Jolita Dorsett

For 10 years, we at S.R.T. Inc. have been providing volunteer opportunities for young people and adults to help those who are less fortunate, especially the homeless.

We collect and distribute hygiene bags donated by individuals and churches. They contain socks, soap, washcloths, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion and shampoo. We also wash and massage feet. We provide free clinics at family shelters and churches that served the homeless. Volunteer nurses and doctors work with us.

My work with the homeless expanded when my nephew, who had been homeless in his life, died. I wanted to help men like him – talented, smart but distracted from life’s positive path.

We now feed once a month 150 children at two apartment complexes and at Covenant House, a facility for abandoned and abused youth. We provide food for 2-3 meals. We are now in the midst of planning for a monthly distribution of basic food (rice, grits, canned vegetables) to middle-school students. They will create a meal for their family and share their recipes. The purpose is to make creating the meal the priority, rather than focusing on the stigma of being hungry.

I was motivated to do this when I saw a disconnect on the part of young people from well-to-do families about homeless families. I felt that better off children were not appreciating their family situation and they did not realize that homeless children and their families were just like theirs.

S.R.T. Inc. has been training young people from age 10 years and up to serve the underserved. One of my volunteers, who had been with me since elementary school, wrote me a letter when she graduated high school. She expressed how the experiences of helping others had made her look at life differently. She appreciated the exposure we gave her.

After a career at Morehouse School of Medicine in clinical research, I formed my organization and named it after my three daughters, Simone, Reba and Traci. S.R.T. also stands for Service, Respect and Training, because I believe that those are what all young people need to grow in this world.

I believe that older workers can bring so much to a program. They have a wealth of experience, knowledge and time. They can often connect with children better then their parents. They have big laps and big arms for hugs. And they know what a child needs to feel loved and appreciated.