Local or State Organizations/COPs
Our Lady of Mercy
Community Outreach
“The mission of Our Lady of Mercy Community
Outreach Services, Inc. is to provide educational, health and direct outreach
services to people in need on James, Johns and Wadmalaw Islands and at the
Neighborhood House in Charleston, while encouraging and supporting self-sufficiency
and self-esteem” (Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach, 2014).
I chose this organization because of the work they do in
this area with regards to supporting the immigrant population that is growing
in this region. Our Lady of Mercy holds literacy classes for families, GED
preparation and has a child learning program for 3 month olds to 3 year olds.
There are also ESL classes with child care, life skills classes for parenting,
budgeting, health and nutrition and an after school program to help children
with homework, they bus the children themselves. Immigrants in this area can
take advantage of these services to help improve their way of life and those of
their children.
Rural Mission
“Our mission is to restore the foundation of our
community – its families – by repairing the homes in which they live. We
believe that human dignity thrives in a place that is safe and secure. We are
committed to ensuring that no matter how modest a home may be, its residents
can sleep easily, knowing they are safe within it. We are strengthened by
volunteers, engaged leaders, donors and deserving neighbors who are all guided
by something greater than self” (Rural
Mission, n.d.).
I chose this organization because
it supports an Immigrant Head Start Agency. I work for another Head Start
agency and although many problems need addressed, I very much believe in the
program. I was extremely happy to see that there is a Head Start program
completely dedicated to the needs of the Hispanic families in the area. I did
not even know it existed until doing research for this area. It is supported by
an agency in Virginia and is open 10 months out of a year. The serve infants,
toddlers, and pre-school children.
South Carolina
Appleseed Legal Justice Center: A voice for those in need
“SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center wants to share information on legal topics which affect those we serve – the disadvantaged. We have authored a number of pamphlets, bulletins, brochures, papers and manuals on topics which include housing, education, immigration, consumer affairs, public benefits, health and family, with many translated into Spanish. All printed materials are online for consumer and professional use. We have policy papers for the professional on SC laws and state policies concerning our clientele. Most of these materials can be downloaded.
In addition, we offer continuing educational training for the professional and the community, who seeks to update their knowledge on SC law in areas we advocate. Go to our Training page to see what classes might interest you” (South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center: A voice for those in need, n.d.).
I chose this organization because of the legal support they
offer for immigrants and their families. One of the main things that caught my
attention and that appealed to me the most was the fact that they are concerned
about the children who are here, not by chose, but because they are with their families,
but in many cases have no rights because they are not citizens.
Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach. (2014). Retrieved from
Rural Mission. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://ruralmission.org/about/
South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center: A voice for
those in need. (n.d.). Retrieved from
Job Opportunities
I would love to advance within the Head Start Corporation,
whether it is here in this area and a local agency or even higher up in a State
or Federal agency. The skills I would need would be working experience which I
have been gaining since 2006 and the degree I am working on plus some
administration classes. I also have been considering continuing my education
with a doctorate degree in the Early Childhood field.
It seems as if you have chosen a diverse range of organizations. they all seem to be doing amazing work with children and families. I am particularly interested in Rural Mission. Something so simple as shelter, can often be taken for granted. But when one does not have a safe shelter it can hinder development. Basic needs must be met before children are able to feel safe and secure in their environments.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
ReplyDeleteI focused on looking at organizations that could help the family unit as well. But I did not even consider thinking about the legal issues that some families are under. Thank you for bringing this topic up.