a back-to-school outfit and a personalized card to each student.
Coming up this fall are volunteer events at the house, such as cooking nights for the adults and arts and crafts projects for the children. I’m hoping to set up reading groups for the kids and to offer tutoring and homework help. For the adults, a team of volunteers will help with job searching and interview prep. And of course financial giving throughout the year. The work that Providence House accomplishes is so powerful and it’s exciting to be even a small part of their effort. Their work is testament to the fact that self-sufficiency happens not by being alone but by having a support system that fosters independence.
To learn more about Providence House, visit http://providencehouse.org/
Photos courtesy of Providence House.