The Second Service Learning Log

My second experience with Project Angel Heart was quite different than my initial experience. David, Jake and I volunteered to deliver meals on a Saturday shift to the terminally ill who were unable to provide for themselves. Already aware of the meticulous process through which these meals are prepared and packaged having participated in it myself, I was excited to witness the more interactive side of Project Angel Heart. Being a people person, the delivery part of the service project seemed like something I would find very gratifying. I figured that we would arrive at the warehouse, receive a bag of our meals and a map of our delivery route and then be sent on our way to deliver nutrition to the feeble. I, however, was quite incorrect. There are many aspects that I did not consider with this type of work especially in terms of liability and privacy. Upon our arrival, we checked in with the staff and were then given a yellow handout. On this paper were the restrictions for us as pertaining to "patient confidentiality". When my Dad's mother died, people would bring meals over to our house quite often. They would ring the doorbell, introduce themselves, ask me how I was and how my family was doing, and usually I would invite them into our house. The yellow sheet I received at Project Angel Heart told me that I was not allowed to enter the household of the meal recipient, not allowed to ask them how they were, not allowed to run errands for them or take them anywhere. After initially reading over it, I realized how specified our duties were. Even though I consider "how are you?" to be a polite and considerate way to start a conversation, asking the terminally ill how they are would obviously be quite inconsiderate. I realized that without them having told me that, I would have never given a second thought to how I greeted them when I went to the door. Shortly after we had finished being briefed on the protocols of the delivery process, the grunt work began. After a series of facts about the deliveries that were going out that day, I was once again amazed at the precision of the organization. I realize now that service groups like Project Angel Heart run with the same sort of stress and intensity that a business corporation would, it was just the sense of giving and the gratification of serving the community that kept the homely, informal atmosphere alive. Each volunteer was given his cart of food, a map, and specific client information on the people we were delivering to. How thorough they were once again astounded me.

The delivery process what somewhat painless, the houses were in relatively close proximity to each other and we did not have huge difficulties finding them. I was surprised however that this was not the personal interactive experience I had hoped for. I found myself apprehensive, an emotion I rarely experience due to my adventurous personality. I realized that even after reading the literature and discussing the different ways society views illness and those afflicted with them, I was still uncomfortable in the situation. For all of my affluence, never have I dealt with the terminally ill on a personal level. Not that handing someone a bag a food gives you a personal relationship with them, but when they answered the door I found myself thinking two completely different things. One was that I would like to return to my school where this sadness is not a presence, a childish feeling, but a though I had none the less. The second was that I wanted to enter the house, look at how they lived, how their lives differed from mine. I wanted to see how they live their days, how they interact with friends and loved ones, how they were dealing with their illness. I was curious of the medications they were required to take, the intensity of it all. When I was walking towards the door, I found that I was reviewing the things that I was not supposed to do in my head, reminding myself of my restrictions. Even with all that, I still almost instinctively started my conversation with "how are you?", but remembering that was taboo here I swallowed those words. "Hello", I greeted them as sweetly as possible with a smile to go with it. They simply took the bag from my hand, gave me a half smile, and shut the door without a word. My smile faded as I walked back towards the car.

It was only then that I realized my true position in the scheme of things. These people did not view me as their salvation or as the bearer of nutrition, they saw me for exactly what I was. A youth volunteer delivering meals for an organization. Though I was doing a good dead, this was something that they dealt with each week. A new face, a different volunteer. This was not an opportunity for human connection, I was restricted from doing anything but hand them their food with a verbal impersonal greeting attached. There was no possibility of having a personal relationship, we were prohibited from socializing, dating, running errands, or even being in each other's residences. Even though we were reaching out to the victims, there was a wall built for us to separate us from them. Even with the notion of doing community service, we served them from the other side of the wall, where the healthy reside. The world of terminal illness comes with an entirely new set of rules and etiquette that is hard to understand without experiencing it either personally or through someone close to you. The delivery portion of the service learning project made me feel like I was contributing to a greater good, but in terms of my individual self-interest I felt as though I didn't gain much more than a new insight.

The First Service Learning Log

Date of Shift: 26 April 2008 Hours worked: 3


Part One:
I didn’t know what to expect when I was pulling up to the Project Angel-Heart warehouse. In my mind, the only other time I hears of people going to a warehouse was in reference to one of the infamous warehouse parties of my high school a few years back. Project Angel-Heart’s warehouse was nothing like that. Quite frankly, I was surprised by how modern and organized the building was. This is not to say that I expected the organization to be substandard, simply that non-profit organizations usually have some signs of being unable to obtain finances for everything that would like to do. This is most certainly not the case for Angel Heart. For some reason, I found that thought comforting. I like the thought that I am contributing to something that is established in what they are doing and what their purpose is. We walked into the door on the right which led us into a room full of cubicles that serve as offices for the people that work at Project Angel Heart, it looked as though there were a couple of people that had earned the luxury of having their own offices which could be found along the wall in the same room. Although it had the same feel as a corporate office in it’s setup, it felt like a place where people had more of a sense of community. It felt like a place where people came to work everyday to fulfill of piece of themselves instead of their checking accounts. There are few places where monetary gain is not the goal. It’s a strange sensation to figure out how relaxing it is to be in a place where money is not the focus; it decreases the tension in your body. I always forget how much that one aspect can change the way the enironment makes you feel. After telling the lady in the office we were DU students, she kindly answered our questions and led us to the kitchen.
When I was told that I was to be doing a “food preparation”, I did not envision working in a state-of-the-art kitchen, staffed and sterile. The majority of the people working in the kitchen were middle age adults; the exceptions being David, Jake, myself, and the girl who stood to my right. The head chef, at least I believe that’s what he was, asked us to help to finish peeling the carrots. Initially, David and I peeled the carrots then chopped them up into bite size pieces. Though after we looked around, we realized all the carrots on the table were whole carrots. Our realization hit us just as the woman on the other side of the table informed me that you were only supposed to chop off the ends of the carrots. We thought the industrial size knives had been for chopping. I blushed quietly and turned my focus back to the task at hand. Peeling carrots, though far from being an exciting task, became a competition between Jake, David, and I. Though two or three carrots into it, I realized they peeled carrots far faster than I did. I withdrew for my own safety, rushing my task would only lead to me accidentally hurting myself with the sharp object. It was better for me to take it slow.
After the carrots, we had the privilege of ladling soup into Styrofoam containers, putting the tops on, and placing them in the crate type boxes. Five soups bowls by six soup bowls, two layers deep, each crate held sixty single servings of soup. The amount of soup they had prepared was astonishing. We could only ladle the soup containers three-fourths full so that they don’t explode during the freezing process. I found it interesting how meticulous they were about keeping the different types of soup separate, the amount of food in each container, and the general process of tasks throughout the kitchen. David, Jake would ladle the soup into the containers and cleanly as possible and I would place the tops on and put them in the crate. Even though casually assembled, forming a team to increase our productivity was something that came to us naturally. Since we arrived late from the traffic, we were all assigned to the same table and thus at ease to form this assembly line technique. I briefly spoke to the girl on my other side, but she had volunteered for an assignment from school as well. I began to ask her the different questions that I was considering during my shift in the kitchen. I asked her what community service meant to her and if she volunteered her time often. She didn’t have any meaningful answers for me; she merely shrugged her shoulders, giggled, and repeated that she was required to volunteer for school. We packaged the soup for so long that my arms began to ache, but before I could complain it was time for cleaning up.
I was assigned to the task of cleaning the tables with soapy water and then drying them with a rag. Usually I would only clean the surface of the table, but here that was not the case. The head chef specifically told me to clean in between the tables and on the sides because that’s where the things that can made the clients sick live. There were a couple of women who were mopping the floors around us as we continued to clean the kitchen. Despite how many times I tried to be friendly to them, they refused to look me in the eye or bother responding once. They would talk to the other clean-up staff, the man who worked with the dishwashing machine in the back, and of course her boss, but she would not speak to any of us. It was strange to think that someone in such a friendly environment could be unwelcome and altogether unresponsive to any attempts of friendliness. Tom, the head chef, made us cinnamon rolls as a treat; they were covered in frosting. I helped finish mopping the floor and putting things away and finally it was time to go home. I can’t say that time went by quickly, but I enjoyed my time preparing food for Project Angel-Heart.

