Skip to main content

Including Kids in Service

Two summers ago, when Logan was five years old, we met a homeless man, named Paul. It was a brief meeting, but it had a world of impact on Logan. After talking for a few minutes, Paul and I realized, we had a shared acquaintance - my neighbor, a social worker at the local men's shelter.

The idea of homelessness had popped up many times. Living in a city, we see people pushing carts around, hanging out under street bridges and occasionally on a bench. Logan had asked endless questions about their life living on the streets. After seeing Paul, he wanted to solve the problem of homelessness. He suggested we put signs up around the city showing homeless people they could come to our house. Logan is a sensitive child and feels things very deeply and thoroughly. He thought about how Paul had to sleep with his hands under his head because he did not have a pillow.

In lieu of signs pointing to our house, I reached out to my social worker neighbor to ask what we could do to help Paul specifically. She suggested we put together a few items he could use - anything from denture cream to a gift card to McDonald's. Logan came with me to choose the items, adding some things he thought were important.

I took Logan to the men's shelter to give the bag of items to my friend who would then give it to Paul. We kept track of Paul for awhile, he did get a job and a bed at a motel. Unfortunately, our neighbor felt sure that it would not last. He had substance abuse issues that would keep him from staying on track. Logan seemed to move on from his homeless crusade, and I did not want to open up discussions with a five year old that were even too hard for me to understand.

Last week, my friend Wendi sent me this website about making bags for people who are homeless. It comes from children seeing a need and wanting to help. Take a look, see if it fits for your family and give it a try. I think it is always important and safe to work with a local agency or church so that you know that your kind of help is needed and appreciated. No sense going to a lot of trouble for something that may not be used.

Blessing Bags

Other suggestions ideas of things to include or not include (from the blog comments):

Include:
- plastic rain poncho or large heavyweight garbage bag
- those extras from takeout - cutlery, napkin, hand wipes, condiments
- facecloth or small towel
- pkgs of cup-a-soup, coffee and tea
- collapsible drinking vessel for easy storage
- whistle so they can call for help if necessary
- small first aid kit
- any of the small travel sized items you can buy


Don't Include:
mouthwash - don't include if it has alcohol content
gift cards - sort of like money so they could be traded for alcohol/drugs

Also - someone suggested putting the items in a new/gently used backpack instead of a plastic bag.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Impromptu Pet Therapy

  Ben met Doodle today. One of the staff at his day program brought him in. Ben loves dogs and these photos made my day. 

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities

  "Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities" is a series on eSpeciallyBen. As Ben approached 18, it was clear our role changed as parents. We needed to help Ben transition into adulthood. These stories are meant to assist other families who face, or will face, some of the same challenges. Talking About the Future Guest Post - Matt Wilson Legal Guardianship, Medicaid and SSI Researching Group Homes Questions to Ask at a Group Home Visit Referral Packet for Group Homes Getting Assistance from a Care Manager From Group Home Placement to Discharge Reaching for Independence

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities: Talking About the Future

Ben in the middle with Dad (left), Carla Payne with Aging Care Matters and Mom This is the first of several posts about parenting an adult child with a disability. Ben will be 19 this summer; I am learning along the way. As always, I hope to pass on resources and wisdom. Discuss the future.  If your adult child is able to participate in planning for their future, ask them how they envision it. Let them draw a picture. Ask them to tell you a story. Maybe they can sign a few words that mean a lot to them. Find a way to get them involved. How do they see themselves living? By themselves, in a group home, with another family or with a sibling? Where do they want to live? In another city, in an apartment, in a house? How far away do they want to live from family? What level of independence can they handle? Do they want someone to check in on them? Do they want to find a job? Do they need a job coach or supportive employment? Who will help them with their finances? Is there someone they tru