This past semester I had the privilege to intern for a down to earth women’s home known as Sarah’s Oasis... an Oasis for Women. Sarah’s Oasis is a safe home for women. Sarah's missions statement reads, "Sarah’s… an Oasis for Women is a home dedicated to safety and dignity for a diverse community of women where they are empowered to begin new and productive lives." This local Minnesota non-profit has been a transition home to more than 650 women. Women have the opportunity to live in a community with other women; Sarah's assists these individuals in teaching them basic life skills, applying and working jobs, how to be prepared to live a successful life after living at Sarah's, but most importantly though that they have this time to self-empower themselves, to working toward having wonderful futures. I would not have had this opportunity without the generous grant from Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation provided to my college (St. Catherine University). Sarah's Oasis has a way of growing on you; there is something about the energy there that is so peaceful.
As a “Katie,” I strive to stand by St. Catherine University’s commitment towards developing the world with equal opportunity for every person, otherwise known as social justice. If it were not for the courageous and influential Sisters of St. Joseph who devoted their lives to empowering women and standing up for social change, St. Catherine University or places like Sarah’s would not be around today. I truly believe we all have a sole purpose in this world, and mine is working towards being a positive mentor for others and assisting them when they need guidance.
During my time at Sarah’s I worked as a communications intern with Martha West, Community Relations Associate at Sarah’s. I was not sure what to expect, little did I know how much I would fall in love with this spiritually connected home dedicated to self-empowering women. Sarah’s community is a welcoming place to work in, and everyone I met and worked with was so open-minded. I have a background in assisting various organizations, shelters and charities. In the past I volunteered for another women’s shelter with friends where we enjoyed our time there during the holiday seasons decorating and baking for the holidays.
The opportunity to intern at Sarah’s has been a humbling experience. Truly, I am very lucky to have had the support system I had. Some people have no family or friends to turn to and they have to fend for themselves. Sarah’s has taught me to be patient in ways that further develop how to communicate with people who have gone through trauma. I worked with many women from diverse cultures who have taught me about their lives and their personal stories. It amazes me how an individual can go through so much trauma in their life and still be able to be positive and content with their lives. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to graduate high school let alone have the opportunity to go to college, as some of the women I've met have had to overcome many obstacles to even have the opportunity to get an education.
During my time at Sarah’s, I have been blessed to work hand-in-hand with the generous staff who nurture and manage the home as well as conversing with and assisting the women living at Sarah’s. I remember when I helped a woman who barely spoke English, she was one of the most kindhearted residents. It was a typical day where I was preparing my lunch for the day when she approached me. At the time I did not know she had a hard time speaking English. With what little English she knew, we were able to communicate with facial expressions, gestures and bits of English. She was trying to ask me what seasoning or topping would be good on these “American noodles.” We browsed through the fridge and I showed her some different options, she would smell them and decide if she wanted them or not. Simple moments like this reminds me how rewarding it has been these past months interning at such a beautifully composed sanctuary. Although my internship has ended, Sarah’s will always be my home!
