This week kicked off with a few intense cases; we discovered a missing child was a runaway, we helped a cancer patient who is struggling with divorce, and spoke with a dear client who is transitioning to a new job. I am always amazed by the tenacity of the social workers at Muslim Family Services of Ohio for guiding clients through these tough situations. I am also finding that my ability to care for the people who come through the door comes more naturally. Earlier this summer, I worried about finding the boundary between helping a client and overextending myself. I now understand my capabilities for serving this community, and am excited about continuing my work in this area.

Every Thursday this summer has been rainy. I made note of this because on Thursdays, our produce days begin at 11:00 A.M. Nicol explained to me my first week that when it is rainy, less clients attend these days. This week it was completely clear as families poured into our office seeking bags of grapes, kiwis, cherries, Girl Scout cookies and more. While the produce drive is similar each week, I have seen the gradual changes over the past 9 weeks in organization and flow. Our regular volunteers are no longer disoriented when they arrive. Everyone takes position and the steady flow of filling the Kroger bags with produce begins.

The slight changes in the office this summer have extended beyond myself and the produce days. With old social workers gone, and new social workers onboarding, I am impressed by the flexibility this organization has to implement change. One of the things I appreciate most about the nonprofit space is my own ability to suggest new ideas and see them occur rapidly. Nicol, my manager, empowers everyone in the office to be proactive about their clients, workflow, and space. She welcomed two new volunteers who have radically remodeled the office over the course of this singular week.

While I am going to be sad about leaving MFS and starting a new chapter, I am ultimately grateful for the growth I have experienced this summer and hope to return to MFS as a regular volunteer.