Welcome

“I want to tell anyone having a rough time, that there is help out there.  All you have to do is ask. Keep your head up. I was a victim, but I never felt that should determine who I am.  I am more than that. I am a strong mom and have come a long way.” 

On her sales, Teri noted, “Back in 2020, I had given everything I could to people I knew already, so I had to get creative. I knew I could sell them for cheap and donate the money. And, especially at the time, I knew there was a need for food, clothing—for basic stuff—because so many were out of work.” To respond to this great need in our community and her own need to pare down her overflowing yard, Teri had her first plant sale in the Spring of 2020, not knowing if it would do well. In true pandemic fashion, Teri put the plants out with a can and a sign that read “Plant Sale. Benefits The Caring Place.” It was an honor system; put your money in the can and take your plant. The Setup proved effective, as she made a couple of hundred dollars. People, receptive to the cause, often added more to the can. Happy with the first turnout, Teri said, “Well, okay, that’s good. It’s something I enjoy doing, and people enjoy buying.”

A few weeks ago, I did not know much about The Caring Place beyond some faint recall of kind faces and overflowing boxes from sporadic trips through the donations drive-through when I was a kid. As a Georgetown native, current resident, and Southwestern student, I generally knew The Caring Place had a significant, lasting presence in our community. I generally knew it was a place that lived up to its name and cared in various and necessary ways. Because of this, when Southwestern posted an opportunity for a summer internship here, I excitedly pursued it. Interested in nonprofit work, education, and finding stories, I knew there was much to tell and much to learn. Before beginning, I merely knew the facts: The Caring Place takes donations, has a thrift store, offers food services, etc. Without meeting the people, without further experiencing the place, I did not understand all that meant. Before feeling it myself, I did not fully understand The Caring Place’s extent of care.