One of the best parts of my work is learning new things. Often, of course, what I learn is depressing–many of my clients deal with extreme poverty and work with people who face enormous obstacles. But, as Mister Rogers always said, (and I paraphrase), in the midst of a bad situation, always look for the helpers. There are always helpers.

Which is why I am able to do what I do, because I have the joy and privilege of working with the helpers. The people who lead and staff the organizations I serve are the ones advocating for change, educating young people who others may have given up on, fighting to make things better despite the seemingly overwhelming odds.

Here’s some of what I’ve learned lately and what some of my favorite helpers are doing about it.

• US Immigration and Customs Enforcement charges hundreds of dollars just to file many types of applications for legal status, while prohibiting individuals who have not received certain types of status to be legally employed. The staff and volunteer attorneys at Just Neighbors can usually apply to the government for a waiver of these fees for those who are eligible, and they help clients file their applications quickly and correctly.
• Young Sailors and Marines in the US Armed Forces often lack the financial resources to deal with emergencies that come up, and especially if an individual is stationed far from home or deployed, crises can seem especially challenging. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides no-interest loans and sometimes grants to Sailors and Marines and their families when situations arise such as travel expenses when a spouse must travel for specialized medical care or the cost of a plane ticket home for the funeral of a loved one. The Society also provides a fully loaded baby supply bag for expectant families, budgeting workshops, and scholarships.
• While some neighborhoods in DC are wealthy and some are doing just fine, many of the most impoverished neighborhoods also lack basic amenities that are proven to help children grow and thrive. Children raised in neighborhoods without grocery stores, libraries, recreation centers, and other places I take for granted are less likely to succeed academically. DC Action for Children advocates for neighborhood-based improvements so all children in the District of Columbia have the same opportunities, regardless of their zip codes.

I love learning from my clients and sharing that knowledge with others by telling these stories. Thank goodness for the helpers.