Welcome to Washington County! More specifically, Johnson City, Tennessee. This week had given me the chance to get familiar with what will be my home base for the summer—a place where I’ll build relationships, make memories, and spend more time with others than the different places I will be visiting throughout the summer. Coming into the week, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I knew there would be a lot of preparation, but I didn’t realize how quickly this place and the people around me would begin to feel familiar. It was exciting to get to know Washington County staffers, reconnect with other staff from the porch, and start learning about the homeowners being served this summer.
A major part of the week was the staff doing Initial Home Visits (IHVs). After hearing about them and then going on a few myself, I gained a completely different perspective on the work that happens before volunteers ever arrive. Meeting potential homeowners for the first time and helping determine whether a home is a good fit for the program is both challenging and meaningful. As a volunteer, you simply show up ready to serve, often without thinking much about what happened beforehand. As staff, there is much more responsibility behind the scenes. There are conversations to have, assessments to make, and difficult decisions that can directly impact homeowners and the community. It was an eye-opening experience to see the amount of thought, care, and consideration that goes into each visit.
Throughout the week, I found myself reflecting on how different this experience feels compared to my previous summers. Being on staff means seeing a side of the organization that volunteers don’t always get to experience. While there is a ton of excitement, there is also a greater awareness of the challenges families are facing and the responsibility we have to serve them well. Hearing homeowners share who they are and seeing the conditions some of the families live in was a reminder of why this work matters. It is easy to get caught up in schedules, planning, and logistics, but at the center of everything are real people trusting us with their homes and their stories.
One thing I noticed throughout the week was how quickly our group connected. No matter what we were doing—preparation, running errands, exploring Johnson City, or just hanging out—there was always plenty of laughter. Even when the days felt busy or overwhelming, people found ways to keep the mood light. It reminded me that while the work we do is important, the relationships we build along the way are just as meaningful. After only a week all together, I can already tell that we will always be there when someone needs laughter or cheering up.
I can already tell that I’ve only seen the very beginning of what this summer will bring. There will be moments of stress, difficult decisions, and emotional situations, but also moments of growth, connection, and joy. I know there will be experiences that will challenge me and push me outside of my comfort zone, but those are often the moments that teach us the most. One thing I’ve realized is that I can never fully explain what this experience is like to someone who hasn’t been here. No matter what stories I tell or pictures I share, they will never quite capture it. Some experiences can only be understood when you’re right in the middle of them, and I think this summer is going to be one of those experiences.
As for my next destination, I’ll be heading back to Jonesville this upcoming week. I’m excited to continue learning, reconnect with some familiar faces, and see what the next chapter of this summer has in store.
Until then,
Cassidy Smith
Story Gathering Intern
