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Cottrell House and Dallas Parole Doing the Most Good

DALLAS, Texas – Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is about learning the needs of your community and giving your time and energy to help others. Youth at the Cottrell House and youth on parole in Dallas County decided that they wanted to understand 1) how the homeless population in Dallas is receiving help and 2) what makes cancer so difficult to cure. Youth decided that they wanted to work at two different locations to help the homeless — City Square and at the Bridge, which is the largest homeless shelter in Dallas. They also wanted to visit UT Southwestern Medical Center to learn about cancer.

When youth arrived at City Square, they were amazed that there was an actual shopping pantry for homeless people. Youth received a tour of the pantry and were shocked that the pantry had a freezer that held frozen foods which has meats and vegetables for the homeless. Youth met homeless individuals at the entrance, grabbed a shopping cart, and began to help the homeless choose foods off the shelves. As they helped the homeless, they learned that homeless people are not lazy, unskilled, or hopeless. After talking to a lot of the homeless individuals the youth learned that the homeless population is extremely motivated to improve their lives. City Square also provides washers and dryers for homeless individuals to wash their clothes. Cottrell House and Dallas parole youth donated 722 laundry packets that include laundry pods and dryer sheets.

The youth also visited the Stewpot which feeds over 1,000 homeless individuals daily. The Stewpot provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Youth witnessed the many programs that homeless individuals are involved in as well as observed their many talents. Youth observed oil painting classes, music groups practicing, and computer classes which contained GED courses. Next, youth visited the largest homeless shelter in Dallas, The Bridge. The Bridges provides sleeping arrangements for over 2,000 homeless people each night. During the day time they offer a safe place for homeless to hang out, relax, and participate in different activities. After a tour youth volunteered in the kitchen and fed 200 homeless people. Youth donated over 100 towels to assist the homeless at The Bridge.

Finally, youth visited UT Southwestern Hospital and attended a seminar to learn about different types of cancer. Youth gained knowledge about different stages of cancer, how cancer affects cell growth, and the difference between chemotherapy and radiation. Youth also discovered how cancer growth can spread to different parts of a person’s body without notice.

GYSD week has been a fulfilling week of learning, helping, and exploring.
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