*Written by Maggie Mieczkowski, former REACH intern and student at Hamilton College
As I reflect on my time at REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, I am struck by the profound impact it has had on me personally and professionally. When I first discovered REACH, I was moved by the stories of courageous women and resilient children facing unimaginable challenges. I remember questioning my own ability to help during such critical moments of need.
Walking into REACH during my first week, I was a bundle of nerves. While I had previous experience volunteering on the Crisis Textline, handling crisis situations face-to-face and over the phone was a new frontier for me. The prospect of working directly at the front desk as a receptionist felt both daunting and humbling. I was terrified of making mistakes, saying the wrong thing, and being unable to provide the support these individuals desperately needed.
Fortunately, I was met with incredible support from the moment I arrived. Lauren Nackel, REACH’s Human Resources Manager and my mentor while I was interning, played a pivotal role in helping me navigate my initial anxieties. Her guidance and patience allowed me to gradually build confidence in my abilities. I recall the second day of training when I began practicing answering phone calls. Lauren created a safe space for me to make mistakes and learn without fear of judgment. She encouraged me to take my time, gather my thoughts, and try again whenever I faltered. This supportive environment was key in helping me overcome my insecurities and grow both personally and professionally.
Learning by Doing
As I settled into my role, I started witnessing firsthand the impact of REACH's work. Each interaction, whether it was answering a phone call or welcoming someone through the door, reinforced the importance of the services REACH provides. Each day presented new challenges, but with each challenge came an opportunity to learn, empathize, and support those in crisis.
In addition to my role at the front desk, I also had the opportunity to conduct research for REACH’s Development Team. This experience opened my eyes to the breadth of services offered not just at REACH, but at various other organizations across New England. Once again, I felt inspired by their efforts aimed at empowering survivors in our communities.
Expecting the Unexpected
One aspect of this research that stood out to me was delving into organizations' financials. Initially, the idea of parsing through financial documents seemed daunting, and I never imagined I'd find myself reviewing 990 forms as part of my day-to-day duties. However, I approached these tasks with determination and even humor, sometimes joking with colleagues about how surprised I was to be getting so closely acquainted with the financial intricacies of nonprofit work.
This experience underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in nonprofit operations, aspects crucial to maintaining trust and support from donors and from the community. As I delved deeper into this research, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration, but also a tinge of frustration. Admiration for the dedication and innovation these organizations show in their efforts to support survivors, but also frustration knowing that there is still so much more work that needs to be done.
In Vulnerability, We Find Strength
My time at REACH has not only enriched my understanding of domestic violence and crisis intervention, it has also deepened my belief in the resilience of individuals facing adversity. It has shown me the power of compassion, the strength found in community support, and the profound impact of believing in one's abilities. Most importantly, this experience has reaffirmed my commitment to serving others during their most vulnerable moments.
Reflecting on how my fear of making mistakes often held me back from taking on new challenges, I now realize that this experience at REACH has changed my perspective. It gave me the confidence to step forward, to try, and even to fail at times, knowing that growth comes from these experiences. As I move forward, I am eager to apply this newfound courage and determination in my future endeavors, continuing to advocate for and empower those affected by domestic violence. I am grateful to have been a part of such an inspiring organization, and I look forward to contributing wherever I go next.