Basic Needs

I almost started crying today as I met with a client. 

Technically, my job is to work as an advocate for education, but I somehow find myself involved in so many other scenarios where my help is needed in other realms. Today’s topics: food stamps, Medicaid, and Social Security. My client is an immigrant who speaks very little English, and has been having a lot of issues navigating the system. He has made it clear multiple times that he isn't doing this for himself, but he wants to get help for his son. The fact that he has been going through this for months just broke my heart. He is struggling to pay rent, pay for food, and find insurance that will cover his son’s medical needs, and I was the one who had to help him. I know nothing about any of these things! How am I qualified to be in charge of helping this man get his basic needs met? It made me emotional to think of so many people out there who don’t have anyone advocating for them—how many people must feel so lost in paperwork and terminology and requirements. As I sifted through the mail he brought in, I was overcome with compassion for him and all those like him, and I feel more driven than ever to keep doing what I’m doing and fighting for the forgotten ones. 

Luckily, one of my roommates is more involved in the world of the Human Resources Administration, so I have been able to reach out to her for help and advice. I admire her and everyone doing that kind of work so much for seeing cases like this day in and day out. These unsung heroes are really making a difference in the lives of so many.

On a lighter note, today is Good Friday, yesterday was Holy Thursday, tomorrow is Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday comes afterward. Holy Week Rebecca Blaaack. I’ll be missing my family in the next few days, but I’m glad to have my New York family here to celebrate with! My family is currently out in Victorville taking food to people living on the street, a Good Friday tradition that we started years ago. I SO wish I could be with them, but I know that my place is here, rejoicing with the beautiful weather that will hopefully continue for these next few days!