Part Two:
Volunteering helped me to remember that I enjoy giving to those less fortunate. Though our generation has been raised with the mantra “time is money” in our ears, service work is undeniably satisfying. After volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, I realized that I would like to volunteer on a constant basis. At Project Angel-Heart, I did not feel as strong of a pull to return. The atmosphere was lovely and the people were informative and sweet natured, but I didn’t get the same sense of accomplishment walking out the door as I did when I participated in mission trips and Habitat for Humanity during my childhood. Though I enjoyed preparing the food, it made me realize that I prefer to participate in the more action-based part of service work. I like seeing the progress we’ve made building a house or reconstructing the roof. I believe the delivery part of the service project will prove to be much more satisfactory to me. Physically giving them the food would be a much more meaningful and personal experience to me. The contact between the volunteer and those they are helping is what helps me see the good we’re putting into the world. Even though I know preparing food is the first step to the process, the interaction with the people is what intrigues me most. I believe this realization will help me to pick organizations I will enjoy participating in next time I choose to volunteer.

Last course blog reflection

Here's Shaun's reflection and question for the rest of class:

Our objective for the quarter was to focus on the issues of illness, civic engagement and the rhetoric of the public good. We have volunteered for Project Angel Heart, thus taking part in service learning. Hopefully we have been shaped by our experiences. For my final paper, I argue that service learning should be institutionalized into the curriculum of higher learning. It provides an opportunity for students to apply course concepts to the real world. For me, I was able to apply leadership techniques that I learned from the Pioneer Leadership Program into civic programs. I believe that service learning puts the student (or even the professional) into a friendlier environment where they are encouraged to support others. If an individual is not primarily concerned with their own self-interest, then he can operate as part of a more cohesive team. They can then take those practices, that state of mind, back into the business world. I argue that civic engagement along with service learning can change a person’s frame of mind, and it even has the potential to change society. If colleges seize the opportunity, they can better shape and prepare their students for the real world. If the leaders of tomorrow have a better grasp of what the world looks like, then they can make more of a difference. Civic engagement undermines the selfishness that accompanies capitalism. America has become extremely individualistic and self-centered.

We focused on civic engagement this quarter and examined the perspectives of respected philosophers. Based on our learning, do you agree with my argument, that service learning should be institutionalized into the college curriculum? What are your personal views on the subject? What are your experiences? Do you think that service learning has enhanced your educational experience?

Service Learning Log 1

During this shift we delivered meals to the people with deadly illnesses that cannot
support themselves. This is a great idea that truly helps out the community. Project Angel
Heart is a very good and beneficial nonprofit that truly has the public’s best interest in mind.
Upon arrival I was expecting a long briefing process but this did not happen. We walked in and
all we really had to do was sign a few forms and we got our route map along with our food. A
nice woman took us through the forms with a smile on her face. She thanked us and we were
on our way. Every stop went very smoothly. We had a little trouble finding the first house but
after that everything went very well. Each person we encountered was very friendly and
appreciative of the food they received. We did not sit around too much and chat with anyone;
we kept our eyes on the prize.
Delivering meals to people who were less fortunate then myself did not make me feel
that I was changing the world. I didn’t feel that I was totally changed as person, nor did I feel
that I was any better of a person. I was simply a person in a position to help others that seized
the opportunity. I did not feel like a savior nor was a I one. I am a kid that helped out a few
people in need. I did not stop hunger in Denver but I helped stop it. I dedicated my time which
was enough to help a few people in need. In fact the biggest impact I made that day was not on
the city, nor was it on myself; it was the people I served. I gave a few people meals that they
need to get through there tough weeks. I felt good about what I accomplished that day but I
couldn’t help to think… “It’s really easy to help people in need and what if everyone in the city
contributed to stopping hunger?” This is a question that I will probably not lose sleep over but
it is a pressing issue. I learned a lot about the power of service that day and how much of an
impact it has on the people who are served. That in fact may have been the best feeling I felt
all day.

Service Learning Log 2

On this sunny day the other volunteers and I spent our time helping out the less
fortunate by preparing meals. This was a very fulfilling and good experience. I had a lot of fun
doing this. On this day there were about eight other volunteers. Some people were chopping
vegetables while others were cutting meat. My job was to fold tortillas and put them into
plastic bags. There were roughly five hundred tortillas so this was quite a big task. This was not necessarily stimulating work but it was not brutally boring either. I got a chance to catch up
with classmates and other volunteers. This made the time fly and gave me something to do
while I folded tortillas. When I first got there I washed my hands. After doing this an intern
chef assigned me my task and showed me how to do the job. After my briefing I sat and did my
task of folding tortillas for most of the day. Halfway through my shift one of chefs made nachos
which gave me a great break from folding. It was around dinner time so the nachos really hit
the spot. Everyone finished their tasks around 7:30. At this time we began the cleanup
process. My job was to throw things away and wash some of the tables. Other volunteers had
to sweep and mop the floors while the chefs transferred the food to the huge walk in freezer.
After the cleanup process I washed my hands again, said my good byes and left Project Angel
Heart feeling good about myself and the situation.
I have done a lot of service work in high school through different organizations and my
church. I really enjoy doing this kind of work and I feel that I benefit from it as well as the
community. This experience did not really shape my values but it did reinforce them. I realized
that I am very lucky because I am not dying from a deadly illness. I have my health and I am
very lucky. Because I have been so blessed I feel that I am obligated to serve the less fortunate.
We were all created equal so I feel that it is my duty to help people out because they are just
like me. This experience really enriches my learning at DU because I learn things from service
learning that I may not be able to learn in a classroom. Overall this was a very good experience
and I am glad that I did it.

service learning log 2

Service Learning Log 2- Keren

Date of Shift: May 1, 2008 Hours worked: 3.5

On Thursday night, Austin, Michelle, and I set out to be ambassadors for Project Angel Heart’s Dining Out For Life at Chez Jose in Cherry Creek. We dressed up nicely, and had our ambassador bag ready to go. Upon arriving at the restaurant, we were all a little taken a back by the environment. It felt very much like a fast food restaurant, rather than a nice family restaurant, which we all seemed to be expecting. We approached the staff about why we were there, but there was no manager on duty. We were pretty much on our own.

After giving the bartender a “Dining Out For Life” We set up our own corner toward the back of the small restaurant, where we laid out our materials for convenience, and prepared for the job. At about six o’clock, we began approaching tables. Michelle and I approached a table as they were waiting for their food. I began explaining what Dining Out For Life was for. Having little practice approaching customers this way, I ended up talking for a long time. It seemed that the table lost interest. Still, we left the envelope there and told them we would be back to pick it up. I felt pretty intrusive, as Chez Jose is a fast food restaurant, where it seems that people want to be in and out of there fairly fast. Michelle helped me understand the effectiveness of speaking quickly and “to the point”. She approached a couple of tables, and speaking quickly worked well, as she presumed. This way, if people wanted, they could ask more questions. And if not, they were not disturbed by our approach.

Unfortunately, Austin didn’t have much luck getting people interested in what we were providing. In fact, with one couple he approached, the man said, “I’m not interested, thank you.” However, when Michelle and I approached a table near by him, he was intrigued, and asked us to return to him to tell him more about the service. It was interesting to discover that gender can play a role in effectiveness of community service.
On the other hand, many people were cooperative, in that they immediately realized the good cause we were taking on. Some people quickly said “Sure, I’ll donate”, while others inquired about every possible detail of Project Angel Heart before agreeing to donate.

In relation to my growth as a community volunteer, I learned that informing others about a service organization, in this case, through being an ambassador, can be both rewarding and upsetting. Fortunately, when it is rewarding, I was able to respond. For example, I could thank the person for their interest, time, and help. I could smile, and tell them we appreciate their help. However, when people shrugged me away, it was not easy. If I was a solicitor, it would be different—but I’m not. I was simply trying to make others aware of the simple things they can do to help their community members who happen to be in extremely difficult living conditions. It is so tempting, when someone interrupted me with “Not interested, thanks”, to insist on them giving me a few more minutes. Unfortunately, that is not how to go about the job. Being rejected is definitely a tough part of this job. Being accepted, and appreciated though, is quite enjoyable.

Being rejected taught me that sometimes, I need to accept that people have different values; ant there is no way to change that. These lessons are important because in the real world, I will work with people of various backgrounds and views. Letting opinions and values get in the way will hinder success within group work.

Jamie Hughes- Service Learning Log #2

For my second service learning experience I delivered food with Katie and Jessica. Coming into this delivery with a previous experience, I knew what to expect with the client to volunteer interaction. I met the girls at Project Angel Heart because I didn’t need to listen to introduction again (and I was running a little late). This time we had five deliveries and around eight bags. As we looked at the map, this area of our deliveries was to the west. The first street we drove down was barricaded off by at least five cop cars. And I knew we were in the not well off part of Denver. I made two deliveries on this shift. The first house had a fence around it and they yard a little messy. We knocked and it took a while for this frail, older lady to come to the door. The sheet had warned us about that. She asked us the place the groceries on the table so we did. She thanked us and we left. At the second house, there were some guys outside and they asked us if we needed any help and we told them we were alright. This house was a duplex, and a guy answered and kindly took the groceries. As we left the neighborhood of the five houses we took a detour through downtown by the capital building and then headed back to DU.

