Dallas, TX - Homelessness and Poverty (Post 8)

Today (3/25/14) we volunteered for our second day at the Resource Center Dallas (RCD).  The RCD is the primary lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) and HIV/AIDS service organization in North Texas. The Center offers many LGBT services to the community and operates one of the largest LGBT Community Centers in the United States. The Community Center is home to a variety of community organizations and serves over 50,000 people each year through its programs and services. Some of these services include the Hot Meals Program and the Food Pantry where we would spend our time serving in Dallas. With such a large group (22) we split up between each location.  Below are some reflections from day 2 with the RCD.



Steven L. - Freshmen - Holt, MI
Volunteering at the local food bank was a great opportunity that helped me grow by opening my eyes to see what people do to help others, while still benefiting the local people in the city of Dallas.  It opened my eyes because our group of 19 guys was worked for all 4 hours that we were there.  There was always something we had to do in the food pantry and as soon as we were done with that task there was more to do.  We saw the volunteer group calendar and there where about 5 days where groups where going to come in.  That meant that the normal everyday 3-4 volunteers are faced with the burden of doing what took 19 people did in the same amount of time.  To me that was amazing that even though it is a lot of work people still come out to help the community.

Jonathan J. - Freshmen - Chicago, IL

This ASB trip has impacted my life in a numerous of ways. This trip not only help create everlasting memories with my "Brothers" but has enlightened me to a number of different perspectives within the aspects of life. Lincoln and Robert both shared insightful mind altering information that gave me inspiration to tackle life with the idea that "the world belongs to me." They helped me realize that success can only be defined by you, and that your purpose must be known and pursued. However its alright to not know what that purpose is but it becomes a problem when you decide to not figure out or not to make it. I am more than overjoyed that I had the opportunity to personally connect with all my brothers while serving the community; and providing happiness, joy, love, hope, understanding, fulfillment, and excitement that comes with having a family rather it be by blood or not.   

Terrance P. - Freshmen - Chicago, IL
We spent the last two days here in Dallas doing service work for the Resource center of Dallas, and I must say that it was a very humbling and enjoyable experience. I had the chance to interact with members of the LGBTQ community and also the HIV/AIDS community, and It was a very eye opening experience. I think the most important thing I took away from my time doing work was seeing how even though they were going through many struggles in life, they came into the resource center with smiles on their face, and they truly appreciated our help. I also loved the fact that the volunteers were so energetic to help serve them and just make sure they had a better day. Ultimately, I took away so much from this service experience and this trip in general. I am very blessed to have had the opportunity to do this, especially with my brothers from MBMI.



Roger L. - Freshmen - Kansas City, MO
Yesterday and today MBMI visited the food bank and the hot meals program of Dallas, TX to help the homeless, HIV awareness, and the LGBT members. I have never been to neither of these programs before so I did not know what to expect. As soon as I started to get tasks to do a job, I didn't realize a lot was put into these programs to keep them running. Also it was an eye opener to see what kind of clients that went for their services. I learned that I can't judge without justification. Some of the stories I've heard impacted my life. This trip was really beneficial towards me and the other members of MBMI. We gave life to these people, and the community that surrounds them. They will forever remember the fellas from MBMI.

 

#MABDallas