Ellen Vore- Teen Reach

1. I volunteered my time at the Charleston Teen Reach Center. I spent time with “at risk kids”. This means they come from homes where their parents aren’t around a lot, or they may be in danger of dropping out of school. Basically they don’t come from very stable environments and this facility is meant to be a constant, unchanging, stable environment where they can come and relax.
2. These kids are at risk of going down a life path that leads to many of the disadvantages that we have discussed in class. If they drop out of school they will be more likely to live in poverty and have relationships that are not as stable. By coming to the Charleston teen reach, they have positive role models who encourage them to keep on the path that will lead them to greater success in life.
3. I plan on becoming a teacher, and in that profession I will be working with kids exactly like the ones that take advantage of this facility. In working there I gained some insight into how the facility runs, how it benefits the kids, and I made a connection with the director of the facility. When I get in to the professional world, I will be able to go back and contact the director, I will be able to use him as a resource for helping my disadvantaged kids or he may be able to help me find someone else who can work with me to improve my kid’s lives.
4. The potential effect that this facility has on the local community is that in helping these teens stay on a good path, they will be able to gain a higher quality life for themselves. When they become responsible adults who can take care of themselves and contribute to the community, they can change it for the better even if it is in small ways. By being a positive force and support instead of someone who needs the support of the community, they may be able to help others who were once where they were.
5. I feel that this assignment was good for us to do. It got us out into the field of where we will be spending our professional lives. It felt good to help others and know that we are making a difference in someone else’s life. It showed me how just one place like Charleston Teen Reach can make such a difference in the community.