During this shift I looked at Project Angel Hearts clients differently. I got a new outlook on volunteerism. These people were kind and very appreciative. They thanked us with smiles on their faces. The first time I volunteered, I only did to one house giving me a very restricted outlook on the type of people Project Angel Heart serves. This second time, I saw the positive aspects about the organization and how much the volunteers are appreciated. From this experience, I learned that for these people, maybe seeing one or two new people a week delivering food is a great moment in their lives. This shows that someone cares about their health and their well-being. I learned this by reading their facial expressions. I could tell by their attitudes that the food they were receiving was needed and helping them to live a better life. This is important to me because I know that this food is needed for some reason or another and that this helps them to live each day. Even through volunteering isn’t about me and my personal happiness doesn’t dictate if I volunteer or not, but I did enjoy this positive experience more than my negative one. Knowing that my time was given to a person or family that was appreciative of what I have just done for them means a lot to me. When somebody gives you something or does something nice for you, it is standard to say thank- you. I feel that even though Project Angel Hearts clients have been dealt a bad hand of cards, it still is their responsibility to show respect and courteous to their volunteers.

David Olson Service log 1

For my service-learning duties I went to the Project Angel Heart warehouse in order to do some food preparation to later be delivered to the clients of the organization. I went to complete my work with Rori and Jake. Unfortunately for us, none of us knew how bad rush hour traffic was going north-bound on I-25 around 5:30. So after arriving late they sent us to start skinning and cutting carrots. At first it was just monotonous work, but Jake and I decided to make things more interesting. Since we were situated in a way that Jake and I couldn’t talk to any of the volunteers we decided to have a race to see who could skin and cut the most carrots. Considering my skinning and cutting skills far exceeded Jake’s, I won with no problem. While this was going on Rori was able to be social and talk to the volunteers to our right. After the carrot cutting we were asked to pour soup into bowls that would later be frozen then delivered. Since Jake, Rori, and I decided to team up for this we were able to get quite a few soup bowls done. In fact, we did all the work so fast they decided to start clean up early since we had gotten everything done. For clean up I volunteered to take the trash out back into the dumpster. That only took a few minutes so I helped out mopping the floor. Then the day was done and we returned to the dorms and went our separate ways.
During this experience I was only able to talk with a couple other volunteers and try to get an understanding of why they volunteer at Project Angel Heart. The girl I was able to talk was actually more interested in whether I had done any deliveries. Since she had never done a delivery she wanted to know what it was like to actually meet the people. Considering I have never done a delivery I wasn’t much help to her. I found it interesting that there were other volunteers that were just as curious about actually meeting the organizations clients as I was. She said she found some self-satisfaction in volunteering for Project Angel Heart; that she was doing something that would actually have a direct impact on someone’s life. In that sense I completely understand her. Even though the work may have not been the most exciting work to do; afterwards I knew that I had actually helped prepare a meal for someone that couldn’t do it themselves. It made me feel good. I don’t always get the opportunity to help other people out, especially others that are complete strangers to me. It gave me a sense that I was doing something outside of my normal domain and it gave me a nice sense of satisfaction. Overall I got a good sense that I helped out in a way that will make someone else’s troubled life that much easier. I think it was a good experience and I am looking forward to the next time I can help out at Project Angel Heart.

Service-Learning Log 2 -- Shaun Snowden

On May 9th, Project Homeless Connect took place at the Ritchie Center at DU. It is a program that provides resources to thousands of homeless people in the surrounding areas. People can come to find resources that would otherwise be scattered throughout the city, and that they may not be able to seek out due to a lack of money or transportation.

I arrived at 8 AM to receive my training. I had signed up two days before and had missed all of the training dates. After signing in, I went to my training session, which was remarkably chaotic and informal. It consisted of a woman standing amid a mass of people of people in gold shirts, yelling out the same information repeatedly. The “training” session served as a basis for us to sign our waivers. Then we were set loose to figure things out on our own. My nerves were tightly wound as I went to take my place in line. I had no idea what my specific role was. I did not know what to expect, nor what was expected of me.

The line of volunteers extended down the stairs on the North side of the Ritchie Center, wrapping around the corner. The image reminded me of the multitude of people waiting for Obama a few months ago. The droves of volunteers astounded me; I could not believe how many people were there to help this event. I had expected maybe a hundred people to show up. The turn out blew my expectations away. I have never been part of such a large event.

As I stood in line, I began to talk to the woman that was standing behind me. She had heard about PHC through her work. She said to me, “I feel like it is a great way to give back,” viewing it as an opportunity for a rewarding experience. Again, I was amazed that this project seeped so far out into the community. This woman was volunteering and she had no affiliation with DU. After talking with her, I felt like I was in for a positive and rewarding day.

The first busload of homeless arrived, and I was shocked by what I discovered about myself. I found that I tensed up, suddenly nervous at the prospect of spending the whole day with a homeless person. I was as tense as someone would be if a homeless person approached them on the street, begging for money. What would we talk about? Would it just be drawn out and awkward? What would they think about me? I was shocked that I had such an ego in this situation. I had a lot to mentally overcome and I had to do it quick. I found that I did allow my mind to embrace stereotypes—something that I had not realized before.

A coordinator came from the bus, pushing a man in the wheelchair. He caught my eye and indicated that he would like my assistance. I got out of line and proceeded to help Stephen, the man who I would be paired with for the rest of the day.

I was given a clipboard with paperwork to fill out. The questions seemed very personal. It caught me off guard. At project Angel Heart, the volunteers are given almost no information regarding the people that they assist. Here I was asking questions regarding where he lived, his Social Security Number, and other invasive questions. I was sure that some would seem offensive, but Stephen took the questions like a champ and did not act surprised by any of the questions.

The medical center was our first stop. While we waited for assistance (PHC is really a lot of waiting in a series of lines), we talked about his history. This conversation fundamentally shifted the way I perceive the homeless. Initially, I had a hard time supporting the actual cause of PHC. My parents had always made comments regarding the homeless as I grew up like, “Get a job. I worked hard for my money and they live off of the money of others. ” I had perceived being homeless as a choice. But Stephen proved me wrong. Every time he had made progress in the direction of getting more control over his situation, misfortune would strike. He lived in an assisted living facility for three years. He accidentally bounced one check, and they evicted him. He feels unwelcome at the place where he lives now because of his handicap. When he was at a temporary shelter, he was carrying cash. He put it in his locker, and someone managed to steal it.

He was able to walk up until a couple of years ago. He slipped on some ice and made it to the hospital the next day. They did an X-ray and found a vertebrate completely shattered. Because of advanced osteoporosis, nothing could truly be done to help his situation. Now he can only stand for a maximum of ten minutes. Bad luck completely handicapped this man and took away any chance of fixing his situation.

But for a homeless man, I was also surprised to find how together his situation was. He was enrolled in Medicare/Medicaid and received a pension from the government. He knew what he specifically needed. He had specifics that he was looking for answers for. He needed help figuring out how to get a specific ID. He was also trying to figure out how to get an electric wheelchair. I felt like he knew more about how to get his life together than I did about mine.

We went from one area to another and finding the answers to his questions, but it was slightly disheartening. Every answer was merely a referral to someone else who was supposed to know the answers. I was amazed at the resources that the day offered, but the resources only sent him back into the world with only a slightly better idea as to how to better his situation. I wondered whether or not it was all worth it.

At the end of the event, we had a follow up survey. It asked questions that analyzed the program and looked for ways to make next year’s PHC more successful. I asked him what he considered to be the best or most helpful part of the program and he said, “I was amazed by how helpful you were.” That gratitude and that instant made me feel like I really could make a difference and it was enough to win my commitment to the event next year.

In one day, this event had managed to shift my perspective on the homeless. I learned a lot about myself. I found that I do hold some prejudices that I need to overcome. I took a journey outside of my social comfort zone and a spent the day with some one I had never met before in a confusing situation. In the end, I felt that I truly made a difference in someone’s life.

