Family of Woodstock, Inc. Essay

The Family of Woodstock is more than a gate away for teens and young adults; it’s the exact opposite. As an interviewee for the upcoming position here at the organization, I would like to give you my full appreciation and knowledge or reasoning as to why I applied. When looking for which organization I should apply for after getting my degree in human service, I was leaning to helping those young people of our nation. After reading and learning what this organization has to offer for the young adolescents who are in need, as well as the young adult I felt that this is where I need to provide my skills. Here is a little bit of what amazed me and what I appreciated the most about this organization. Preparing an organization is hard, understanding the needs of others, and what they possess is more difficult unless one has a heart for it. The Family of Woodstock organization began when the founders found several factors that led them to create such an inspirational organization. From learning and understanding exactly why young teens and adults decide to escape from the confines of their world. Once the problem is recognized, there were reasons to plan an organization that would help provide such needs and materials. Some of the issues they go through such as sleeping in parking lots, hitchhiking, seeking out food, as well as clothing. This led the founders to provide materials and ensure that the rights to these materials. The organization specializes in meeting the needs of the communities around them who may be in need. Looking back through the history of Family of Woodstock, one can see the multiple areas where this organization has offered services for over forty years. Since 1970, there have been a twenty-four-hour hotline setup clients to call in and get immediate support. We can see the changes that have been going on within this organization. Helping those seek help with drug and substance abuse issues, as well as trying to seek funding from the county drug commission. Medical services start to become established, as well as the free store. The Family of Woodstock has offered services each year to the main issues that are an ongoing struggle faced by the individuals in the communities close to them. The main issues they help with are emergency housing, domestic violence victims, helping teen runaways, and the homeless. There are walk-in facilities that the Family of Woodstock does  meet the immediate needs of Ulster County. When Family of Woodstock began their beliefs and values started with helping the young people who were coming to the little town of Woodstock. However, many people did not feel that it was their problem or necessity to help those because they believed it was not Woodstock’s responsibility. Nevertheless, as more and more volunteers started helping, Family of Woodstock started to come together. The volunteers are what made Family of Woodstock as successful as they are today. The main volunteer group was called the Soft Landing Machine, which helped those who were substance abusers. They spent time with those who were drug users, as well as talk with them and visit. As of today, the volunteers and employees are what make Family of Woodstock, along with the diverse backgrounds, experience, and interests, but one thing they share are common values. The Family of Woodstock has branched into different directions but has primarily stayed on the same path it was founded on. That path is helping and providing those in need with the easiest ways to get the proper assistance needed to solve their problems without doing it for them. Families of Woodstock’s doors are always open to anyone who is in need without being judged. The organization has opportunities for staffers and volunteers who are trained to help troubled individuals feel welcomed and feel comfortable. The way Family of Woodstock has developed over the last forty years comes down to them working harder than ever by providing the services that are needed without too much change. Helping others within their community and see the difference that they are making and the opportunities for others to join the Family, so they can help support others as well. All human services organizations go through some changes, but as they go through these changes, the organizations will see what works better for them as times and society have change. As long as they keep going with their founding motto and the straight path of helping those in need there is nothing wrong with a little change to improve services. Human services professionals share a common goals and values when wanting to help improve one’s life, rather than the economic well-being of an individual and the families that they serve. While most human services programs serve different clients and offer different services, most clients have many issues and needs that require them to seek out several different services. However, as human services develop programs to help service the clients, we must  remember that there should be several other services looked at for their treatments. When specializing in human services delivery we need to be aware of what major issues are causing the suffering in today’s society and what are the minor issues. This goes to say that specialization of any human service delivers has become a trend throughout the profession. The reason is because as professionals they understand what issues families and individuals go through because of their experiences or knowledge. In conclusion, Family of Woodstock has helped many human services organizations become specialized in helping. With the knowledge and understanding, as well as the importance of helping others, Family of Woodstock has become an organization that has lasted for over forty years based on what is important to them. Their values have not changed over the years, but they have expanded their knowledge of how to help those who are in need. The Family of Woodstock has continued to grow and evolve so they can reach as many of those who are suffering alone. References Burger, W. R. (2011). Human services in contemporary America (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Gibbons, A. (2010). Family of Woodstock turns 40. Retrieved from http://www.dailyfreeman.com/general-news/20100808/family-of-woodstock-turns-40