Jorge Happenings

Well, since last Thursday things have been a little down. Not feeling down, but not busy. Apparently all last week was slow, and it looks like this week is too. I have started putting folders for Maribell together, housing stuff. It’s funny, one of the first calls I got was asking for her, but didn’t get the name just right. One of the ladies there told me that almost no-one will get her name right, and she’s been called anything from Marianne to Marybeth. One of hers, and my, favorites is Maybelline. I know it’s not supposed to be funny, but she doesn’t mind.

One my main jobs there are to answer phones and greet clients. Answering the phones can be an interesting task. I have gotten many a call that the people say ‘Oh, wrong number’, and hang up. I have noticed from just about all the people a lack of politeness. They don’t say sorry, or thank you, they either hang up or don’t say anything. I can almost understand, though, because they have come across hard times to be calling in. Anyways, the phones can be funny. Most call in and tell you their story, some of which are very hard to hear, hard to imagine that I’m talking to someone who is going through it.

Most of the calls I take are for problems outside of Lifeline, like utilities. I can usually expect to talk to the same people a few times before they get the idea that Lifeline can’t solve the problem they currently have. But that’s okay. There’s always another agency that will solve the problem. I have really seen another side of the community volunteering there.

After being at Lifeline for a week, I really like the place. The people there are very nice, always chatting during down time or asking if I would like anything. They have stuff ready for me to do, and all I have to do is just answer phones or greet clients as they come in. I started putting folders for home programs clients together, forms and other papers. I really like the place, and I’m starting to learn more about the programs Lifeline offers, and how they fit into the main scheme of things. Many of the phone calls I field relate to utility issues, or other concerns. People refer them to Lifeline, though they sometimes don’t offer assistance in those areas. When they ask, I usually refer them to the 211 United Way number, or HEAP in the case of utilities. I am looking forward to spending more time there.

Well, I have begun volunteering at Lifeline yesterday. I really like it!! The people there are really nice, they took me in and treated me as if I had been their best friend their whole life. Michelle showed me around when I first got there, and got me started. I helped out by getting client files together, destroying important data, and showed me how to handle clients. After the intro, though, no-one called or came in! Up until then, they had a really busy day. The phone was ringing off the hook, but once I finally learned how to do if properly, every one stopped calling! I like it there, I really do. They have wonderful programs, helping out the impoverished through health programs, housing programs, and family development. It is really nice, and I can’t wait to go back tomorrow!!