Megan Sullivan service learning log 3

Service Learning Log – kitchen shift
Marisa, Jaime, and I left campus at 4:30 to arrive at Project Angel Heart at 5:00, however traffic was rather slower than we thought, so we arrived a little late. We walked in and Tom directed us where to go and what to do. He was very good at giving directions, so he must do it quite often with new volunteers in the kitchen. There were already six or seven other volunteers already there, filling soup containers and labeling desserts. Tom instructed us to get our hands washed and put on aprons. He then showed us how to chop celery. We got our own large knives, a cutting board, and a couple buckets of celery. We began chopping very slowly, trying to emulate what Tom showed us; he made it look extremely easy. We had three large buckets that we had to chop and thankfully three other people joined us, or else it would have taking us hours to finish.
As far as interacting with other volunteers, we were eventually joined by three other volunteers who we found out were also DU students. They were all part of Sarah Pesson’s class that we might interview for our final paper. We talked to one of the girls from DU; she was a junior and a Biology major. Two other older volunteers joined us to chop onions, but seemed to know each other well and were having a conversation between themselves and didn’t interact with us students really.
After finishing the celery, there wasn’t any other food preparation to do that evening, so he had all of us students polish the cooking equipment and sweep out and mop the walk in refrigerator. Because we were volunteering the night before Dining Out For Life, Tom said there wasn’t much other work for us. After we were finished with the cleaning, we left at about 7:00.
From my observations, the staff members at Angel Heart consisted of Tom, who I think was the head chef and two other professional-looking staff, one of which I noticed had a Johnson and Wales chef’s coat on.
It was interesting to note the differences between doing Saturday deliveries and working in the kitchen. In the kitchen, it seems that one can form more relationships with people because you are working closely with them and there is much more potential to make friends. Unless you complete deliveries with other people, it seems to be a more solitary volunteering endeavor. With deliveries, you get to interact with clients a little, but are limited to hellos and other small talk. It is very clear that you are not to interact with clients very extensively.
This was my last time of required volunteering at Angel Heart, and I enjoyed it as much as delivering meals. However, because you don’t interact with the clients while doing the meal preparation shifts, the volunteer dynamic is different and as a volunteer, you feel something very different compared to meal deliveries. Working in the kitchen seemed to be all about the community aspect with the staff and volunteers. When people come on a regular basis, they can share stories, give advice, and joke around while chopping vegetables and ladling soup. I guess I feel that because I only went to the kitchen once, I missed out on that community aspect of the experience. However, I guess I did gain a glimpse into what the dynamic of the meal prep shifts are like, which made me want to go back to volunteer.
After reflecting on my time, I feel like I would’ve liked to contribute more hours of volunteering toward Project Angel Heart, but transportation is an issue, and the quarter is about over. I know that I didn’t volunteer enough to make any connections with the staff or other volunteers there and I feel a bit guilty that I only went a couple times as part of a requirement. I feel like I have a lot more to gain in volunteering experience and hope to be able to volunteering there in the future.
I also participated in Dining Out For Life on Thursday night. My mother was in town and she took a group of friends and I out to the restaurant WaterCourse. The food was extremely good and the restaurant was very busy for a Thursday night. We had to get reservations for 8 o’clock because they were so busy with customers participating in Dining Out For Life. It was awesome to see the amount of people that came to support Project Angel Heart.

Mills, utilitarianism, and the public good

We have been discussing with the readings by Aristotle and Mill what it means to be a good person, how to do good in this world and what that means. In the John Stuart Mill reading about utilitarianism, he explains the fundamental idea that utilitarianism is based upon the creed that accepts “utility” or the “greatest happiness principle”. It asserts actions are “right” if they tend to promote happiness, “wrong” if they tend to produce the opposite of happiness. Applying this concept to service work, how should an individual act to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number? Is there anything that he should avoid?

Relating to our service work, he also states that “poverty, in any sense implying suffering, may be completely extinguished by the wisdom of society combined with the good sense of and providence of individuals.” Do agree with Mill when he says that poverty can be extinguished? What do you think he means he states that this is important because “every advance in that direction relieves us from some, not only of the chances which cut short our own lives… which deprive us of those in whom our happiness is wrapt up”? Do you think Mills philosophy is flawed in any way, and how so?

-Marisa and Megan

Service Learning Log 2- Austin Pollak

My initial experience with Project Angel Heart was beyond a doubt one of the most defining experiences of my life.  From delivering food to people that are blind to people that very obviously have life inhibiting illness, I knew that I was performing a civic good.  Project Angel Heart is unlike any organization that I have volunteered for in the past.  Form the training to the actual delivery of the food, you feel as though you are part of the experience, part of the people’s lives that you are helping. 

From the moment that you walk through the prep kitchen and into the training room, people with big hearts and loving souls surround you.  When Russ walked in, the first thing that came to my mind was that he is a larger-than-life teddy bear.  His personality appeared to be affectionate and his love for his job was contagious.  During his speech he informed us about what Project Angel Heart does, how to deliver the food, and the policies that we needed to follow while performing the deliveries.  The most profound thing that I remember him talking about had to do with the directions to the client’s homes.  Aside from just containing instructions on where to deliver the food, the paper also had tips for what to do when we got to the house.  Some of the tips read, “knock then wait for a little while.”  I thought this was so unique because it really showed the type of relationship and care that Project Angel Heart establishes with its clients.   Once we finished our training session we went back into the kitchen to receive the bags of food that we were to deliver.  It was fascinating to watch the kitchen staff pack the bags of food and organize them by the delivery route.  It was like a highly synchronized orchestra in terms of their systemization and effectiveness. 

Once we received the food we preceded to the car to begin the deliveries.  The delivery of the food to the “clients” was absolutely the most interesting experience of Project Angel Heart.  The first delivery that we made was to a man who lived in apartments east of Colorado Boulevard.  We had a lot of trouble finding his apartment within the complex, but nonetheless, we were eventually able to find him and deliver the food.  The first delivery was somewhat awkward and uncomfortable.  I did not know what to expect when the man opened the door, I was unsure of what to say, and how to hand him the food.  When he opened the door, all of my preconceptions and stereotypes of the types of people that Project Angel Heart helped were quickly replaced.  Aside from walking slowly, the man that we delivered to appeared to be like anyone else.  He was engaging in conversation, lively, thankful, and just had a pleasant demeanor.  Contrary to what I initially believed, people with HIV, AIDS, and other life threatening illness are just like everyone else. 

Our next delivery was to a man that lived in another apartment complex.  This delivery contributed to my preconceived stereotype of the types of people that Project Angel Heart helps.  The apartment complex that we delivered to was worn down, smelled musty and like fresh paint, and was located in a less developed part of Denver.  When we got the man’s doors his neighbor told us that he was not home right now.  Following procedures, we called Project Angel Heart to inform them so they could follow up to insure that he got his food.  His neighbor insisted on taking the bag of food to hold on to until he returned home.  At this point, all that I could think about was the possibility of his neighbor taking the food and not actually giving it to who we were tying to deliver it to.  With this fear in mind, we had no other choice than just to leave the food outside the man’s door. 

The next delivery stop of significance was to a lady that lived in a small lower income community.  The homes were nothing more than tiny square structures placed on cement foundations.  They were so small that I was astounded to see that one person with all of their worldly belongings was able to live in such a small space.  What made this delivery the most interesting aside from the homes, was the fact that when I approached the house, the lady that we were delivering to had just woken up from a nap and was shirtless.  A complete stranger, a lady that I had never met exposed herself to me.  I was terrified!  The training session at Project Angel Heart does not train you to handle with this type of situation!  After this whole debacle simmered down, I approached the door to give the lady her groceries.  She obviously had a serious illness because she had no hair on her head and her scalp was different colors.  Aside from this, she appeared to be able to get around decently and was extremely friendly.  She was so gracious of what we were doing that she inspired my heart and touched my soul with her praise and thanks. 

After we finished all of our deliveries I returned to the dorm and reflected on my experiences with Project Angle Heart and my encounters with the type of people that I helped.  After my initial service learning experience with Project Angel Heart, so many of my preconceived stereotypes of people with illness had been reshaped.  I came to understand and realize that people with life threatening illness are in no way different from anyone else, aside from the obvious effects of their illness.  All of the people that we delivered to communicated and interacted with us absolutely normally.  From this experience, I also felt as though my understanding of civic involvement was redefined.  I used to think that civic involvement was just doing the petty activities of an organization that no one else wanted to perform.  This however is not the case with Project Angel Heart.  At Project Angle Heart the volunteers are totally immersed into the organization and perform an integral part of its operations.  Without the volunteers, Project Angel Heart would not exist.  As a volunteer it is a good feeling to know that so much rests on your shoulders and depends on your commitment.                   

