For the Project LINK assignment, I volunteered at Shiloh Christian Children's Ranch in Missouri. This is an annual trip that my church takes over President's Day weekend in February. Over the course of the weekend, we perform manual labor around the ranch for them. This year, we split and hauled wood for their central heating system. We had so many hands volunteering that we split enough wood for them for two years! The looks on their faces when we were done is something I will never forget. On the Shiloh ranch, there are 5 house parents. These parents take in children and teenagers whose home life is not the greatest. Their needs range from parental abuse, trouble in school, learning how to function socially and life skills that these children can apply when they are returned to their biological parents. This is a christian organization, so the children who are there go to church with the house parents and have Bible time in their homes.
This service related to this FCS course because these children are at a disadvantaged. Not growing up with your biological parents, not matter how long, can form trust issues in these children, cause anxiety when they have to leave and always wonder why did these things have to happen to them. This gives volunteers a glimpse also at how foster parenting works and the selection process of choosing children to live with them. Since this is a private organization, they do not accept any state money and they can choose who comes to the ranch and there is an intense application process. Most of these children are poor and come from backgrounds where they were never read to, neglected and acted out in their anger and anxiety.
While I was there, I had the opportunity to speak to many of the home parents. I was able to hear their story of how they ended up at the ranch and what their experience has been like. For the past three years, I have stayed at the same house parent's home and have been able to build a relationship with them. They are the most selfless people I know to give up their life for the sake of children in need. I know that I can trust them while I am there and they love the work that we have done. Through staying at house parent's homes, I have gained an understanding of the difficulties it takes to work with those in need. It is a holistic approach to reach these children: financially, emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically. They have some of the best attitudes and love every child as their own that walk through their door.
My church brought a group of over 50 and with that many hands, we can spread ourselves over the ranch and help in anyway that we can. Besides the splitting and hauling of wood, we help in their kitchens, cleaning the homes, yardwork and playing with their children who need solid adult role models in their lives. This gives the house parents a break and they are able to relax while we are there because of the work that we take over for them. This is a 24/7/365 job for them, so any help that they receive has a great impact on their mission and in the lives in the children to see college students give up a 3-day weekend to serve and volunteer. This organization gives back to the community any extra that they can. They have a great relationship with the school system and help with any school event that they can.
This assignment is beneficial in getting students, including myself, involved with the community. This takes you out of your comfort zone and puts you in the place of someone else. I was able to understand what these kids go through and how their background affects who they are today. It was good to talk to the parents who care for these kids and understand why they do what they do. I am already excited to go back to the ranch next year and meet new faces and catch up with old friends!
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