Pat's Place

This past week I had a wonderful opportunity. I was able to visit a child advocacy center for abused children called Pat's Place, in Charlotte. This is an AMAZING organization that you should go read about here. I was informed about Pat's Place through the lady that I nanny for, who also works with this organization. She knew that I had a Public Relations background and knew that I have been looking for both volunteer work and for somewhere that I can get my hands on some resume building! I have been struggling with the idea that I have a degree in Communication but am nannying...not exactly what I would like to do for my career. In this transition period that Stu and I are in right now, in between graduating and dental school, I want to keep up with the skills I learned in school and want to be able to practice and show that I have been doing more than nannying when I go to apply for a job when we figure out where we are living for the next 4+ years. She is wonderful to think of me and present me with such a great experience. I have the best bosses :) 

So, this past Wednesday I went on a tour of Pat's Place and was able to learn all about the organization, how they serve those in need, how the facility functions and ask all the questions I wanted to. I met with the director of development, who was SUPER nice, and she showed me around. She is in charge of all the media-related stuff as well as their public relations, so she was happy to hear I wanted to volunteer! I am positive she is just swamped daily! 

Pat's Place is essentially a center for children who have been sexually abused. And that is ENTIRELY understated. They are truly an innovative & rare (but much needed) sort of organization. It is super sad that there is such a need for this kind of organization but I was blown away with all they do for those that come for help. It is a non-profit organization that basically helps families cope with the trauma, children can give a testimony that can be legally used in court, cases can be investigated, families and victims can receive therapy and they even provide a thorough physical exam for the victims. It is very professional and everyone on staff seems to be either clinically licensed or possesses a masters-level degree. It is truly amazing. 

As of right now, they are getting their public relations projects prepped, so there is not a whole lot for me to help with at the moment, PR wise...but of course there are ways to volunteer right now. For example, they are in constant need of juice boxes & healthy snacks for those that come for help and always need help with admin work and mailings. I am eager to help in any way possible and am in the process of organizing a way for our ward to become involved with donations (snacks). 

I am PUMPED to be involved with such an astounding organization and feel that this sort of work is what I want to do with my career in the future. I would love to work for a non-profit organization and make a difference in others' lives. I am excited!