Service Learning Log 1- Austin Pollak

Dining Out For Life only reassured my by belief in the ignorance and lack of compassion within society.  All the hype and excitement surrounding the Dining Out For Life fundraiser made it appear to be more grandiose than was my experience with it.  From the moment that the event started to the time that we deposited the money at the police station, I was unimpressed by the turnout and amount of donations that were given.  I can only hope that my experience was unusual and that the fundraiser as a whole was tremendously successful.

For the dining Out For Life fundraiser, Karen Friedman, Michelle Kwan, and myself choose to represent Project Angel Heart at Chez Jose, a whole in the wall Mexican restaurant in Cherry Creek.  From the moment that we walked into the restaurant I knew that fundraising was not going to be easy.  We had virtually no support from the management or wait staff, and to make matters worse, there were not many customers in the restaurant.  Another difficulty in the fundraising that I had not considered was that the location of the restaurant mattered.  As I reflected on the experience it occurred to me that one of the reasons it may have difficult to raise money was due to the types of people that frequent restaurants in Cheery Creek.  From my previous encounters with citizens of Cherry Creek I was able to determine that it is an upper class community where people tend to keep more to themselves and are very introverted.  Realizing this, I would have approached the dinners differently in order to get them to donate money. 

Once we entered the restaurant and introduced ourselves to the staff, we set up out equipment and met as a team.  We discussed what we were going to say, how we were going to approach the people eating, and how we were going to sell the product.  Once we devised a plan of action we began to approach the customers and inform them about Dining Out For Life. 

I am reluctant to admit that I was unable to receive any donations from the customers.  As a matter of fact, all the people that I approached were rude, inconsiderate, and ill tempered.  I had people tell me that they were not interested in dining Out For Life, and that they were not going to donate because they did not want to give out any personal information.  These types of remarks infuriated me.  After many failed attempts, I decided to let Karen and Michelle take over.  It was amazing to see how people respond to girls in a more proactive and cheerful manner.  Karen and Michelle approached the customers, informed them about what Dining Out For Life is, and then almost effortlessly either got a donation or talked the customers into taking the envelope to consider donating.  After several hours of this, we were able to raise some money, albeit not a lot.  The encouraging thing about fundraising though is that every bit helps. 

When we delivered the money to the police station all of the Dining Out For Life staff and volunteers were overwhelmed by our commitment to the fundraiser.  The funniest part of this whole process though was the fact that they could not stop talking about Michelle.  The wanted to know how Michelle did, how much money she raised, if people recognized her, and so on.  Despite this, it was rewarding to know that we had helped to made a difference in the lives of so many.     

Service-Learning Log 1 -- Shaun Snowden

I did everything that I could not to build up my expectations for my service activity. I had already heard the “disappointing” experiences that others had had. I walked into Project Angels Heart’s facilities on Saturday devoid of anything. I was a clean slate, ready to have the experience affect me, or not affect me. This was the best way to approach this project.

We arrived at noon. The whole process was relatively informal. I read over the expectations and signed a couple of forms, but it was all kept at a level that suggested that we were all in this together. There was no authority figure that said, “this is what you need to do and this is how you are going to do it.” There was only a kind faced woman who said, “I just need you to sign here and here. We need this information from you. Here is your route and thank you very much.”

We took the meals from the building ourselves and loaded them into my car. There was a light packet that had a route laid out for the best path for delivery. We made it to the first house with only a little bit of confusion. It was a white house with a lavender garage, decorated with a mural. I knocked on the door and awaited an answer. When the woman answered the door, I handed her the bags and we merely exchanged thank yous. Then it was on to the next house. There was no enlightenment, no greater sense of being. There was only a small sense of fulfillment, like I was doing my small part to help out the greater good. I did get a better perspective on my own life as well. Some of these people had impaired mobility and could barely move. Others were devoid of any happiness. There was an overlaying sense of desperation in these houses, as though there was no hope left. This helped me assess my situation and myself. I do not have a lot, but I do have my health. I am able to provide for myself and take care of myself. Each house passed in a similar matter. Ring the doorbell, drop of the bags, and then we went on our way to the next house. We exchanged simple formalities; or at times, we said nothing more than, “we are here delivering food.” There would be contact for 30 seconds, or maybe less. It was extremely impersonal.

I also found that I took something else from this experience. Shouldn’t this be what community service is all about? If we are truly doing this for the benefit of others, should we get anything out of the experience ourselves? This type of service goes back to a sense of duty. I assisted an organization in order for them to function for the betterment of people in need. Since I have a degree of privilege, I should help those who do not have the same benefits that I do. It was the least I could do. I donated three hours of my day in order to give others a sense of hope. I helped provide a consistent source of nourishment, something set by a schedule, something that they could count on from week to week. I did not make a profound difference, but I did help, and that is all that I can hope for.

Hannah service learning 3

I completed my last shift with Project Angel Heart Tuesday, April 28, 2008 in the kitchen. When my group and I arrived, I was surprised to see another group of DU students already engaged with the Project Angel Heart team. There was no need for a formal introduction to the kitchen, since all of us had been there before. Therefore we quickly put on aprons and got to work for the evening's task, which was folding tortillas. For almost two hours we folded two tortillas at a time into fourths and placed them in plastic bags. We estimated that divided amongst the group--three students and three volunteers-- we each had to make almost two hundred of these bags. At first the task was understandably tedious, but after a few minutes once there was a rhythm, time passed quickly.
Once again, I was working with Kathy, the only volunteer that I had the chance to have a long conversation with about her motivation to join PAH and her experiences there. She was enthusiastic to have us all back, and we quickly picked up our past conversation about who we thought would win the show Dancing with the Stars. On this particular day, I also had the opportunity to meet two other male volunteers, who regularly work in the kitchen. Both were very engaging and welcomed the new company. While we continued to fold tortillas, as the other DU students wrapped up cookies and chopped celery, and the older volunteers started talking about the current grain crisis in America. Though I had heard about it before, I wasn't familiar with the issue, but after asking they told me that because of current experiments with genetically engineering crops to produce ethanol, the prices of grain has gone up to the point where people can't afford it. Kathy had little sympathy for people who were complaining about the unreasonable prices, saying something about how people in other countries had to deal with shortages all the time. Kathy's attitude about the food crisis is one that I noticed amongst all the regular volunteers: They continuously view the world from the perspective of the have-nots rather than the haves. I suppose is this ability that allows them to be selfless in donating their time and services because they know how not everyone is blessed financially or physically as the average American person.
Midway through the shift, Thom made a large pan of nachos with homemade pico de gallo salsa for when we took a break. But, volunteers always remained active during the shift, never really pausing for long. Around 7pm we finished folding tortillas, while the other DU students wrapped up chopping vegetables, and the PAH volunteers were done separating thick chunks of raw meet for stew. Clean up time. Within 10 minutes dishes were washed, tables cleaned, floors swept, and it was time to tackle the apron ball. Kathy explained that when they washed all of the aprons together, regardless of what they did with the straps, they always tangled up into a massive heap. My group and I took control of one pile and managed to attentively get it done within a few minutes--strangely a fun activity. Soon we said our goodbyes and were on our way back to the University.
Since I had worked in the kitchen before, I had learned what to expect. But what I did not expect, was exactly how limited volunteers were in handling the food. Kathy and the other regular volunteers explained to me, that they were not allowed to cook the food, only to prep it by chopping, slicing, wrapping ect. Sometimes, they were allowed to quick freeze the packages for delivery, but even that was rare. The actual cooking is the responsibility of intern chefs who come from the Johnson and Whales culinary school and I believe are paid to work in the kitchen. Once again, Thom was the head chef and was very accommodating, saying that if folding tortillas got too boring that we could chop celery-- but that he really needed the tortillas folded by tomorrow.
My final thoughts on this service-learning project with Project Angel Heart are that I think it's a professional organization with honorable values that does great work in the community. Being a volunteer is an opportunity to stretch your perspective on life and to learn to appreciate things that we normally take for granted such as a healthy meal, good health, and community. For me personally, I realized that I often take these things for granted and complain when things don't go my way. However, I encountered people delivering meals who had no choice in their fate and are making the best of it. It felt good seeing their smiles as we dropped off the bags. I particularly enjoyed working in the kitchen because the people were friendly, the environment was comfortable, and the tasks were easy to manage. Other than the occasional arm ache from spooning soup into a few dozen Styrofoam cups, I have only positive things to say, and would suggest PAH to other people, who have a full schedule, but still want to make a difference. All it takes is an afternoon.

