FAITH MISSION CELEBRATES DECADE OF INTERNSHIPS
It started as a simple question, “what are we doing to train the next generation of secular and spiritual workers? Mr. JD Young, then Executive Director of Faith Mission, knew this was more than a question, and more like a mandate. It was not a week later after that board meeting that in the spring of 2008 a student at Texas State University called the office. She stated, “I am senior seeking a social work internship, and I saw a story in the banner about a social worker name Rev. Randy Wells, can Faith Mission help me? Not only did Brittany Willard become the first university/college intern, but now forty-five students and nine universities/colleges later, Faith Mission has become one of the top student training institutions in this regional.
Rev. Randy Wells, current Executive Director, states, “God is so amazing how Pastor Derek spoke this vision into fluctuation to be entrusted to training students from Bachelor’s to Doctoral levels has truly been amazing. Ms. Qwynetta Foster, who herself, was a student intern in the summer of 2013 now serves as the Field Placement Instructor. Ms. Foster states, “I feel that this particular part of my job is very rewarding. I always wondered when I graduated, how I would give back to my alma matar Prairie View A&M University. I realize that I have been doing so all along.” She goes on to say, “ I accepted this position of being Assistant Field Placement Supervisor the summer after I graduated in August 2013. The most exciting part is seeing the interns where I once was mature and grow through the internship process which is in line with Prairie View's motto of "Prairie View Produces Productive People" and I take great pride in being a part of that.”
Promoted to Field Placement Director Summer 2018, I have been able to supervise 6 students from many different colleges such as Prairie View A&M, Schreiner University and Texas A&M University. It has been a pleasure to be able to feed their hungry minds with experiences in what they would like to do and benefit them in areas of their professional career.
Here are several quotes from this year’s students:
Demi Hall, 22 from Brenham, TX. a graduate of Schreiner University in psychology
" Working with Faith Mission, I have been able to improve my communication skills through supervised and unsupervised consultation with actual clients rather than mock clients. Being able to effectively communicate with clients is huge part of the job I want to be in, yet it is also one of my biggest weaknesses. Thanks to Faith Mission, I get to improve that particular skill before I go to graduate school. There is more to a Trauma Counselor than just counseling and Faith Mission has also been teaching me the clerical part of it, including how to write case notes, how to construct a new file for a client, and data entry protocols." -
Jamiah Tubbs, Prairie View A&M University, from Dallas, social work student graduating in August 2018
So far my internship here at faith mission has taught me how to empathize with my clients and the importance of knowing my community to better serve them. I've learned how to plan and begin to run a summer program for the youth. Faith mission has given me a chance to do things that I plan on doing in my future and learning the ins and outs of my field.
Corréna Walker, Prairie View A & M University, from North Carolina, graduating in August 2018
The internship has taught me the importance of relationships and connections within the community. If I want to grow and service a society, I have to get involved with all aspects of the community.
Kirsten Covington, Texas A&M University, from Brenham, a sophomore.Throughout the course of this internship I have been able to gain a realistic view into what our correctional facilities are like and acquire an understanding of the experiences of those who live in them. I was lucky both to meet Captain Powell from the police department and go on a tour of the Washington County Jail. I have also learned that helping others can be incredibly easy if you set your mind to it and have a team working with you. Organization is really important for social work!
Lavancen Atkinson, Prairie View A&M University, Houston, graduating December 2018
This has been a amazing learning process . Faith mission have taught me so much ,every day is a learning experience. They opened there heart and time for me and always make me feel like family. When I become successful I know we’re it all started from.
Kanequa Singleton, Prairie View A&M University, Dallas, graduating August 2018
I am a graduating senior at prairie View a&m university. The internship has taught me to empathize with my clients and the importance of kids being our next generation.
Rev. Wells concludes by saying, many people complain about millennials being lazy and addicted to social media, but we as the Elders have a responsibility to train this generation to be our future leaders. For more information on how to intern at Faith Mission or to contribute contact 979.830.1488 www.faithmission.us