Author: rineveld.1

Behold! My first paycheck as a social worker…

Don’t believe everything you see. I totally got paid in smiles, thank you’s, hugs, hard work, lifting donations, fresh air walks to work, and a humble direct deposit (not pictured). I was also offered fresh vegetables from the food pantry, given than I fall below 200% of the poverty line in the United States.

How’s that for humble pie…er, asparagus?

Tell me what you work for.


Wisdom Lines

On Monday and Wednesday, I was able to mingle and learn from my Members of Village in the Ville  (Clintonville) and the incredible sixth and seventh grade scholars at Metro Middle School (north Grandview area). The topic of discussion for the fourth year running (thanks, Age Friendly Columbus and Franklin County!) was about combatting ageism, which I learned “goes both ways.” Each scholar was able to make  a homemade button or two to display proudly in an effort keep the conversation going with their friends, family, and older loved ones. They were also able to ask a multitude of questions to their Village member, which they brainstormed. During the interview, scholars recorded in their journals to capture responses, show active learning, and earn participation points for the lecture.

  • What is your name?
  • What year were you born and where?
  • Tell me about your parents.
  • What are some of your hobbies?
  • What was/is your favorite age?
  • What advice do you have for someone my age?
  • If you could undo one thing in your life, what would it be?
  • If you won 1 million dollars tomorrow, what would you do with the money?
  • What is your scariest memory?

Topics of discussion included whether or not it is okay for a younger person to say, “O.K., Boomer!” to an adult. The students believed it was dismissive, ageist, and rude, even in a joking manner. We then discussed how it feels when a Millennial is looked down upon by an older person. One of the students renamed wrinkles as “wisdom lines.”

It was a necessary conversation with great displays of engagement by all participants, where a tremendous amount of respect was shown through this gentle uniting exercise! +25/25 would recommend!

Article 25- Universal Declaration of Human Rights

“Everyone has the right a standard of living adequate for the health of themselves and their family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond their control.”

Ten coats have been donated by these hands to an overflowing box of warmth at L.L. Bean Easton Town Center in Columbus, OH. I work five days a week until Christmas, so keep them coming for the United Way charity! I have a Tupperware tote on my front porch should you be in the area. DM me for address, or I can pick yours up and deliver.

Generous donors: Jenn Johnston, Danny Peterson, Dominique Beck, Kyle Beck, Tawna Jensen, and Andrew Jensen!

Human Services- Operation Warm

OPERATION WARM in progress today with The Kindness Club at The Ohio State University. Today, we fit 200 K-3 children at United Preparatory Academy (U Prep) in Franklinton for brand new winter coats. The young people here are incredible humans, great listeners, and college bound scholars! #gopanthers

Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Learning Journey

I spent the day on an OSU College of Social Work learning journey at COAAA. Did you know that 10,000 people on the planet will turn 65 today? Did you know that Central Ohio’s Area Agency on Aging is part of the City of Columbus’s Parks & Rec department? #insertLeslieKnopejokeshere

COAAA helps to inform and support all people from birth onward who may be navigating a disability, chronic illness, or the traditional aging process in tandem with a robust local and statewide network. Their funding source comes largely from county levy programs, not on the ballot tomorrow, but a great example of your tax dollars hard at work! Need help and don’t know where to start? They can help! #localissuesmatter #inhomecare #dignity#independence #transportation #safehousing

What would my family do without this produce market?

Thanks to the Office of Student Life Buckeye Leadership Fellows Program for affording the pleasure of a nutritious chicken salad complimentary lunch and the chance to listen and learn from a local, outstanding business and community leader, Matt Habash, President/CEO of The Mid-Ohio Food Bank. His leadership style is bottom up with a strengths-based emphasis, and he strives to encourage creative and innovative thinking by coming from a place of “not knowing” mindset. I learned about the organization’s use of the phrase, “Yes, and…” as a positive psychology framework in lieu of using a “No” or a “but” when it comes to challenges. Thank you, Matt, for being a friend of The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Dean Tom, and our entire community! #foodinsecurity #1in4children #1in6adults#foodisnotaprivilege #raiseminimumwage #ificannotaffordrenticannoteat

Salmon!

Being a student offers a safety net sometimes. I am constantly surrounded by opportunities to scavenge for food. While I have loans, they mostly go toward paying bills, keeping my lights on, tuition and books. On occasion, I get discounted tickets from the Ohio Union for a film at the Gateway or a special event.

I am studying on 18th Ave Library 3rd floor today, which often yields free food from completed luncheons. Today was Lavash (Clintonville) lamb chops, lavash bread, and baba ganoush! I also went to an amazing seminar with helpful graduate and professional student focused financial wellness concerns (and another free lunch)! Did I mention it is much easier to study with delicious food and a fully belly? The Ohio Union Activities Board sent us each home with finance tips and collapsable tupperware to keep in our backpacks to enjoy such glorious offerings as I did today! #enjoynourishment #tasteeachbite #foodisagift#buckeyefoodalliance