Hannah service learning log 2

For my second experience with Project Angel Heart, I completed a meal delivery shift on Saturday (4.26.08). Driving to PAH was somewhat difficult because of the unusual cold weather and traffic, however we arrived just in time around 1 pm.. Already volunteers were loading the trunks of their cars with colorful bags of food. After we went inside, a coordinator handed us the necessary paperwork--driver information sheet, detailed route list and map, and confidentiality agreement/code of conduct. The last piece of paper instructed on the importance of being discreet in making deliveries to protect the people receiving the food from stigma should their neighbors find out. It also suggested that volunteers be brief in making deliveries, and not to help recipients outside of delivery under any circumstances. Once the forms were read and filled out, another coordinator carted a load of food out to my car.
Map in hand, we set out west into the Lakewood area to make five deliveries. It took about 10 minutes to make it to the first stop, a nicely kept small white house. They were scheduled to receive four bags; however no one came to the door. We had to leave the bags on the porch, with a blue warning notice. Off to the next home, we delivered a bag to a young boy on behalf of his relative in a well- kept apartment complex. Music blasting in the background, he understandably took a minute to answer the door, but he did he thanked us with an enthusiastic smile. On to the third stop, we maneuvered to a formal apartment building for elderly persons. We had to make two deliveries in this particular building. The first was to a vision-impaired man on the sixth floor. To enter the building we had to buzz him on the intercom and tell him we were making a delivery. When we reached his door, I carefully placed the bag in his hand. He was the friendliest and sent us away with a big smile. The next stop was a man on the first floor. When we knocked he told us to come in, which caused us to hesitate because the rules indicate not to come inside the homes and put away food, but we weren't sure if that was the case and entered with caution. Inside, an elderly man, probably past his seventies, was gradually lifting himself off his couch and easing towards the door. He used a walker and was wearing an oxygen tube. Immediately I realized that he needed us to enter because it was hard for him to walk much less carry the heavy bag. We placed it on the kitchen table for him, and he was delighted that we brought one bag filled with only breakfast foods. "Is this the goodies?" he said before smiling and thanking us for coming. The last stop was made a few streets over in a fourplex. Two casually dressed women opened the door, asked how we were, and took the bag with a boisterous "thank you!" Back in the car, we wondered why we had two extra bags of food left, if we supposedly finished our last delivery and realized that it belonged at the first stop. Thankfully, Laura brought her portable GPS fondly named "Sally". "Sally", with her loud monotone voice, directed us back to the first house, where we dropped the bags on the front porch once more, and soon we were back on the highway.
The delivery shift lasted a little over an hour, and was not what I expected. Locating the houses was easy and uneventful, however the brief glimpses into people's lives was interesting. It surprised me how self-sufficient the blind man appeared to be, by walking to the door unaided and taking the bag. Knowing that I was going to the homes of people living with serious illnesses, I expected there to be an ominous mood throughout the day. In contrast, the people were lighthearted and friendly despite their obvious and not-so-obvious circumstances. PAH said to be prepared for anything, in terms of the people's response, such as waiting until you leave to pick up their food, and even though it did happen, it didn't seem as peculiar as I thought it would be. What I like about delivery compared to kitchen duty is that you get to actually see the people that PAH are helping. It is in these fleeting moments in unfamiliar surroundings that you realize the need some people have to feel that their welfare is a priority. It was an honor to help them briefly, though I wished I could have done more. Compared to being a student at DU where life's necessities are easily accessible, it was eye opening to see how some people don't have the luxuries that we take for granted like a good meal. It put things in perspective for me, and made me even more grateful for the provisions I have, and the opportunity to share them with other people.

Hannah service learning log 1

On April 15, 2008, I completed my first shift with Project Angel Heart as part of the kitchen team. The building was not difficult to locate, though traffic was somewhat of a problem that day: Thankfully I arrived on time. When I walked in, I introduced myself to a group of volunteers, who were expecting me and was then introduced to Tohm, the head chef for the night. Tohm was enthusiastic, and gave me the task of peeling carrots. I was surprised when he rolled out a cart filled with twenty pound bags of overgrown carrots. However, I was working with another volunteer named Kathy, and we soon found a rhythm and got it done within an hour. Next was scooping soups into single serve bowls, and that's when Kathy and I began talking.


Kathy has been volunteering with Project Angel Heart for almost three years, and works in the kitchen every other week. What motivated her to join was seeing the positive affect the organization had in the life of her friend who became infected with HIV/AIDS roughly ten years ago. As his disease progressed into AIDS, he was placed on numerous test-drugs, and unfortunately one of the side effects was legal blindness. Unable to fully take care of himself, Project Angel Heart regularly delivered him healthy meals. "They saved his life more than once", Kathy told me. Now she is happy to report that her friend's illness is almost undetectable thanks to a new drug combination that is working well for him. As our conversation progressed, I asked her questions about Project Angel Heart itself, such as where does the food come from. Tohm, the chef told me that a fraction of it is donated, but a majority they buy from food banks at a reduced price. Therefore, they are protective of their resources and stressed the importance of not wasting food.


Midway through the shift, Tohm was nice enough to let us try fresh cinnamon rolls he baked, before it was back to scooping soup. Here I met another volunteer who showed me the proper way to scoop to reduce upper-arm tension. An older woman with a background in construction, she was more than willing to tell me about her past injuries and how one must be in a neutral body position to avoid pain. We didn't have the opportunity to talk much because soon it was time to wipe tables, mop floors, and leave.


Overall, I had a good experience. My initial expectation was that everyone was going to be outgoing and enthusiastic about volunteering considering all the volunteers there that night were regulars. However, they were methodical and calm, and approached volunteering much like one approaches a job. Clearly they were committed, but very few showed passion like Kathy and Tohm. What I learned through talking with the volunteers, and observing them was that volunteering should not be approached like a sacrifice of time that you could use for something else. Volunteering should be an enjoyable activity for a cause people feel passionate about. It is only then that a real contribution is being made because it's coming from a self-less place rather than one of obligation. As a person who has volunteered before and currently is a volunteer with another organization, I believe that people should only volunteer for causes they feel passionate about, or have a connection to because it encourages commitment and makes for better job performance. While Project Angel Heart's demographic is not my typical area, I think what they're doing is honorable and wouldn't mind participating again.

Service Learning Log 3, Jessica Rast

The day started on Saturday morning when Katie asked me if I had directions to Project Angel Heart. I said no, but as I like to learn areas and directions I said I would find them. Until I printed them out I did not realize why she asked, it was a nice day and I had forgotten that we were going to deliver for Project Angel Heart.

We left for Colorado and 41st at 12:15. We arrived around 12:45, filled out the yellow paperwork, and stood in the kitchen with 15 other volunteers. Jamie arrived around 1:00 and by 1:15 we were on our way to deliver. We were assigned the first half of route C which was broken in half because of an excess of drivers. That is exciting news, when there is an excess of help because so many people are becoming involved and want to help.

We then left to deliver 8 bags to 5 houses only a few miles southwest of Project Angel Heart. Delivering to each house was a different experience because we did not know what to expect. All that was required was to bring the marked number of bags to the front door, knock, and hand them over. We took turns going up to the doors and someone was home at each house we went to. Two of the houses asked us to come in and put the bags on a table, the other three houses collected them at the front door. One man was sitting in his living room with the front door open and as Jamie and I approached the porch, he yelled for us to come in. He didn’t say hello, but asked us to put the bags on a table near the door. We said okay and left and he continued to watch television. This short delivery wasn’t a chance to get to know these people or to connect with them, only an opportunity to drop off the bags and say “hello” and “have a nice day.”

After the fifth delivery, we headed south to go back to DU. On the way back, we stopped at a house in the same neighborhood we had been delivering in and bought lemonade from a little girl on the corner. I remember when I would sell lemonade it was 25 cents. We paid this girl 80 cents for one cup, after that I felt quite old for inflation to have occurred so quickly. The lemonade was good, especially on that day because it was so hot.

It was at this point that the map ended, at the end of the neighborhood, and looking as far south as I could to see if I recognized any roads, I saw that the map labeled that we were in an area known as Five Points. I have heard of this place, I have heard the stereotypes and developed my own opinions on what it would be like, Five Points is the rough part of town, the supposed ghetto. Although we were there in the middle of the day, this area did not quite live up to my expectations. It was not quite as scary as I thought it would be; we saw three cop cars flashing outside of a house and a few people running around in the streets but that was pretty much it. I guess this taught me to be less skeptical of places just because of common stereotypes and to see it for myself. Although my interaction with this place was minimal, it did not seem all that bad; the people we delivered to were polite for the most part and were willing to talk and say hello and there wasn’t really that much activity in the neighborhood. It is still wise to approach with care, but it is less wise to judge without reason or knowledge, and I learned this because there is little reason for me to fear Five Points in the day time, now that I know a little what it is like.

