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Volunteer Experience at Hammer
By Rick Watkins

The desire to volunteer and get involved has been in the back of my mind for many years. Excuses kept me from doing anything about it except for helping out at church. It was during my capstone class at Metro State University that provided the incentive to stop thinking about it and do it.

After searching through endless opportunities on the Internet I was drawn to Hammer because of “Ralph”. I have seen the statues around town and they pegged my interest in learning more about Hammer. After reading their mission statement and reading about others who are volunteering at Hammer I decided to check them out.

I offered my services doing thinks I like to do, working in the yard and working with computers. Fall cleanup on Make a Difference Day and tutoring someone to use the computer.

The first day I drove to the Wentworth house I was really anxious. I was going to meet someone with a disability. What kind of disability? What was I going to say? Was I going to say or do something really stupid? How was this all going to work out? Will I be able to teach Mark how to use email? Racing though my head was thoughts of what am I doing here? Was this a mistake? At the door I stood nervously and pressed the doorbell. I could see figures’ moving about inside but no one was coming to the door. Am I at the wrong house, should I leave? Then after what seemed like an eternity the door opened and I was invited in. After being introduced to Mark I calmed down. We spent the first night just getting acquainted. Mark showed me his room and we played some games. For the rest of the week I felt I can do this.

The next week I picked Mark up and we went to the Library. We sat at a computer and I told Mark that I setup an email account for him so we could send email to his mom in Africa. I told him our purpose here each week will be to learn how to use the computer and yahoo email. We worked on the computer a little bit but Mark quickly lost interest. Luckily Mark brought along a DVD of home movies which kept him captivated for about an hour. I decided to ask Mark if he would like to get coffee and a cookie. He liked the idea so we had our cookie and coffee and proceeded home at about 9 o’clock.

During the next week I was wondering how Mark was going to use email when he couldn’t read, spell, type, or even use a mouse. My goal was to teach him how to use email and that was not going to happen in what little time we have together. I am not a trained professional so I felt totally inadequate for the task. I spent the whole week worrying about the whole thing and trying to figure out how I was going to tell everyone I was not up to the task. Thursday night had arrived which was our agreed upon night to meet. One block away from the Wentworth house I stopped the car my stomach was in knots I wanted to run and hide. I prayed, God give me insight in what to do next. At that moment I felt relieve for the first time all week. Parked the car and walked up to the door and Mark answered. The first thing he said with a smile was “YOU BUY COFFEE?” Those three words lifted my soul. We spent some time at the Library then went to Perkins.

It was the holidays and Marks parents where too far away to visit. The computer and email became away to share with Marks parents. I took pictures of Mark and emailed them to Ruth. She emailed us back telling us she loved receiving them and that Mark looked so happy. Ruth sends us pictures and shares with us interesting facts about life in Africa. Mark and I really enjoy looking though the pictures we are collecting. I still want Mark to learn to be comfortable using the computer. I found some websites that are designed for kindergartners and 1st graders. We tried many sites then came across Elmo at http://www.sesameworkshop.org. Mark enjoys playing the games and as a side benefit he is learning. With each passing week Mark becomes more at ease using the mouse and his letter and number recognition is improving. As Mark becomes more comfortable with me he is more willing to share and take chances. Mark is still reluctant to type but we will work on that.

Our Thursdays have developed into a routine, which is good for both of us. There is comfort in knowing what is going to happen next. We spend the first 30 minutes at the library reading and sending emails, followed by looking through our new and saved pictures. Next we visit Sesame Street and play games until closing. At 9pm the library closes and we leave reluctantly. Or spirits are picked up when we start talking about where we are going get a snack. We have visited, Arbys, Perkins, Bakers Square, Dairy Queen, and McDonalds. Mark wants to go to Burger King next.

Everyone has been so kind and appreciative. It has been my privilege volunteering at Hammer.