This morning was the earliest we had to get up; however, we all motivated each other to get up and get the ball rolling. Today was more of a learning experience for us, which was nice for once to learn more about the organization as a whole and all the services they offer. We started at the Loving Food Resources food pantry, which is unique from other food pantries in that they provide free food resources and more to people who have been affected by HIV/AIDS or are in home hospice care with any diagnosis. The main reason they started this organization was that people with these circumstances do not always have enough income to afford both medical expenses and food for themselves and/or family. We received a tour of the place and saw volunteers organizing the shelves for their clients to come in and shop that upcoming Saturday. Fresh foods are also provided at this food pantry which is something that is not always present in some food pantries.
After we toured the food pantry, we drove over to the WNCAP (Western North Carolina Aids Project) building to learn more about the HIV/AIDS prevalence in North Carolina. What I, as well as others in our group, found very interesting, is that WNCAP has a needle exchange program. We have learned recently that Ashville has had an increasing rate of heroin users in their population over the past few years or so. The needle exchange is a harm reduction program that provides clean needles for people and does not question them about why they are using the needles. Having clean needles reduces the chances of HIV/AIDS being spread through blood if one were to reuse the same needle on another person (sharing a needle among two people). This provides a safe place for people to come and get what they need and they can even shower there if they need the resources to do so. WNCAP offers anyone who needs something in a pinch such as the ability to be clean and do laundry as well as giving people resources to receive help if they are struggling with addiction or getting resources for ones who have HIV/AIDS. There are so many different types of things that WNCAP offers to the community to help make the community more healthy all around.
After learning about both the cool nonprofit opportunities/resources we decided to venture out into the beautiful outdoors of North Carolina and explore some waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest. It was good way to relax and get some fresh air with it being our first decently warm day out in the sun. Even though this week is going by fast, I have already learned so much and have gained a new perspective on serving communities. I can not wait to bring this attitude back with me to Springfield and share this perspective with my peers at Missouri State.