Social Services Connections
As a child, I was constantly reading whatever books I could get my hands on. I became especially fascinated with characters’ stories and and their unique backgrounds. I was a very inquisitive kid, always asking adults around me about how satisfied they were with their careers and lives, what path and experiences led them to where they are now. Even today, as a “grown up” I can say at the I am very interested in real life humans and their stories. Becoming a social worker, I have been granted the opportunity to encounter all types of people and help them to the best of my abilities.
Working as an AmeriCorps servicemember at Elijah’s Promise, I truly get to experience a diversity of stories and life experience across gender, race and class. The Community Soup Kitchen serves any individual that comes through our doors, and I am grateful that we can work with clients from all backgrounds. Many of the guests we serve are homeless, have low income, and are barely making ends meet. These folks battle negative stigmas every day. Those who are homeless and less fortunate are often overlooked and labeled by society, accused of earning their condition. Elijah’s Promise, through service and education, has the power to transform our city’s perception of homelessness and economic struggle.
These guests that we serve, with their stories, intellect, and will power, are worthy of the world. Their capacity for hope makes my days brighter. The profession of social work and the people of Elijah’s Promise have a special place in my heart and are part of my personal story. The clients can choose to tell me their past or not, but either way I will lend a hand of guidance and support. I choose to never judge a book by its cover, and Elijah’s Promise will help anyone willing to receive social services.
There is a particular client that comes to mind who was able to be connected to a network of services. Elijah’s Promise is the connecting agency to the PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) Program and BOSS (Board of Social Services). This collaboration of multiple agencies allowed the client’s needs to fully be met. Furthermore, this client now receiving group counseling, Medicaid, Meals on Wheels and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). I came to the community kitchen on Christmas Eve to have lunch with this person and her smile was the best present I could have received. It is the little things in life, always remember that!
-Kristen Lorentzen
If you need help with social services contact Kristen at kristen.lorentzen@elijahspromise.org to learn more about the services we offer.