In the News: Thanksgiving reflections

After eating as much food to feed 10 of me I am forced to think about people who may have not even had a meal on Thanksgiving let alone two.
Here is just a sample of Thanksgiving weekend news...it will surprise you.

1. Almost half of all U.S. kids will be on food stamps at some time during childhood.
   http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/sns-ap-us-med-children-food-stamps,0,5937791.story
2. In an enduring Thanksgiving tradition here, 30,000 needy people were fed a meal prepared and served by more than 1,800 volunteers. http://thanksgiving-news.newslib.com/story/320-3242399/
3. For other troops in more remote places, "turkey drops" were planned via chinook helicopters... http://thanksgiving-news.newslib.com/story/320-3242431/
4. On a day when many enjoyed the comforts of family and home, the victims of unemployment, foreclosure and even Bernie Madoff lined up at soup kitchens searching for solace and shelter. http://thanksgiving-news.newslib.com/story/320-3242431/

Food Stamps

One of the many "perks" if you will about National service is your fixed income. By living below the poverty line you are therefore not required to pay state taxes, student loans or in some cases food and heating bills i.e. federal assistance. During our pre-service orientation we were all informed that we most likely could qualify for assistance which included food stamps. I found this to be kind of a hidden bonus...I mean if the government wants to give me around $140 a month to eat that is fine by me. However, a lot of people have mixed feelings about this part of National service. Some people, like myself, see it as a great opportunity to learn about the social services system, get free food and not have to dumpster dive. While others see this as a complete embarrassment and even feel resentment that the government is not giving them a 'living wage."
I've had several surprising reactions over the admission that I was applying for food stamps. The most surprising in the supportive reactions from my parents who are just concerned about my survival and would like me to have as many choices as possible and embrace the learning experience. The negative reactions, however, are even more surprising. During Thanksgiving dinner conversation I mentioned to my boyfriend's family about my experience applying for food stamps. My boyfriend suddenly became very embarrassed that I mentioned that I was applying for food stamps in front of his parents and was shocked that I would bring such a thing up over Thanksgiving dinner. This was even more surprising since his parents had such a positive reaction and we even discussed the problems with social serves in PA. However, this is giving me new insight as to how these negative stereotypes about assistance are still alive and well even in generation X and Y.
On the topic of the food stamp application process, this online application was ridiculously complicated to fill out and asked a litany of questions. I was applying online with my fellow friends and VISTA members who all have advanced degrees and it took us hours to fill out and answer each crazy question. This is not to say that people who have been to college are better at filling out forms, but that they have had a large amount of experience fill out forms and answering complicated questions. I can only imagine how hard it is for someone who does not have a college education or who's first language is not English. To them this form must be nearly impossible to complete. Also, the turn around rate is incredibly slow. I received a voice mail from a case worker called "Mr.C" who informed me that I could get emergency food stamps and needed to call him back. That was a week ago. I have been calling everyday leaving messages on his answering machine. I have yet to talk to Mr. C nor do I know if the information I faxed to his office has been received. I am wondering if I will ever hear from Mr. C again! Maybe Mr. C cannot understand my accent as it seems English is not his first language. Also, his answering machine requires that you leave your SS#, case # name and number and he will get back to you in "one business day." Liar! I feel frustrated and at the moment I have food. What if I desperately needed those emergency food stamps to cook Thanksgiving dinner or worse to eat for the week? The funding for Philadelphia social services seems to be in the red and at least for me, not very affective. However, I am thankful that I am fed and housed and not at the mercy of underfunded assistance programs.

A year defending the constitution

When I decided to apply for an Americorps position I knew it was technically a "government" organization, however, being seen as a National Volunteer I did not think I would have to take "the oath." You know, the oath that every government official takes before entering into office, or secret service. It was even more surprising that "the oath," as I like to call it, includes this little dozy, "I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic." Um what? My mind quickly jumps to a slue of questions, such as, what enemies? How, on just a three day pre-service training am I expected to stop international espionage?? Well...my question was soon answered as our overly cheery director yelled out, "Who is our domestic enemy?" and the hall answered back "POVERTY!" Well, needless to say I found that rather amusing since all Americorps volunteers are on a set allowance personally making them live IN poverty for one year. So, how am I suppose to defend what I am actually participating in for a year? Maybe it is like being an undercover cop...you have to infiltrate and gain trust of a community and then BAM you arrest them and they never saw you coming. However, not being a cop or having ever been "under cover" this doesn't seem like this plan was well thought out.
Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about the pay, in fact, $10,000 a year is more than I have every made. As a recent graduate from grad school my entire life has been funded by federal grants, loans and the minimum wage, so an actual set amount of money each month, with basic health care seems like a sweet deal to me. Fortunately, I do not own anything so my expenses will be less than someone who has mortgage payments, car payments, credit card debit, children etc. Nevertheless, I still think living in Philadelphia, with the recent tax hike, rise in transportation cost and general costliness of "hipster cafes" and local groceries this is going to be tough. Budgeting my spending and keeping accurate records of bill payments will also be a new experience for me. What will not be that new to me however, is the actual Non-profit work. Since undergrad I have worked/interned with many NGO's/Non-profit organizations before and know the craziness that is the non-profit world. However, this organization is dealing with a population which I am not really familiar...immigrant seniors. I've worked with immigrant women/children who could speak English. Which is pretty much the exact opposite of who I will be working for this year. However, I hope that I gain valuable experience that will make me marketable in the field, network with the non-profits in Philadelphia, and be successful at meeting my goals for my VISTA site. This week marks the rest of my year as a "servant in solidarity."

Peace,