Mary Kate Olsen

Reflection Paper

SafeHomes of Augusta

Interning at Safe Homes of Augusta was one of the most interesting and educational things I have ever got the opportunity to be a part of. I learned so much for each and every individual at the facility. I had the chance to be trained in front office assistance, forms and procedures, attending crisis calls, and sitting in on sessions between the victim and advocate. This experience made me realize how many women are struggling in just Augusta alone. I understood the concepts and ideas of what constitutes as a crisis call and how help is given to people in need.

One of the most interesting parts of interning at Safe Homes of Augusta was working with Ms. Mary Ann. She is an advocate that deals with crisis calls as her main objective. Listening to her speaks to the women in need and reassuring them of their selves was absolutely amazing. Ms. Mary Ann told me the hardships that she dealt with as a teen and how she used what she learned throughout her life in this job. I had many responsibilities at the center including crisis counselor, follow-ups/client contact, office assistant, and basic help around the office. If anybody needed anything done I was the one to come to.

I hope I get the opportunity to work in a facility like this again. The people, the atmosphere, and what they do is what makes organizations like this not only successful but beneficial as well. Working at this facility I also learned what distinguishes a crisis call from each other. If a crisis call is made then there is a series of information that has to be filled out along with data input in the computer system. I personally thought that was a very good way of keeping everything that is present and previous regarding cases in an appropriate manner.

I feel that everyone who is planning on going into the Sociological or Social Work field should take up the opportunity to go work a facility like the present. It can teach so much along with giving you the personal capabilities of understanding what people go through and how they face certain challenges. This was a great opportunity for me and I would recommend it to anyone who is planning on going into the field or even just wants to get an idea of what advocacy is like regarding battered women. Every woman that comes into the facility is dealing with some sort of problem or another. This just goes