CESP Blog

Something that really struck me about PPL was the passion and dedication each member of the organization displayed. To each of them, this wasn't simply a job, but a battle: a literacy battle, a job battle, an income battle that each staff member believed every individual in need could achieve. Instead of just handing them a house, handing them a job, etc, PPL was there offering full support and guidance in the process but letting individuals have the freedom to work toward their own goals and expectations. This level of high-involvement and desire to motivate others seen in the staff is something that can definitely be applied to my future community work. It is important to keep in mind that this isn't simply another hour you are checking off and that you can't just transform a child struggling with basic literacy into an excellent reader, but truly engage yourself in the needs of the organization and being a part of its mission. Giving others confidence and support is often more than enough to make things happen.

Project in Pride for Living really opened my eyes to what is available in our community. Although more can always be done in this aspect of work, I was very impressed with the diversity of services they provide as well as the passion of the workers. What really made me excited about this program was the possibility of working through architectural design to create housing, particularly affordable housing. I have known I want to integrate affordable housing with my future degree in architecture for a while, but this organization encouraged me further. I feel all people deserve a standard of living that encourages health, growth, and relationships. Delivering this standard to more people is what PPL works toward. I was so excited to learn about the services provided to all people, regardless of income.
The other idea that was really strong in this organization is the fact they want to help people learn to provide for themselves. This is so important and how our community, country and world will be able to grow and prosper. I am really interested in volunteering with PPL or a similar organization working toward housing and a better standard of living for all people.

Eric Oines talked about the need for life stability in order for individuals or families to be successful in reaching their goals. By “helping people help themselves” PPL is able to help families reach life stability. The vastness of services that PPL provides amazes me. It seems that a lot of non-profits specialize in youth development or housing. The variety helps PPL achieve their goal of life stability by combining housing, youth development, community development and adult education. If one piece of life is unstable that tumbles over into all areas and could possibly create a viscous downward spiral. PPL empowers the members of the community by providing the resources to find a job, find housing, and learn skills need to keep a job or advance in the work place. By providing these services along with the youth development there is truly a holistic approach to bettering the community.
The key take away that I got out of this RAP session was the need for a holistic approach to doing community work. I mentor high school students and while I might be helping them with school, they’re not going to succeed if something else in life is unstable. With each student I will need to evaluate how I can best help them help themselves in a holistic approach.