Jan 26 2009
Oakland Confidential
On Saturday, I went to orientation at the shelter where I spent my day of service last week (why does it seem so long ago?). I had such a good time there that I wanted to see what else I could do to help. It looks like I’ll be going twice a month to read to the children and keep them amused (!) while their mothers and staff meet. Unlike many such facilities, the residents have no curfew, have keys to the front door and their own rooms, and are involved in all discussions on running the place – hence the meetings.
During the orientation, it was made clear that we could not photograph the residents or discuss anything that happens there, due to confidentiality issues. Many of these women are trying not to be found and to put their old lives behind them, so volunteers have to make sure that they aren’t leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for the bad guys to follow to the door. So what happens there, stays there, much like Las Vegas.
It makes sense, and I’ll obviously respect their wishes, but I’m sorry that I won’t be able to share my adventures with you.
It’s funny, you know, because I’m not a kid person, but the kids really responded to me that day, and I don’t think it’s giving anything away to say that they were glad to see me again and hugs were exchanged. I’m looking forward to seeing them again and doing my bit to help out.