Rosaline Goodwin from the Cherry St. Mission came to speak to us on-campus this morning. She spoke to us about the work that Cherry St. Mission does. I was impressed with all the services that the mission provided for those in need, such as clothing, shelter, food, and educational and career training. It was surprising to hear that they received no government funding and remained so successful. However, they are a faith- based organization, which always leaves me unsure of what to think. Because religion remains a sensitive and controversial issue in our society, I know that when I discuss this topic in my writing, I must approach it with both caution and respect. The intent is not to challenge or reject any individual’s beliefs, but to discuss the interaction of faith and community service. While Goodwin was telling our class about the work done at the mission, I often found myself wondering about how recipients felt about the large religious influence, or how much they thought about all the religious practices the mission promotes. It is evident that faith plays an extremely positive role in this organization, and it seems to benefit the recipients. This influence must be recognized, and Goodwin’s acknowledgement of different faiths is both respectable and admirable. She and the mission are aware that people come from many different religions and are ready to accommodate for that.
Goodwin mentioned the tutoring opportunities that volunteers have, which captured my interest. For a student at Maumee Valley, which is a school that has a population that is in general intelligent and above average, tutoring would a great way to interact with the recipients and provide meaningful direct service. What better way is there to use our privilege of receiving higher education at a private school than to help those who didn’t have near the amount of wonderful educational opportunities that we have had?
In conclusion, Cherry St. Mission seems like a great organization that provides many valuable services to those that need them, and it would be worthwhile to maintain a strong relationship with them. Rosaline Goodwin was also interesting to listen to, especially with the way she helped us understand that poverty does not discriminate by showing us prominent figures in popular culture and explaining their homeless experiences.
In conclusion, Cherry St. Mission seems like a great organization that provides many valuable services to those that need them, and it would be worthwhile to maintain a strong relationship with them. Rosaline Goodwin was also interesting to listen to, especially with the way she helped us understand that poverty does not discriminate by showing us prominent figures in popular culture and explaining their homeless experiences.
By Nora Jaara
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