Intern Testimonials
Read how other interns have benefitted from their experience with Women's Lunch Place.
Jillian Cohen:
My internship at the Women's Lunch Place was a very meaningful experience. I helped run the Resource Center - compiling up-to-date information about beneficial services for the guests to use - and also designed curricular to help teachers education their students about the issues of homelessness, and ways in which one could help. Once a week, I worked a full day in the kitchen, helping to prepare and serve breakfast and lunch.
The staff at WLP were all very welcoming and included me in weekly staff meetings. This allowed me to feel connected to WLP, and to get a feel for the inner working of the non-profit. I also felt comfortable approaching the staff with any problems I came across.
One of the most memorable and valuable aspects of my internship was getting to know the women who are guests at the Women's Lunch Place. The diversity of this population constantly surprised me. I learned that there is no such thing as a typical guest at a place like this, and every woman deserves respect and a chance to re-establish herself. If people are quick to judge and rely on stereotypes, it is highly unlikely they will be able to offer any help.
Catherine Down:
My internship responsibilities varied greatly, and I was given a lot of responsibility in this internship. My two internship coordinators were very accessible mentors, and offered weekly de-briefing sessions.
The most rewarding aspect of my internship was developing and teaching a creative writing class once a week. The women were incredibly open and willing to share their writing about incredibly difficult experiences they had gone through. I found the writing group became a very therapeutic, venting experience for them. At the end of the class, I worked in the Resource Center, and would attend staff meetings in the afternoons. There we would discuss the inner working of the organization and occasionally meet with psychologists to discuss certain situations at the shelter.
This internship has definitely made a contribution to my studies and career interests. I enjoyed teaching my writing group so much, I am now considering becoming an English teacher. The Women's Lunch Place is an incredible and very unique place. People with a variety of interests could find a suitable internship. The staff was enthusiastic, appreciative, supportive, and gave me freedom to pursue what interested me. I was able to develop amazing relationships with the guests of the shelter, and I felt truly humbled on a daily basis.
If you are interested in applying for an internship, please contact Lisa Schottenfeld, Volunteer Program Coordinator, at lisa@womenslunchplace.org.