Interns for Justice: July 29 – Aug 2 (by Sam Barrett)

Happy Friday everyone!

I’m a rising junior social work major and psychology minor. I picked the nonprofit Catholic Charities and have been interning in their transitional housing program, Kenton Women’s Village (KWV). The transitional housing is in the form of tiny houses called PODs (Partners on Dwelling). This pilot project works with people who self identify as female, are single, experiencing chronic houselessness (on average 5 years), and are on average 47 years old. This program touches on many social justice issues such as the Portland housing crisis, domestic/sexual abuse, race, ability, mental and overall health issues, and issues regarding employment. You can learn more about KWV here: https://www.catholiccharitiesoregon.org/services/housing-services/kenton-womens-village/

My position at KWV is well tailored to my educational goals. The staff I work with are happy to make the projects that I work on applicable and educational to my social work major. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to shadow the delightful case manager, Cherie, and now have my own caseload of women. I meet with the women in one on one meetings and assist with the pairing of resources as well as give additional support as needed. Case managing has been my favorite part about the internship because I’m able to truly sit down and get to know the women and hear their stories, each one moving me. I’m also able to put my social work and counseling skills to use while facilitating meetings and aiding in conflict resolution. In addition to case managing I manage the multicultural food pantry at Catholc Charities, I have also been given awesome opportunities to sit in on meetings and trainings which have been beneficial to my learning. On top of the hands on aspect of my internship I have also worked on the outcomes and waiting list for the KWV which has helped me strengthen my administration skills. I enjoy the support I’m able to give the women and cherish the one on one time I get with them. I look forward to more shared moments, laughter, and encouragement in helping to support these women to meet their goals.

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