This experience mostly taught me to appreciate beautiful days and to be wise of stereotypes. Saturday was such a beautiful day, we drove through the city and to all the houses with the windows down and Katie managed to get only the left side of her upper body sun burnt (she was the driver) and we all enjoyed the breeze. I was also glad to be delivering to a place that I had not been to in Denver before; it gave me an opportunity to navigate a new location and to see new things. An opportunity to compare and contrast, to see similarities in places I know and places that are new, and to buy lemonade from a girl and deliver food to ill clients. I feel like what I got out of this experience is to appreciate what I know and the opportunity to learn what I do not.

Service Learning Log 2, Jessica Rast

For this shift with Project Angel Heart, Katie and I volunteered in the kitchen. When we arrived, Thom who we took to be a kitchen manager/chef greeted us and told us to go wash our hands and find an apron that fit and to put it on. There were a lot of aprons to choose from; I chose a green apron of a respectable size and Katie chose a kid’s apron, maybe just to be contrary. Thom then took us to a row of stainless tables with a cart full of five 20-liter jugs of soup. We were given two ladles and told to scoop the soup into Styrofoam containers to the 2/3rds point so they would not explode because of expansion in the freezer. At first we worked alone, not too close to anyone else in the kitchen.

After about half an hour though, another volunteer named Nicole came and started ladling soup with us. We asked her a few questions and found out that she was from Denver and this was her first time at Project Angel Heart. She was to be a volunteer every Tuesday and Thursday of the end of the month. She was placed there by the judicial system as part of her probation. This made me start to wonder about the volunteer system and the way Americans as a generalization view volunteering.

After we finished with all of the soup (all 100 liters of it) we rolled the stacks of Styrofoam into the freezer and Thom gave us another job. This time we were cutting potatoes with most of the rest of the kitchen volunteers. The potatoes were in the same 20-liter containers and in freezing cold water, and Thom told us to use tongs to get them out or we would soon not be able to feel our hands. So seven of us lined up on the stainless steel tables to cut potatoes, we then started talking and found that the two women across from us were regular kitchen volunteers on Tuesday’s. They seemed very close to each other from this experience and time spent together and were very friendly to everyone. They seemed to know a lot about each other’s lives, asking specific questions and making comments on the kids.

Thom came over while we were cutting potatoes and the two women asked where all of the regular volunteers were; Thom then informed us that 6 of the volunteers had not shown up that day. Katie and I though that two other students from class were supposed to be there so Katie asked if that was true. Thom said yes and then one of the regular volunteers seemed to know that one of the students was Michelle Kwan. They were all a little upset and began to joke about how they had warmed up before volunteering to show off their skate moves. They were also looking forward to getting her autograph.

We continued to cut potatoes until 7:00 at which point Thom told us to start cleaning up. All of the tables had to be sanitized and the floors swept and mopped, the garbage was taken out and the food was put away. This whole process was very efficient, as everyone seemed to have his or her own position in it. After the cleaning was done, we took off our aprons and Thom said thank you and goodbye. We left and said goodbye to all of the other volunteers as well.

I suppose this experience caused my personal growth by way of intellect. I really enjoyed volunteering, but I didn’t much think of why I was doing it or even for whom. What I did think about however was the girl Nicole who we first met at the soup. When she said that she was doing volunteer work as part of her probation, I began to think about what she had done to get where she is now (being forced to volunteer as reprimand for a wrong act). However, I quickly realized that that didn’t matter. She was there for whatever she did, but the fact was that she was being forced to be there. As a common fact, many Americans look at volunteering as a good act, as something done for someone else that can make one feel better about oneself. However, people are forced to volunteer all the time, as part of a probation or as a high school student in order to graduate. If one is forced to do this so called charitable act, is it still charitable, and even more so, does it actually matter? If volunteer work needs to be done, does the means by which it is done matter if the end result is the same? And is forcing people to volunteer actually better in the long run because they are not looking to get any higher moral ground out of it, just to complete time? Or, are the hopes of forcing one to volunteer, especially in the case of probation time, to give a better sense of morals to the one being forced to volunteer? If it is the case that as a generalization Americans do volunteer to feel better about themselves and to raise a sense of morals then it would appear true that in forcing people to volunteer, the hope for him or her would also be to give a sense of higher morals and self betterment. If this is true, then the purpose of volunteering has become to serve oneself, to make oneself better rather than to help the people that need the help and are being provided for by volunteer services in the first place. Again however, I raise the question of whether or not that matters. If the work is still being done, who cares how it is done or what the volunteers get out of it as long as people are still being helped with as much efficiency as before. If this were true however, it would seem that the definition of volunteering would have to be changed. As of now, I see volunteering as a way to give time or some other service without payment in return. I see emotional validation as a form of payment, especially if the volunteer agreement is entered into with the intent of getting this out of it. Similarly, dictionary.com defines volunteering as “[Doing] charitable or helpful work without pay.” This was my thought process during my volunteer shift, so I suppose my payment was this intellectual line of though. By my definition and interpretation of volunteering, it would seem that I expect no one to get anything out of volunteering besides doing it and perhaps the occasional meal in the Project Angel Heart kitchen. Perhaps that is what I mean to say. I cannot expect this to happen however and I am not sure if I would want it to; work without meaning can seem very droning. But again I must ask myself if it actually matters ones motives if the end is the same.

Service Learning Log 1- Keren

At around noon on Saturday, I made my way to Centennial Halls to meet Marissa, Megan, and Jamie. We hopped into Marissa’s car at 12:30pm as planned, and started off to Project Angel Heart. We were all excited about making the deliveries, but none of us really knew what to expect. Arriving at the organization, I observed a small white building, and a truck that read “Project Angel Heart” parked in front. The four of us went inside and stood in a small crowded room, where other volunteers gathered waiting for instruction. Clearly, it was a friendly place. We were surrounded with smiles and laughter, and we were even offered burritos.

Moments later, Russ, the route coordinator, entered the small room of awaiting volunteers and began speaking. He thanked us all for being there, and went on to inform us of exactly what we would be doing. He gave an overview of the organization’s purpose, and then held up an example of a paper we would be receiving, that had a map and addresses of the people who were receiving Project Angel Heart’s food. We learned that there were specific directions for each person, such as “Knock, and wait a little, because this client may take some time to get to the door.” I was impressed by how detailed the information was. Next, Rus told us what was appropriate to do and say to the clients we would be interacting with. We were also informed it was not okay to go inside their house, or even help them with anything if they asked. I understood why that rule existed; we simply are providing a means of getting food to them, not anything else. When my group received our paper, I was surprised that each route was catered to the volunteers, so that people wouldn’t unnecessarily drive too far out of their way. We had three deliveries to make. After loading the bags in Marissa’s car, we were off.

The houses were near DU, and not too difficult to find. Megan and I took the first job. The information on the paper said that this woman might take a while to answer the door, and if a dog was barking, she was home. We knocked a few times, but no person, or dog, seemed home. We left the bag outside and called Project Angel Heart to let them know. Jamie and Marissa delivered the next bag. For the last bag, it was my turn again. We arrived at an apartment complex right around the corner from DU, which I didn’t even know existed. The paper had detailed instructions with the code to type in, and where the client’s room was. We did as instructed, and were buzzed in. We opened the door, and proceeded up the stairs. The narrow hallway had bright red carpet, and strongly smelled of smoke. As we approached the room, the door was wide open. A pale man, with whitish-gray hair, stood still in the doorway. He appeared in his seventies at first glance, but when I looked closer, it became clear that he was no older than fifty—if that. Without any sort of facial expression, he reached for bag. I couldn’t help but notice how shaky his hands were. He then said “Thank You”. I was shocked by his expressionless gesture. I smiled and replied, “Have a nice day”. As I walked back to the car, I felt different things. I couldn’t decide if I felt good for doing the job, or if I felt just plain sad. Minutes later, our three delivers were completed, and I was back at my dorm.

I believe my first experience volunteering for Project Angel Heart helped me better understand the public good—not because I didn’t value volunteering previously, but because it was the first time my emotions were intensely altered during the job. The feelings I felt after interacting with the man are unexplainable. I knew that what I did helped him, but I was also very aware that I wasn’t making him any happier. Of course he is thankful for receiving food, but that doesn’t cure his sickness. It doesn’t solve his problem. So in a way, I learned that helping the public doesn’t need to mean you are fixing anything; it just means you are helping somebody less fortunate.

