Madison Ricci (Georgia State University Intern)
I began working at Central Outreach and Advocacy Center in late August and will continue serving as a social work intern until May. I am a senior at Georgia State University. I am appreciative to have the opportunity to earn my hours at an agency like Central Outreach and Advocacy Center, which serves to help those experiencing homelessness.
Upon receiving my placement, I was excited to work with the organization’s incredible team and work in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Atlanta is an ever-growing Metropolitan city, where many individuals need assistance. So, I was eager to get acquainted with Central Outreach and see how I could help them with their mission of preventing and ending homelessness – especially seeing how stigmatized those facing housing insecurity are.
My traditional idea of helping those experiencing homelessness was assisting with housing or food. Yet, since working at Central Outreach and Advocacy Center, I have learned how important it is for guests to receive documents such as ID, social security cards, birth certificates, and so much more. Without identification information, trying to apply for things such as housing or work is almost impossible. It brightens my day, knowing that I can help guests get the documents they need and help them in a way that can change their life for the better.