Advocacy Assistance

Suzanne

Experience Information

Employer: Safe Harbor Children's Advocacy Center
Job Title: Family Services Intern
Major: Psychology
Received Credit?: Yes
Paid?: No

Description of the Organization

Safe Harbor Children¿s Advocacy Center is a non-profit organization that provides a lifeline to victims of sexual abuse and neglect. Safe Harbor provides three program areas to victims: prevention education, treatment, and advocacy. The trained professionals at Safe Harbor work together to help children of sexual abuse face their fears and begin on their journey to a better life.

Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed

¿ Developed tracking sheet for client files & daily schedule sheet ¿ Created database of all clients; entered desired information; continually updating & maintaining ¿ Viewed 3 forensic interviews ¿ Attended and obtained information from the Allegan County Zero-5 Services Network Meeting ¿ Went on a DHS foster home visit ¿ Prepared and presented a body safety prevention program at Dorr Elementary ¿ Created donor database; continually updating & maintaining ¿ Created an agency newsletter ¿ Reworked mandated reporter presentation information ¿ Planned & Organized a group therapy program for ages 13 - 18 ¿ Attended a Safe Harbor Board Meeting ¿ Updated programs on computer ¿ Started group therapy with girls age 13 - 15 & 16 - 18

Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience

I gained a variety of different skills sets while working at Safe Harbor. The number one skill I feel that I developed was the ability to work with all different types of people. There were many different individuals who worked at Safe Harbor and who came in for treatment as well. I feel that I gained the skill to be able to relate to to people more and truly understand their point of view.

Favorite Part of the Experience

I very much enjoyed the hands on experience that I was able to take part in at Safe Harbor. The social worker and I started a group therapy program and I am very happy to be able to continue working with her even after my internship is over. The people at Safe Harbor were very open for me to participate in any task that would give me great experience.

How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals

This experience has reassured my aspiration of working with children. It was very difficult to hear and see some of the cases that came through Safe Harbor, but I know that I need to help children in the future. This internship helped me to really see that is the area I want to work in.

All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of GVSU.