Email: Alicia Wilson

Greetings from Atlanta!

Many exciting things are happening at Central Outreach and Advocacy Center. In the past month we have started an arts program as a creative outlet for our guests, and we’ve also started a counseling group with a volunteer who is a professional counselor. I have also had the opportunity to work with our new executive director on several advocacy issues at the state legislature. I attended committee hearings on bills dealing with payday lending and a minimum wage increase. I also wrote a letter to legislators about the struggles of indigent people in obtaining state ID, with the hope that increased understanding would bring about policy change.

Over the first weekend of March, I had the opportunity to go to Princeton Theological Seminary for a “Volunteers Exploring Vocation” Conference sponsored by the Fund for Theological Education. It brought together young adults from many denominations who are serving as volunteers across the country. All of the volunteers are at least considering attending seminary at some point. We met with seminary representatives and with ministers who serve in a variety of roles. We spent one of the days in New York City where we visited several churches and Union Theological Seminary. One of the highlights for me was visiting and eating at the soup kitchen of the Holy Apostles Episcopal Church. It is the second largest soup kitchen in the United States, serving 1,000 to 1,500 people each day Monday-Friday, but the church only has 150 members. Overall, the trip was a great chance to meet other people who are experiencing many of the same things that I am.

My housemates and I were overnight volunteers at the Central Presbyterian Night Shelter. It was really fun to see many of the guests of the Outreach Center that I had placed in the shelter and to be able to visit with them in a more relaxed setting. We also spent one of our community days at Zoo Atlanta, where we saw the 6-month-old panda. In the middle of March we also got two new housemates, Beau and Teagan. They are a married couple who have been living in Atlanta doing a program similar to Young Adult Volunteers.

The church that I attend in Atlanta, Georgia Avenue Church, started a documentary film series in February. For our first film we watched “Why We Fight,” a film about the military-industrial complex in America. Afterwards we had a very rich discussion with church members and members of the community. I also went to a lecture about suburban sprawl and how it affects the environment as well as those who live in urban areas.

Looking ahead, next month we will be going on a retreat focusing on vocational discernment and spiritual practices. The spring league of Ultimate Frisbee will also be starting up soon. I am also excited about coming home for a week for spring break. I look forward to seeing many of you then. Thank you again for your prayers and support.

Peace,

Alicia