My placement has got to have been one of the best experiences of my life. I was at St Bartholomew's Church in Midtown Manhattan, working in the Community Ministry part of the Church. From day one I was made to feel at home and was welcomed. St Bart's and Winant Clayton have had a long standing connection and I was the just one in a long line of volunteers over an 18 year period.
During my time at St Bart's, I was involved in all of the programmes that it runs within the Community Ministry. Although I had previous experience doing work with the homeless in the UK.I have to say that being there was a unique opportunity to learn so much about homelessness in New York and how things differ. We could serve food to anywhere between 80 to 180 people just for breakfast. Twice a week I worked in the Food Pantry there which gave food out to people who where on low income, benefits ,disabled, had HIV or homeless but within a shelter. Then once a week I did the Night Shelter. We used to have eight guys come every night who were dropped off at 7 in the evening, given dinner and a bed for the night. I got to know the guys very well and would love sitting and talking with them whilst they were having dinner.
I'd like to think that I made a bit of a difference to St Bart’s I felt such a huge sense of community that really got into my heart. Every day was different and I always looked forward to going into work. I have made life long friends by doing this and I am now deciding to take a different career path. Being given this insight into working with the homeless through my placement I now realise that that is the area I want to go in, so I can't thank Winant Clayton enough. This is such a unique charity. It offers people of all ages this chance to change their lives. I am forty one and I had looked into other voluntary work overseas before but sometimes there was an age restriction on them. That’s why I think Winant Clayton Volunteers can appeal to absolutely anyone. We were so well supported on the USA and the UK side the whole time, everyone who belongs within Winant Clayton is passionate about it. I feel so strongly about what a fantastic charity this is that I will continue to be involved. It has been truly a life changing, eye opening and happy time in my life and one of the best decisions I have ever made. So thank you Winant Clayton Volunteers.
Kathy Bollard, British “Clayton” volunteer in New York, 2009
When I signed up to volunteer in a different country I didn't really know what I was getting into. I knew I wanted to do something good for others, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the world somehow but I wasn't sure how I could possibly with only a few weeks, leave my mark. At Providence Row I was the intern for the Meaningful Occupations Director who was in charge of bringing in courses and activities to help promote job training and life skills and to also foster self esteem with the clients who participated. Throughout the summer, it became clear that my people skills were really working to help promote the groups. I was enjoying everyday just talking to the clients and finding out about them. I listened and then figured out what activity a person would enjoy and might actually attend. I helped some with finding a job, some I helped get into an activity group and some I just listened to when they needed someone to talk to. During the time I was there, the Satellite Centre was just opened. At the beginning, there were only about 3 people a day who would attend. By the end of my placement, it was up to 20 -25 attending for various classes and free time, so I would like to think my work benefited many. When I came back from my summer in London, I was a new person. If I could volunteer every day I would. That’s how good it was and how much I know it’s necessary for those you’re helping and also for yourself.
Jessica Ellis, American “Winant” volunteer in London, 2009
My main tasks were assisting the children at the camp, this was anything from painting to helping them horse ride. I also set up a journalism workshop with some of the older children. I particularly enjoyed the cultural contrasts between the children and I, aside from finding each other's accents hilarious, it was interesting to see how children are raised in the States. It was great working with people who were dedicated to the happiness of the children there and saw each one as an individual. I enjoyed communicating with the children and learnt a lot of skills through getting to know them, it helped increase my patience and understanding and was beneficial for me to realise I genuinely care for and have an affinity with children. I think it made me more confident at my ability to make friends in a new place and just throw myself out there. Everyone I met through Winant Clayton Volunteers had a massive heart and desire to bring out the best in people. This all sounds a bit slushy and stereotypically 'American' and 'high-five' (we did a lot of those) but it was great to be part of a culture that praises you for your talents and encourages them. It's something I appreciate even more about Americans now I'm away from it.
Charlotte Browne, British “Clayton” volunteer in New York, 2004