I recently learned that a young man who is working in our plant as a temporary worker is living out of his car. I brought in too much lunch yesterday and offered him the leftovers and have some gauze and tape to take in today for the large sore on his ankle. My question concerns what help he is likely to accept and safely within my limited means. I don’t have any control over his future as far as getting hired in to the company and don’t want to become a pesky amature social worker. I would like to hear from anyone who has been in his shoes with suggestions. If you would rather not post publicly about this my e-mail address in in my profile. I know this isn’t about fly fishing but I have come to have great respect for the collective wisdom and resourcefulnesss of this board in a wide variety of areas. Your input will be appreciated.
all leaders tangle; mine are just better at it than most. Jim
give what you can, give what you will. Set personal boundaries and do not be attached to whatever outcome he creates. If I am not being clear let me know. Good for you. We are our brother’s keeper.
One suggestion on this site is just what you did, give food. Another is to find out if he could use some clean clothes. It’s an informative site. Thanks for caring.
I recently learned that a young man who is working in our plant as a temporary worker is living out of his car. I brought in too much lunch yesterday and offered him the leftovers and have some gauze and tape to take in today for the large sore on his ankle. My question concerns what help he is likely to accept and safely within my limited means. I don’t have any control over his future as far as getting hired in to the company and don’t want to become a pesky amature social worker.
The person may not need a “handout,” but a friend and an opportunity. Do what you can and provide whatever emotional support that you can which he/she is willing to accept. If more is needed, follow the good heart that you seem to have but don’t let yourself be taken advantage of either. The fact that you care says a lot about the person that you are. This world could use more people with a heart like yours, but with pockets as deep as a Ted Turner or Bill Gates.
Give everything you can. Get together with co-workers and help 'til it hurts.
We all pitched in at my place of employment to purchase a new bicycle for a temp employee who was riding a bike to work that was so rickity it wasn’t funny. Everyone, including the recipient, shed a tear or two.
Anything will be gladly received by this person … TRUST ME.
Don’t be his “pesky amateur social worker” … just be his friend.
I can’t imagine what it must be to live in a car in your neck of the woods in the winter! Isn’t there some place indoors that he can stay, with heat and water? If he’s working, why can’t he afford to pay for a cheap room at least?
Thanks for your responses everyone. This kid ( I doubt that he’s 21) has only been working for us less than week and won’t get his first two day check until Friday. I have no idea what other resources he has but he didn’t seem interested in directions to the Muskegon rescue mission for which I can’t blame him. I guess maybe I’ll cook too much again today.
all leaders tangle; mine are just better at it than most. Jim
[This message has been edited by rainbowchaser (edited 09 March 2005).]
I have never heard it said better than FL_SKIBUM …"Don’t be his “pesky amateur social worker” … just be his friend.
Most people don’t want a Hand out , just a hand up . Here’s hoping all works out well for the Young man .
My Mom always use to say . There but for the grace of god go I .
Ask him. In a non-conescending way. Let him know you are aware of his situation and would like to help out. Find out what his needs are and then see what you want do do about it. You can give of our own, organize others to help in the giving or something else.
Friends help friends. That is not being a social worker.
Think of it from a completely different spectrum. He is surviving through something that most of us cannot and will not ever be able to fully comprehend. He is picking himself up from his bootstraps when most would of given up. Admire his tenacity and let him know that he has your admiration. He is making the best of a very bad situation and yet he is humble with his needs and asks for no help. Respect his determination and let him no that you respect him. He is a brother in the scheme of life and you are a good person for caring, let him know that his friendship has value to you. In the end; let him know that your offer is the same as it would be for any of your other friends. Perhaps he is truly more of a character mentor that we can admire as opposed to a charity case that has more than we understand. How many of us would have the strength to do as he does? This man seems to have it worked out and is rebuilding his life. I truly admire and respect people such as the one that you shared with us. Offer help but offer the admiration and respect first.
You have a good heart Jim: I admire and respect that?
