2019 CIIP Program Book CIIP Booklet 2019 | Page 24

Community Partner:
Franciscan Center
Peer Mentor: Janaya Brown
Site Supervisor: Judy Dobson
What is the Franciscan Center?
The mission of the Franciscan
Center is to provide emergency
assistance and supportive out-
reach to persons who are eco-
nomically disadvantaged in an
effort to assist them in realizing
their self-worth and dignity as
people of God.
This summer has flown by, as cliche-sounding as that statement can be. Arriving at the Franciscan
Center, I imagined that the work and the environment would mirror the time I spent last year at the
Youth Empowered Society (YES). But, instead, I enjoyed a completely new, enlightening experience.
My first week there I spent cycling through the different sections, from the clothing section to the
food pantry to the cafeteria to Responsive Services.
From there, I moved primarily into Responsive Services, where I got to work one-on-one with cli-
ents, whether it be checking mail or registering them as a client. There are times where the tasks
are repetitive and simple, but hearing an individual’s story was the thing that always stuck with me.
This summer reminded repeatedly why this work is something that I am passionate about. People
often visited us on the second floor during some of their lowest points, and many would leave with
a smile on their face. This was not always the case, though whenever it was, it felt like we had truly
made a difference for someone.
As a Peer Mentor this summer, I felt this added pressure to really know what I was doing in my
internship and have this solid understanding of issues happening in Baltimore. Throughout the
summer, I had to remind myself that each day was a learning experience. Some days were not the
best for me and I had consciously let my unpreparedness take precedence over the work that I was
doing.
As a whole, this summer has provided many unforgettable experiences. From my first week of
finding an injured baby bird in the rain and bringing it to work where all of my coworkers and boss
pitched in to help, to finding baby dolls that my coworker creatively turn into planters. From creat-
ing the Fight Club (my wonderful peer mentor group) to getting the worst foot tan I have ever had.
From reuniting with old clients (and friends) from YES to meeting new clients and friends and even
my work moms at the Franciscan Center. There is no shortage of small moments or stories that I
could tell, though words will never do them justice.
• Fill in wherever there is a need
• Greet and interact with clients at the
main desk
• Register new clients, as well as help
them get pantry bags, birth certificates
and MVA IDs
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