By Katelyn Starkey
Crisis Assistance Ministry prides itself on its core values of Dignity, Integrity, Respect, Empathy, Compassion, and Trust (D.I.R.E.C.T). I experienced all these aspects firsthand throughout my internship, both with employees and those the organization helps. I had the opportunity to see behind the scenes and to learn a great deal, like how the warehouse organizes the items for the free store and how the marketing team creates blogs like this one.
On the first day of my internship, I was nervous. I wanted to learn everything there was to know about nonprofit marketing for my future. I started my day in the warehouse where I saw the sorting and processing that goes into stocking the Free Store. I met volunteers and amazing coworkers who helped me learn the process. I also saw the time and energy that go into making sure the items are up to the D.I.R.E.C.T. standard. I was shown the Free Store and realized how it all comes together to help those in need. I felt like every donation in my hand would make a difference, that every item could benefit someone.
After the experience in the warehouse, I was even more excited to learn and do my best to help. As an intern with the Marketing team, I learned about the importance of social media, how links are used, and much more. I felt respected as a fellow worker in the office and never felt lost or pushed aside.
I was ecstatic when I received my first project: to help with a collection drive for school uniforms that would go to children free of charge. I was quick to research and learn all I could. I still remember my first video meeting and how nervous I was to present my ideas. I was helped and coached through the processes, shown how to find images and how to write blogs. The project went smoothly, and I saw what went into creating an effort like this. I observed how the posts and blogs helped contribute to the event and spread the word. I remember when the first school uniform was received. My coworker showed me the package and told me it was from my school uniform drive. I was so excited and could not stop smiling as I stared at it. Just like in the warehouse, I saw firsthand how I was helping my community. It was a truly rewarding feeling.
This internship was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I feel proud of what I have learned and accomplished. Crisis Assistance Ministry truly taught me many valuable skills and lessons which I will take with me as I proceed in life. I will always be thankful for this opportunity and to all my coworkers who helped guide me.
Katelyn Starkey is a rising senior at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and interned with the Crisis Assistance Marketing team. She loves learning new things and expanding her horizons.