Waves of Contradiction

I love Chicago. The more time I spend here, the more I love it but the more I see of its underbelly too...  I had another ‘take-the-novice-to-work day’ today - this time with Jean, a senior Social Worker with ‘Catholic Charities.’  Again, what an eye opener!  I spent the day visiting numerous innovative projects including shelters for homeless families, a centre providing nutritious food for pregnant women, babies and children, and a programme trying to assist homeless single people (for whom there are no state benefits) to find and maintain housing.  I met a series of energetic, committed, passionate, people working so hard to provide opportunities for some of the most vulnerable and needy. 

The shelters are doing amazing work but face inordinate difficulties.  Here as at home the weak economy has meant that the numbers of people needing help has increased at the same time that budgets have been slashed.  Among the clients (and sadly their children) mental illness abounds and motivation is lacking – which means that even when there are programs in place to help them move forward, some are unable to benefit fully from them.  There are success stories though and without exception, the staff glowed when they talked about those people who have succeeded in getting and keeping a job, making their own home and providing a settled base for their children.  There were also many stories: sad stories, shocking stories, funny stories – often all three. 

Last night Licha and I were down at the Lake watching huge waves crashing onto the shore.  It was a spectacular sight standing at the southern point and looking over to Chicago’s beautiful skyline as a full moon emerged and the buildings began to light up against a orange sky.  I was in awe and busy taking photos (of course) while every so often being soaked with spray from the crashing waves.  It struck me that that is exactly what Chicago is like:  beautiful, dramatic, noisy, violent -  all at once.