Dignity and Respect. Two simple words that at Paul’s Place become a catalyst for change. “You’ll hear a lot when you’re talking to people here, about dignity and respect.” Deputy Director Terry Manning said, “That’s because we truly believe that and you have to start there.” Paul’s Place does not just aim to feed, clothe, or care for the community members its purpose is to provide resources and programs to promote growth of self and community.
Paul’s Place, a non-profit operating in the southwest of Baltimore, recently celebrated 35 years of service in the community. They offer over 20 services including a soup kitchen, farmers market, a free computer lab, social workers, after school programs, clothing, life skills classes, and other community classes and programs. “We meet people where they are,” Executive Director William McLennan said, “and help them map a route for their personal self-sufficiency.”
“What do we do? We do a lot and we impact people.” Manning said plainly, “finding people out on the streets, finding people that come in our doors and treating them with dignity and respect and helping them get the support that they need.” Approximately 250 to 300 people enter Paul’s Place for their services every day, up to 400 when counting the children’s programs. Paul’s Place also sees up to 30 volunteers daily, including community ambassadors.
Ambassadors of Paul’s Place all once entered to receive help, and in finding security and safety at Paul’s Place chose to give back. Joining the ambassador program provides the opportunity to further self-development while providing community outreach. Ambassadors of Paul’s Place volunteer their services not just to Paul’s Place, but the entire community. Ambassadors are Integral in building connections in the community and bringing more people into Paul’s Place. “We interact with them as if they were our staff,” Manning stated “We have very good relationships with them, we really count on them to provide a lot of services with us.
Alongside Ambassadors who serve regularly, Paul’s Place has many regular volunteers. One group of such who has gained a fond nickname “The Tuesday Ladies”. The Tuesday Ladies include Donna Goon, Carole Graves, Betty Moore, and Shirley Braddy. Without whom the Market Place wouldn’t run smoothly. “I didn’t know these ladies before.” Graves said, “Tuesdays worked out for all of us, so now they call us the Tuesday ladies.” The Ladies sort, process, organize, and display all the clothing donations Paul’s place receives. “You can process a coat here and the next day somebody is keeping warm in the street.” Graves said, “I found that it was just what I was looking for. An area where I could make a contribution. You could have an immediate impact.”
Ambassadors, staff, board members, and volunteers make the extensive amount of services Paul’s Place offers feasible. Now Paul’s Place will add to its numerous services with a restaurant doubling as a culinary school. The new program will see 15-20 people through a 13-week culinary program. Then working with referral agents and partners Paul’s Place culinary graduates will be employed. Not ending there, Paul’s Place will follow them through case management for 6 months, ensuring solid progress. “Our goal is within a given year 60 plus people will actually have employment and find stability in their lives.” Manning exclaimed. The restaurant will seat 30 people as well as having a catering component.
“It’s sincerely genuine, you feel it because it’s real.” Manning stated. The culture of Paul’s place, merged with the mission, is what makes it truly unique. “You can feel it as soon as you walk in. “Manning said. “Because no matter who you are people will embrace you, you already feel like you’re a part of the group.” At Paul’s Place every individual is instantly apart of a family, a united front of open arms. “Paul’s Place draws the best out of people.” McLennan said, “Our guests, our volunteers, our staff and our Board.”
Paul’s Place works to get to know their guests, treating everyone with dignity and respect no matter their background. Manning likes to stand outside, pulling in guests that wouldn’t have necessarily come in. She likes to listen to their stories, and understand their roots, in order to make connections that can really help them get the most out of Paul’s Place resources. “Everyone has a story, some are veterans some have fought for our country. some have had just really horrible things happen to them in life,” Manning said, “and if you take the time to listen to their stories and put it in context it really makes a difference in how you view what the next steps are with that person.” For manning being “in the trenches” is where she feels at home. “I’ve been at the top. I’ve made lots of money. The money wasn’t making me happy, it’s the work that makes me happy.” Manning stated.
The culture in Paul’s Place has stolen the hearts of many who enter. “I got connected to Paul’s Place through my college, and now I am a regular, weekly, volunteer.” Michael Cook a Sophomore at UMBC said. Michael has been serving for over a year and says he has “yet to be involved in an organization that feels so local and involved”. “Everyone that comes through the door is treated with dignity and respect, and this helps foster an atmosphere of community that is hard to find anywhere else.” Cook said on the culture and mission that drives the organization.
The organization is in a location where conditions in the area are not what they could be. “The community is considered a good desert,” Cook said, “which means there is no easy access to fresh produce and other healthy food. Paul’s Place is trying to fix that.” Paul’s place faces challenges because of the lack of affordable housing, employment, and personal or health struggles individuals may have. However, with each individual brought into the folds of their programs, there is hope.
Recently a student that went through the after-school program, a program for children K-12, with the help of Paul’s Place now is in college. “He is a first-generation college student, and the first one in this community for a long time. It’s a big deal!” Cook exclaimed. Paul’s Place strives to have a way to help everyone, from children’s programs to rehabilitation, if it can benefit the community and its members Paul’s Place strives to provide it.
To volunteer, learn more, or contact Paul’s Place visit their website at https://paulsplaceoutreach.org/
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