My Groups Social Justice Project and the Elderly

With all these presentations starting and hearing about the work that other groups have done and the ideas people have had I have gotten this new sense of excitement. It is really cool and refreshing to see the things people come up with, have passions about and how they want to take things to the next level. Throughout this semester I have heard my professor, Professor G, tell our class multiple times that this class and the things we are learning aren't meant to stop here. She desires for our interests to be sparked and for us to be active and engaged in things. Continue to write Op-Eds, submit Op-Eds, volunteer, follow social justice issues and all the issues happening, do something about _________, I have enjoyed her encouragement and really hope that as we continue to grow as social workers we do these things. Social justice is not just a class. It is not just something you learn once and try to remember that one thing for some other class in the future. I am excited for what is to come.

As for my group and our social justice project, it has been interesting and a lot of fun for me. For over a year now I have had the opportunity to volunteer at Austin Groups for the Elderly, specifically the Elderhaven of Austin. This is a place where I have formed many friendships and bonds with not only the staff but many of the clients. The clients that come to Elderhaven are people who need some care during the day while their families, loved ones, caretakers or whoever can't be at home. For some reason or another they need an extra set of hands, eyes, ears, and some love. The clients at Elderhaven range in circumstance. Many have dementia or Alzheimer's, some have physical disabilities, others have other mental disabilities, among other stuff and some are fully able and just need some care during the day. One thing that has really stuck out to me is how much love and attention people desire and deserve. So often when I am there and sit down with someone or a small group of people and they start talking, they just want someone to listen to them. How I wish I could be that person for them all, but the reality is that I can't be, and never will be.

So when it came to social justice and population ideas these friends at Elderhaven and the elderly in general popped right into my mind. Tossing out the elderly as an idea happened, but I honestly did not expect for it to stick to be honest. I haven't found that much interest in the population within my fellow social work students. Not because they don't care, but there are so many interests people have. Somehow I was lucky enough to have my interest population have a group formed with it and off we went. Talking and brainstorming about the elderly and what specific issues were prevalent for them. My group members have been awesome and shared some great ideas. In the end though we settled with our idea and went with it. (I am going to leave you hanging, because I want to wait until we give our actual presentation next week... More to come later!)

One of the things we did that was especially fun for me was bringing my other group members to Elderhaven and having them meet many of the friends I have get to spend time with. It was fun to see them interacting and talking with them. While we did other project related stuff while we were there, them getting the opportunity to come and meet my Elderhaven friends meant a lot and I am glad they could do it! I am looking forward to sharing our project and for the class to know more about some of the people and people group that I care about so much!!

I want to share with you some personal pictures of some people near and dear to me, Here are some pictures of my grandparents. People that I love more than anything. They have taught me so much throughout my life. Even though some of them have passed away, I still feel and hear them talk to me very often. And this connection is one of the best feelings. I think that it is partially because of them and how much they have meant to me throughout my life that I have such an affinity for the elderly and older generations. I feel and think of wisdom, love, experience, stories, and strength when I think of my grandparents and the older generations.

My Nana and Papa taken when I was either very little or not born

My Grandy and I taken when I was in high school 

On a side note, people's projects have been awesome! Y'all are all so inspiring and hard workers. Great job class :)

I know I left a large part out of the blog about my exact project, but like I said that is all to come. So check back later my friends!

Thanks for reading and happy thoughts :)