11/28/11 Letter to: Ms. Sims, Ms. Otts, and the staff of DAFS in Hattiesburg

I want to express my gratitude to you all for the knowledge and experiences that I have gained throughout these past months. I must admit that everything I have learned was not all textbook knowlege, and for that I am thankful.

I do realize that along with being a professional, you must maintain a level of “down to earthiness.” In my opinion the “down to earthiness: helps to counteract the grandiose demeanor that some professional portray.

I appreciated the opportunity to learn of other resources to help individuals with finances, food, clothing, and housing not only to use here with these clients, but also to share with clients my job or other individuals in the community.

I have had the opportunity to see the cycle of violence in real time. I also had the opportunity to see how family foundation plays a valuable part in the worth and value of a women’s life. I have seen how the residents’ opinion of themselves has increased and how their value is boosted once entering DAFS and shown how they have rights and responsibilities to be empowered and independent women. I know that these residents would not have received that type respect and dignity if they were in any other shelter.

Also, I guess I want to say thank you for having a heart to work with the hurting and bleeding souls of women (and even the homeless women), Also, I want to thank you for being examples to the children that come into DAFS. Most children from domestic violence homes have lost the sense of structure and safety, but at DAFS, safety and structure are the concepts that are at the roots of the rules.

In conclusion, I would suggest that the actual building needs more space and additional rooms because there are many women that are in need of a new start. Over all, the chance to intern here has shown me that it takes a balance of humbleness, genuineness, and an understanding of humanity to work with hurting people.

Thank you for giving Hope,
Name Withheld, MSW Intern