Seattle Municipal Court

Listening To People’s Stories

Service

Serving one’s community is important in creating and maintaining a thriving community. Through the experience, I had the opportunity to service many people who are at a low point in their life and came to the CRC for resources and short-term assistance. For example, during one of the days when our phone service provider came, there were a lot of people waiting for a phone, and I would help get them familiarized with the phone plan and help to restart phones. Many people come in hungry, so I help with providing them with cooked instant noodles. Being able to service other people in my community and giving back to the community is an important goal for me.

Organization

Organization during the experience was important to effectively manage and conduct data entry, support clients with resources and referrals, and compile research of resources. On a slower day in the CRC, I helped with data entry of the intake information gathered from CRC clients, which helps keep the CRC and the court better informed about the people who come to seek resources, what kinds of resources to provide, and inventory of clothing and supplies the CRC gives out. Additionally, the first project I was assigned, I worked with another intern to find, compile, and organize resources on domestic violence; however, since we worked different days and times at the Seattle Municipal Court, it was important that we kept our research organized and easy to understand for the other person. In the end we created a document with a long list of resources for domestic violence survivors and organized it by categories. 

Inclusion

At the Community Resource Center, it was important to engage in ways that cultivate a welcoming environment that includes others in roles, processes, and experiences to foster a greater sense of belonging and shared commitment. Inclusion at the CRC is not only important in welcoming clients seeking support and resources, but other volunteers and interns. The Seattle Municipal Court and the CRC are places where inclusion is essential, however, it’s not always achieved. In one phone call, the caller was inquiring about eyeglasses and is in a wheelchair, I told him that we offer free eyeglasses and eye examine on certain days when our providers come in, but because of the metal detectors walking into the Seattle Municipal Court building, it would be difficult for him to come to the building. Thus, while the building is not inclusive and accessible for everyone, mainly because of safety concerns, the services try to be. So, I was able to redirect him to my supervisor and she took down notes on his address and the prescription he would need. In another example, I directly fostered an inclusive environment by welcoming new volunteers and supporting their transition into their work.

Initiative 

Through this experience, I learned the importance of taking initiative because this internship was very hands-off and opportunities were given when asked. Thus, I took charge in improving my own learning and growing my knowledge through taking the initiative in asking for research projects to conduct, including tents and shelters resources, sit-in with the probation counselor, and observing court cases. Also, the first thing I learned at the court is how to read the files of people’s misdemeanor history and how to conduct filing, so throughout my experience at the court, I take the initiative of filing the information if I happen to see any new papers. Additionally, I take the initiative in approaching people that come to the CRC and assisting them with any resources they need, and engage in conversation with them if they’re comfortable with that.

Functioning Independently

Working as a probation intern, I had to function independently after the initial introduction to the workplace. I worked independently in assisting clients at the Community Resource Center with providing resources, information, and referrals. During slower times, I worked independently in creating hygiene kits and restocking food bags. Additionally, I conducted research on resources for the CRC, including finding programs and organizations that give out tents, sleeping bags, and related supplies, so we can refer people to those organizations if they need it. Through my experience functioning independently, I find it a meaningful achievement to find answers and build knowledge through my own effort.

Self Understanding

Through this experience, I’ve enhanced my understanding of my personality, beliefs, capacities, and interests. While I interacted with many clients of the CRC and court, each with their own unique and eye-opening stories, the client intake I observed with a probation counselor of the Seattle Municipal Court helped develop my self-understanding. The person lived on the streets for 6 years and was not allowed to see his children and what brought him in was the misdemeanor crime he got caught conducting. The things he did and the stories he was telling us felt like he was distorting the truth and trying to blame others for his actions, and the initial choice to do drugs which led to his addiction, yet he didn’t want to get help left me with little sympathy for the person. From the sit-in with the probation counselor, I understood I was not capable of doing social work; I want to be able offer help to people and I appreciate the human interaction, but I can’t work with people who refuse to change. 

Listening

Listening is an important skill that demonstrates care and attention to the communicator, and is essential to working at the Community Resource Center because the people who come in have a story to tell. For example, I met a woman who told me that her identity got stolen and she lost a lot of money. While listening to her story, it was kind of hard to believe the reality of the story, however, my act of patiently and actively listening to her helped with her day and her need to tell someone the story. Helping at the CRC has enhanced my active listener ability and demonstrated the importance of listening in any situation.

Weekly reflection on my experience with the Seattle Municipal Court