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From the Voice of Our Volunteers
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Nov 7, 2024
Self-Transformation Through Service
Everyone has a different role and a unique perspective. This has allowed me to see many distinct parts of the foster care system and see...
Sep 26, 2024
Learning to live simply in New York City
To be honest even during the orientation I still had doubts about my ability to live off of the stipend...
Mar 6, 2024
On what it means to be weird…
Night one of GSV training, something was put to words for me that I have been feeling for a while.
Oct 11, 2023
Bonding, Brie, and the Beginning of a New Year
The 2023 GSV Meet & Greet brought the community together for bonding, brie, and celebration of a new year.
May 24, 2023
Foster care, college access, and taking things for granted
As the public policy fellow at Good Shepherd Services (GSS), I work daily to understand what is happening in the city and how GSS is...
Jun 18, 2022
As my year of service comes to a close, one last community check-in
I've been feeling all sorts of nostalgia lately, especially since my last blog post corresponds with my last month of service with Good...
May 31, 2022
After a loss and a gift, I am rebuilding my trust in God
I just went on my second-to-last retreat with Good Shepherd Volunteers, our silent spirituality retreat.
May 23, 2022
Spiritual Growth for Peace of Mind
What is spirituality for me? I always thought that spiritual life was connected with the church, essentially with religious education,...
May 12, 2022
My year of service has shown me the many facets of social justice work
I've been passionate about justice work ever since I took my first criminal justice class in my junior year of high school. My teacher reall
Apr 26, 2022
Making bracelets with the boys was my first breakthrough to relationship
The first few days on the job at Barbara Blum Residence, I remember feeling lost. I started out as a youth development counselor...
Apr 11, 2022
Thinking existentially at the 'gates of Hope'
I've been thinking a lot: contemplating what I've learned this year and reflecting on what I thought this year would be; comparing where...
Mar 31, 2022
The importance of meaningful relationships and empathy
One thing I have noticed recently is that my mindset is heavily influenced by others throughout the day. They can be good experiences...
Mar 4, 2022
The unexpected guides me to a whole new social justice mission
I was under the impression growing up that women made the money in the house and dads stayed at home. My mom worked a 9-5 job doing...
Feb 15, 2022
Seeking simplicity, in New York of all places
Let's just say I've never thought of myself as a minimalist — and that's what I thought simplicity was: a lack of resources and physical...
Dec 29, 2021
'I got you': Three little words pack a powerful punch, if you mean them
I've been at my service site for four months now, and I've already learned so much about trauma-informed care, the juvenile justice system..
Nov 19, 2021
Community Is Powerful
I grew up on a street where I knew every single one of my neighbors. My best friends were only a few yards away, and there were block...
Oct 27, 2021
Do you ever get sick of all these songs about New York?
Sirens, opera singing, fireworks, Dancing Queen (at full volume), street cleaners, etc. This is not an exhaustive list of the sounds that...
May 12, 2021
A year of embracing growth as a mixed, Korean American woman
In all honesty, I didn't fully believe in diversity, equity and inclusion work before coming into my service year. Throughout my time at...
Mar 17, 2021
It's all downhill from here: Service-year life and committing to being myself
February was not only a busy month with my position as a Good Shepherd Volunteer. It was also filled with weekend outings, where I spent...
Mar 3, 2021
A Lenten commitment to spirituality after almost a year of lockdown
Growing up, I loved the Lenten season. It may be odd to say that I used to look forward to such a solemn period of sacrifice and...
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