CareForce 2019
I spent two LONG days working with CareForce once again. Last year I worked in the reception area, welcoming and triaging clients where I enjoyed engaging with everyone who walked in. This year I asked the volunteer director where the biggest need was and she said, “We always need people in the sterilization station” so I completed the necessary online Bloodborne Pathogen training and that’s where I stayed, non-stop cleaning dental equipment.
California Care Force is a volunteer organization that provides annual events throughout the state offering free medical, dental and vision care to those most in need. No questions asked, walk-in, (after waiting in line outside for over 20 hours) give us your name, your need and our volunteer nurses, dentists and optometrist will take care of you. No ID needed.
I had nightmares a few nights before the three-day event, where I stood with other volunteers, arm in arm, protecting our clients from ICE. I woke up as they began shooting us.
ICE didn’t show up.
This is the registration and triage area, where I worked last year. I'm planning to return here next year.
And this year, I was stuck behind this table nearly the entire time, cleaning and sanitizing dental equipment, from 7 AM till 6 PM. The kids working with me were mostly college medical students, looking to beef up their resume. Once again, I was by far the oldest one there and this was confirmed when one kid called me ma’am and asked me about my grandkids! Didn’t bother me because these youngsters were very driven, many working full-time jobs while attending universities in the Bay area and the contrast between my 20-year-old stepson who is now living with us, and these 20-year-old students was jaw-dropping. Encountering and spending time talking with these students gave me hope for the future.
I did get out-and-about with my camera for a few minutes and this lovely lady saw the camera - “Take a picture of me!” I did and noticed right away the expressions on the two in the background and was thankful I pushed the shutter button when I did.
I believe we served around 1,200 clients in the two days. In years past it was a three-day event, but funding was tight this year so it became a two-day event.
Standing on concrete for 10-12 hours both days was hard on my lower back and calves, but I don’t feel a thing now. I think swimming yesterday helped. That and nearly an hour in the hot tub.
California Care Force is a volunteer organization that provides annual events throughout the state offering free medical, dental and vision care to those most in need. No questions asked, walk-in, (after waiting in line outside for over 20 hours) give us your name, your need and our volunteer nurses, dentists and optometrist will take care of you. No ID needed.
I had nightmares a few nights before the three-day event, where I stood with other volunteers, arm in arm, protecting our clients from ICE. I woke up as they began shooting us.
ICE didn’t show up.
This is the registration and triage area, where I worked last year. I'm planning to return here next year.
And this year, I was stuck behind this table nearly the entire time, cleaning and sanitizing dental equipment, from 7 AM till 6 PM. The kids working with me were mostly college medical students, looking to beef up their resume. Once again, I was by far the oldest one there and this was confirmed when one kid called me ma’am and asked me about my grandkids! Didn’t bother me because these youngsters were very driven, many working full-time jobs while attending universities in the Bay area and the contrast between my 20-year-old stepson who is now living with us, and these 20-year-old students was jaw-dropping. Encountering and spending time talking with these students gave me hope for the future.
I did get out-and-about with my camera for a few minutes and this lovely lady saw the camera - “Take a picture of me!” I did and noticed right away the expressions on the two in the background and was thankful I pushed the shutter button when I did.
I believe we served around 1,200 clients in the two days. In years past it was a three-day event, but funding was tight this year so it became a two-day event.
Standing on concrete for 10-12 hours both days was hard on my lower back and calves, but I don’t feel a thing now. I think swimming yesterday helped. That and nearly an hour in the hot tub.