A Summer in the Hospitality House Office

A Balance of Hands-On and Administrative Work

My internship was split between two key areas: working directly at the shelter and working in the office. Each setting offered unique experiences and challenges that contributed significantly to my professional growth.

At the Shelter: My time at the shelter was both rewarding and impactful. I took on various tasks such as prepping and serving meals, maintaining the cleanliness of both the inside and outside of the shelter, and even painting rooms and hallways. These activities were more than just chores—they were vital to ensuring a welcoming and clean home for the clients we serve.

One of the most meaningful aspects of my time at the shelter was engaging in conversations with clients. These interactions provided me with a deeper understanding of their experiences and allowed me to build genuine connections with residents that I would not have made in the office.

In the Office: A significant portion of my internship was spent in the office, where my tasks ranged from routine to project-based. My daily responsibilities included addressing envelopes, printing and copying documents, redacting client information, and organizing files. I also handled the sorting and storage of donated items for our Fresh Start program and set up for various meetings and events.

One of the highlights of my office work was creating advertisements for our “Savor the Summer” event. This series, hosted by Hospitality House, is a food truck rodeo and farmers market that takes place on the last Thursday of June, July, August, and September. The event is a fantastic opportunity for our clients and the broader Boone community to come together for an evening of delicious food, fun games, and socializing.

To promote “Savor the Summer,” I designed a company newsletter, created flyers and social media posts,  and wrote a couple press releases. The press releases were published by High Country Press and the Watauga Democrat, helping to spread the word about our event. This experience taught me a lot about event promotion and the importance of community engagement.

Making a Difference

Overall, my internship at Hospitality House has been incredibly fulfilling. From hands-on shelter work to the strategic aspects of event promotion, I’ve had the chance to contribute to a cause that I am passionate about while developing a range of skills. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team and to have been part of an organization that makes a real difference in the lives of many.

Thank you to everyone at Hospitality House for this amazing experience and for welcoming me like family!