From my experience delivering, I learned that volunteering is not always fun; it doesn’t always lead to happy feelings. I was proud I gave my time for this community service and helped get the clients their food, but I didn’t feel good afterward. I felt bad—bad I couldn’t help that man more. I know that any help is better than nothing, so I would gladly provide the service again.

Service Learning Log 1, Jessica Rast

For this volunteer experience, Katie and I participated in Project Angel Heart’s Dining out for Life. This was an awesome experience. We were ambassadors at a restaurant called Shells and Sauce just north of Cherry Creek near 12th and Josephine.

When we got to the restaurant there were no customers there, only the staff getting ready for the evening. The building was pretty small, a one room dining area with a bar; they were able to cram 15 or so tables for 2-4 in there though, many could be pushed together for larger accommodations. It was a very modern surrounding, light wood chairs and tables with yellow walls and modern art, each piece with a plaque under it stating the title and the artist.

When we walked in, we asked for the manager and introduced ourselves. George Pappas was a very nice man, although slightly shy. We reminded him we were from Project Angel Heart and told him we would be approaching tables and explaining about Dining out for Life. He seemed very glad to have us there, but after that we did not see him again.

We then proceeded to the bar. One of the waiters introduced himself to us and we then met the rest of the staff. Every single staff member at Shells and Sauce is male. They all seemed to appreciate the fact that we were there however, and they wore the pins we gave them without too much grief, and were very, very friendly.

The bartender Jeremy was the first to accommodate us. He gave us water and m&m’s and a place to store our “Take me With You Bag” (the bag with the donation envelopes and pens and Angel Heart information). We sat at the bar talking to Jeremy and a few of the waiters for 20 or so minutes before the first customers came in around 5:30. While sitting at the bar, Jeremy asked if we were hungry, we both said no but he didn’t believe us. He ordered the special of the night and gave it to Katie and me. He said to leave him whatever we didn’t eat for his dinner.

Around 5:30 when the first people started coming in, the whole restaurant began to get really busy. By 6:00 every table was full and people were beginning to wait at the front door.

The first person I approached about Dining out for Life was actually a man sitting right next to me at the bar before the restaurant and bar proceeded to fill up. He was an elderly man in to order at the bar and take out. After he order I started talking to him and asked if he knew that tonight was Dining out for Life. He said he wasn’t aware but said he would fill out the drawing to win the TCF gift card that was being offered as a way to try and get donations and involvement. He was hesitant to fill it out because as he said, “I forgot my eyes,” so I helped him fill out the form and told him where to put the vital information. He then proceeded to pull a 20-dollar bill out of his wallet and hand it to me. This was the first donation I received, and I was so excited. What touched me the most was his generosity even though he didn’t know anything about Project Angel Heart. It just seemed such a simple thing for him to hand me the money, yet he was being a part of something so much bigger. This was a very good start to the evening.

Katie and I would take turns approaching tables, talking to diners after they got their water but before they got their food (the suggested timing by Project Angel Heart). We were really busy for a while but after all of the tables filled up, there was a very slow turnover. This was due to a few things: first, the kitchen was backed up, and second, this restaurant had the kind of atmosphere that was very conducive to eating slowly and sitting and talking/drinking for a long time. One of the tables of a party of 7 stayed for three hours!

Very surprisingly to me, most of the diners we approached after introducing ourselves and asking if they were aware that it was Dining out for Life, said that yes, that was in fact the reason they were there. This was wonderful to hear, that so many people were aware of this event and were purposefully participating.

Other customers were unaware of the event and hadn’t heard of Project Angel Heart either. At these tables, I explained a little bit about the organization and said that Dining out for Life was the big fundraiser of the year. Dining out for Life is expected to raise 25% of the annual budget for Project Angel Heart this year, an expected $450,000. This information amazed me, and I said that to every table I approached (a little bragging for donators and the organization). Three hundred and twenty restaurants participating and hundreds of thousands of dollars in individual donations--that truly is amazing. If diners were interested, I would explain as much about Project Angel Heart as I knew; many times they did indeed seem interested in learning about the organization, which was wonderful to hear.

The restaurant was busy the whole night and not until 9:00 were there any open tables. The last people left around 10:00.

This experience was wonderful because I met so many wonderful people; there were great diners there to support Angel Heart and volunteers as well. It is so refreshing to see people doing something good and giving back, dining out for life. It was wonderful when tables said that they were here for this purpose, to dine out for life. I loved hearing this even though it meant that I would not be able to run off my Project Angel Heart statistics.

The best part of the night was the people I met, both the diners and the staff. This staff was so fun and so receptive to the idea of volunteering and donating; on more than one occasion different members of the staff came up to me and told me what a wonderful thing it was that I was doing. I felt like I wasn’t doing anything, just having fun telling people about a wonderful organization and hoping they would want to help out too. Even if a diner could not donate or chose not to, it was still an opportunity to inform him or her about Project Angel Heart and promote knowledge and perhaps future volunteering or donation.

I think what I most learned from this experience is that many people are very receptive to the idea of volunteerism. The diners in this restaurant were there to sit down for a while, to enjoy their dinners and to have nice conversation; for the most part, they had time to listen to us explain about Project Angel Heart and were more than glad to listen while they waited for their food. This does not mean that everyone we approached was interested or even open to listening to our spiel, but many people were. I was thanked by diners for being out and promoting such a wonderful event and many people seemed very excited to be there and supporting Project Angel Heart by eating at that restaurant. I am sure that some of the diners felt as if they were being solicited, and I sometimes felt that I was soliciting, but for the most part I knew that this was for such a great cause. I think that a lot of the diners felt this way as well, that this was for a good cause otherwise they would not have listened to me list off Angel Heart statistics and goals. Now I see that people are interested in volunteering and are glad for those who do, but generally do not think they have time or the resources so they don’t do it themselves. In our interview with a Project Angel Heart volunteer (Jude Aiello), she said something that pertained very much to this state of mind, “When you think about what you are here for in life, you are really here to help other people and the environment. Those are our priorities and they just have to be there. They have to come first.” More people should have this outlook, maybe then we would all have the time to volunteer and not just praise those who do.

Service Learning Log 3-Laura Reinman

Service Learning Log 3-4/29/08, 2.5 hrs

When we started out for this meal prep shift, I felt ready for whatever. The traffic was bad and I couldn’t wait to get there and feel the fresh air. Walking into the building was much different than my first time. For one, I was with Bob and Hannah and there were other volunteers there as well. Joy showed us to the sink and we all washed up and secured our aprons. When Tom came out, all I was hoping for was no soup duty and nothing where I could draw blood (because I think I would if given the opportunity). Luckily, Tom assigned us the ever so difficult job of folding tortillas into fourths and placing them in a plastic bag. It was a lot easier than scooping soup. It was also more fun because I had people to talk to. Talking made the work go fast at first. In fact, I thought that we would be done within an hour, but I was wrong. It seemed like every time I looked up, there were more boxes of tortillas waiting to be folded. Eventually, Bob and Hannah took a nacho break but I was still full from my snack marathon earlier that day, so I stayed with three other volunteers. I talked to them a little bit. It seemed that the two men and the woman knew each other. They explained that the same volunteers end up working together on their regular shifts. The woman said that they came to help every other week. They asked about school and where I was from. They were very nice and seemed interested in what I was saying, which can be rare in adults. The night went on and finally there were not as many tortillas awaiting their fate. We finished and started clean up. I helped sweep and untangle washed aprons. In about 10 minutes, the kitchen was clean and we left.

This shift made me think about relationships. My first shift at Angel Heart was difficult because I didn’t know anyone. Having relationships makes things more familiar. Walking in to Angel Heart for the second time, I knew I would see Tom and Joy and Brad. Beyond that, I knew I was with two of my classmates. Working together and being nice to each other, makes things go so much more smoothly. It makes me think of our discussion about social capital. Forming relationships with people is important for production. All of us were there that night preparing meals. We might have all been there for different reasons and we might not all click perfectly, but we were all there working. The adult volunteers I met were nice to me (and I to them) and it made folding those tortillas together go so much easier in a variety of ways. It went faster because we were focused on conversation rather than the tediousness of our task and it made the work environment happy and comfortable. So, although some people’s main motivation for working with Project Angel Heart may not be to form new relationships, it is at the very least a perk. In some cases, it can be the main motivation as well. When doing our volunteer profile, I learned that one of the big reasons she got involved was to find people to connect with in the Denver area. This makes it even clearer that positive relationships between people are important. I know this by the simple feeling I got going to my first meal prep shift alone, not knowing anyone, and the much better experience the second time, knowing people and being with people. This is significant to me because I will now try at any juncture I can, to be nice to people I meet. It is so much better for everyone involved and may benefit me somewhere down the line.