Journal

Journal 1: 09/14/11 I took the first step in emailing Mary Pugh. I emailed her to get a sense of whether or not I would be able to volunteer with MCAP.

Journal 2: 09/19/11 Mary Pugh got back to me and said she would love the help. They have things coming up for the winter that I would be able to help with.

Journal 3: 10/06/11 I have not yet begun my service hours but I talked to Mary Pugh yesterday. I am going to start volunteering on Wednesday 10/12.

Journal 4: 10/12/11 On Wednesday October 12, 2011 I went to Montgomery Child Advocacy Project in Norristown to begin my service hours. Since this was my first day, I spent most of the day on a tour of the building and the courthouse. Mary Pugh, the executive director of MCAP, took me on the tour to get a feel for what I will be doing over the course. In the MCAP building on the third floor there are two rooms, one is more like a conference room and the other is more like a comfy play room. This playroom is used for the kids to just hang out in while they’re waiting or to have conferences in with their advocate. It was a very relaxed and laid back setting to make the children feel comfortable. After this we went over to the courthouse to walk around. We went into a couple different court rooms like the family court room. One day I will get to go and sit in on a hearing. After the tour we went back to the office and I filled folders with different materials educating others on child abuse and show them its working. Inside the folder were different stories of children suffering, a 2010 Annual Report, MCAP happenings and a volunteer form. Overall I had a great experience and I can’t wait to sit in on a case to get a feel for a courtroom setting and see how lawyers represent child victims. The atmosphere was very positive.

Journal 5: 10/24/11 I will meet with Mary Pugh again on November 7th and 8th.

Journal 6: 11/8/11 I went into the office again today. While I was there I stuffed envelopes for a fund raiser coming up. I also attached labels and stamps and organized different paperwork in the office. It was a good experience. It is interesting just to be in the environment and just listen to their work cases.

Journal 7: 11/30/11 I am going to help with a fundraiser being held through MCAP on Saturday, December 3, 2011.

Journal 8: 12/4/11 Last night I helped with the 1st Annual MCAP Salute to Heroes Dinner Dance & Silent Auction. I helped with the set-up and clean-up for the event. I also helped during the event with check-ins and serving food and any extra things that needed to be done.

Journal 9: 12/6/11 Overall my experience volunteering with MCAP has been beneficial and a success. Before I began my project and volunteering I was not aware of the numerous children suffering from abuse and neglect. I am now aware of this and aware of the lawyers who are standing behind them and supporting them. I completed a total of 22.5 hours over the semester. When I went in to the Montgomery County courthouse it was a very eye-opening experience. When we were walking in to the family courtrooms, it was hard to believe that young children have to be apart of this environment, standing before a judge. After working in the MCAP building, I felt very at home and comfortable, which is hopefully how these children feel - comfortable. The room that was designated for the kids to play in or talk to their advocate in was very fun, which is what the kids need. They need a childhood with fun. I am very glad that I decided to volunteer with MCAP because I feel that I have made a difference in someone's life. It feels even better to know that I am in some way helping the numerous children who are suffering from abuse.