Today was my last day at the House of Hope. I really thought that I would be extremely excited about my last day, but I was actually pretty darn sad. So, I'm going to do a little reminiscing and write a short little history of my time at House of Hope.
First off, let me define what the House of Hope is for those of you who have never heard of it. House of Hope is a residential treatment facility for mothers and their children. Basically, the mothers are there for drug/alcohol rehab and have just been given the right to have their children with them again after DCFS taking them away. The women are attempting to gain custody of their children back while trying to rid themselves of an addiction. While the women are in therapy, the children come down with us and we provide them with the TEC (Therapeutic Environment for Children) experience.
October 2008--I was working at Sears, hating the fact that I was getting paid $7 an hour. I began looking around for other options and came across the position for Child Development Specialist at house of hope. Being a new MFHD major, I applied and got the job! I learned shortly thereafter that this job was not going to be easy. It's a very stressful job with a lot of emotions involved. I fell in love with the kids there and I loved my job! My position at House of Hope only got harder and harder, as kids that I became very attached to left, as well-loved employees left, as new employees CAME, and as bosses left. I was constantly emotionally tired after work from helping the kids and dealing with certain co-workers, but always had a rewarding feeling each and everyday.
As much as I may have complained to Tony, my mom, or anyone else about this job, it has probably been the most educational position I have ever held. From October to January I worked with the toddler-aged children who ranged in age from 2 to 4 or 5. I loved working with these children, teaching them ABC's experiencing new and exciting things with them, playing with them, etc. I learned so much about how fragile a child's emotions are. I learned how absorbant their brains are. I learned how to better take care of a child in need anywhere from boo boo's that need band-aids to talking about how sad their mommy makes them. I believe that being with these innocent minds and innocent hearts made me a better person--a more understanding person. I loved these kids. If I could, I would've taken all of them home with me!
In January, I got transferred to the "infant room". I was completely horrified and very upset. What about my kids in the big kids group? I didn't want to leave them, especially for babies that I had no clue how to take care of. I've been in the infant room since and I am so grateful that I had the chance to spend time there. I've learned so much about BABIES. I've gained so much patience. These little babies have the unseen power to soften your heart, no matter what life throws at you. They also have the ability to stress you out to the max! Nonetheless, I love them. I will miss them. I've seen so many little babies take their first steps. I've taught them how to say new words. They will have a special place in my heart.
I know that helping children is what I'm supposed to be doing. I am so excited for Bulgaria, and the chance I'll have to do these same things in a different place. I love helping children! I'll truly miss the House of Hope, but because of it, so many new doors will be opened for me. It was truly the best job I've ever had.
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