Something that has had a huge impact on my life recently? I don't want to over dramatize the experience with a word like "huge", but my time at the Pearl Buck Center last summer certainly had an impact.
I volunteered there 3 days a week in LEAP - the Life Enhancing Activities Program - where I became friends with a slew of wonderful people, and that doesn't happen often for me. With the exception of two fellows who are able to ride the bus and do (and so I still see them there), I haven't seen anyone since the summer. And I miss them. I miss that place.
The hardest of all to say goodbye to were two difficult and hilarious old men: Jimmy and Rusty.
They were always either on their best or worst behavior with me because (I know) they loved me as much as I love them. And oh how I hope they'll remember me when I go back!
Pearl Buck, as a whole, affected me and my life in many positive ways. As you can see from the photo simply being singled out to receive a gift (like a rainbow necklace) made me feel so happy and proud. Many things there made me feel that way: convincing Rusty to drink something, making Jimmy laugh so hard tears streamed down his face, keeping Carol positive, or Mark awake - it was hard not to feel good, every little thing could be a joy.
Tom loved that I would come home so contented or, sometimes, overjoyed and he is encouraging me in my idea to go there looking for a job once I graduate, if there is no baby on the horizon.
But, sadly, there is trouble brewing. According to a message from the PBC on Facebook: "Gov. John Kitzhaber’s proposed budget eliminates funding for [Alternative to Employment] programs, affecting some of our communities’ most dependent members and turning group homes into mini-institutions." I'm not clear on the details but I know the center must survive.
There is apparently a rally being held in downtown Eugene on March 29th in support of retaining services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and there are ideas for contacting your legislators here.
This is so important to so many people, people who are helpless to affect law. Please help however you can.
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