By Jessica Barrera, former JONAH intern
Interning this summer at JONAH has been one of the most meaningful experiences of both my personal and professional life. It has allowed me to step outside the classroom and become involved in work that directly impacts individuals, families, and neighborhoods throughout my community. More than anything, this internship has helped me better understand what social justice looks like in real time and how meaningful change begins with relationships.
JONAH’s mission is “To collaborate, empower, and act toward resolving critical social issues impacting the Chippewa Valley”. Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to participate in and observe a variety of initiatives, including affordable housing, mental health, fundraising, and nonpartisan voter engagement. At first, I viewed these as separate issues, but as my internship progressed, I began to see how closely they are connected. Each one plays an important role in a person’s ability to live a healthy, stable, and fulfilling life.
This experience helped me realize that the challenges people face in a community rarely exist on their own. Housing, mental health, civic engagement, and access to resources like healthcare and mental health services are all connected. When one area is affected, it often impacts the others as well.
Seeing these connections gave me a broader understanding of community work and reinforced the importance of looking at the whole person rather than just one issue. I also learned how important it is to meet people where they are, listen to what they need, and recognize that everyone’s circumstances are different. Supporting people isn’t about assuming what is best for them, but about meeting individuals where they are, listening, having empathy for each person’s unique situation, and working alongside them to help them access the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
One of the most rewarding parts of my internship has been connecting with community members. Whether I was volunteering at community events, helping with outreach efforts like the Buddy Bench, or simply having coffee and conversations with someone, I learned that the first step in advocacy is listening. People want to feel heard, respected, and understood. Some conversations were encouraging, while others were difficult, but every interaction reminded me that building trust takes time. Those experiences taught me that meaningful advocacy starts by understanding people’s stories before trying to solve their problems.
Fundraising was another area where my perspective changed. Before joining JONAH, I thought fundraising was simply about asking people for money. I now see it as an opportunity to invite others with shared values. It’s about telling the stories behind the work, explaining why it matters, and giving people a chance to create positive change. Every donation, no matter the size, represents someone choosing to invest in a stronger and more just community.
Working on affordable housing initiatives showed me that housing affects far more than simply having a place to live. Stable housing influences a person’s health, education, employment opportunities, and overall well-being. Through one-on-one conversations with community members, my own personal experience with housing instability, affordability, and learning about local housing challenges, I gained a deeper understanding of why it’s so important to address the root causes of housing insecurity instead of only responding when people are already in crisis.
One of the most important lessons I learned is that affordable housing projects are about much more than constructing new homes. They are about creating communities where people feel welcome, connected, and supported. A successful housing development is not just measured by the buildings themselves, but by whether people have fair access to housing, services, and opportunities. This experience also showed me the importance of involving community members in the planning process and ensuring that everyone has a chance to be heard.
Another key lesson was the importance of preventing displacement. During discussions about the Riverbend Development, concern was expressed that new housing could drive up property values and rents, ultimately pricing longtime residents out of their own neighborhood. In response, the Affordable Housing Task Force worked with the City Council to include guardrail language in the project that protects against displacement and limits gentrification. These safeguards were especially important because the neighborhood is predominantly lower-income. Seeing how community advocacy led to meaningful policy changes reinforced for me that thoughtful planning can encourage new development while protecting the people and neighborhoods it is meant to serve.
Mental health advocacy also became an area I deeply connected with. Learning about the Green Bandana Project and talking with community members reinforced how important it is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and increase access to support and resources. Mental health deserves the same attention and compassion as physical health, and communities are stronger when people feel safe asking for help. One experience that stands out to me from my internship was using my peer support and micro-level social work skills while volunteering at the Buddy Bench. Although most people did not want to stop for a long or in-depth conversation, the simple act of saying “hi” or “good morning” often made a noticeable difference. Seeing someone smile after being acknowledged was incredibly rewarding, and it was clear that even a brief moment of kindness could brighten their day.
This experience reminded me that we can become so focused on our own lives that we forget about the people around us. A smile, a greeting, or simply recognizing someone’s presence can go a long way. For some people, that small interaction may be the only act of kindness they receive that day. It reinforced the idea that meaningful social work does not always happen through lengthy conversations or formal interventions. Sometimes, the smallest gestures of connection and compassion can have a meaningful impact on a person’s sense of belonging and well-being.
Transportation was another issue that opened my eyes to the barriers many people face every day. Having reliable transportation affects whether someone can get to work, attend school, make medical appointments, or participate in community life. Before this internship, I hadn’t fully considered how transportation can influence opportunity and independence. Hearing a personal story assisted in making those connections, which helped me better understand why transportation equity is such an important part of social justice.
Although I did not have the opportunity to become deeply involved with the Immigration Task Force during my internship because of time constraints, immigration advocacy is an issue that is very close to my heart. Even with my limited involvement, it was a meaningful part of my internship.
Listening to real-life stories and hearing about families’ experiences gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges they faced. I was also inspired by the passion and dedication of the task force leaders, whose commitment to both this issue and to humanity was evident in everything they did.
Some of the stories I heard reflected parts of my own family’s journey, which made this experience even more meaningful. It gave me a greater appreciation for the resilience, courage, and determination that so many immigrants demonstrate as they build new lives and contribute to their communities.
One issue that stood out to me was the advocacy for allowing immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. This policy not only benefits individuals by giving them greater independence and access to work, school, healthcare, and other essential services, but it also benefits the broader community. When people can study traffic laws, pass licensing requirements, and obtain insurance, it helps make the roads safer for everyone. This experience reinforced for me that effective advocacy is about creating policies that support both individual well-being and the health and safety of the entire community.
Providing non-Partisan voter information showed me how important civic engagement is to a healthy democracy. Helping people understand when, where, and how to vote isn’t about promoting a political party; it’s about making sure everyone has equal access to accurate information so they can make informed decisions and have their voices heard. At first, remaining non-partisan wasn’t easy. I had to remind myself to stay neutral when talking about issues that people often feel strongly about. Over time, though, I realized why that approach is so important. Staying non-partisan helped build trust and made it easier to have open, respectful conversations with people who had different opinions and life experiences. It showed me that listening without judgment creates space for honest dialogue and helps bring people together, even when they don’t agree on everything.
If there is one lesson that stands out from my time at JONAH, it is that lasting change is built through relationships (and lots of coffee). Community organizing isn’t about one event or one person solving every problem. It happens through conversations, trust, collaboration, and people working together toward common goals. Every outreach event, meeting, fundraiser, and conversation helped strengthen those connections.
Working alongside Lynn, the many volunteers, faith leaders, and community partners also showed me the power of collaboration. People from different backgrounds and experiences came together because they shared a commitment to justice, dignity, and equity. Watching those partnerships develop demonstrated that meaningful change is possible when communities work together rather than trying to solve problems alone. It also helped remind me that when things in life feel so heavy, remember that people are mostly good.
This internship has also challenged me to grow personally. I have become more confident speaking with people I don’t know, more comfortable engaging in difficult conversations, and a better listener. I have learned that leadership is not always about taking charge. Often, it means creating space for others to share their experiences, building relationships, and encouraging people to become involved in making their communities better.
Looking back, I realize this internship has changed the way I think about social justice. It is not a single project or a goal that can be completed. It is an ongoing commitment to listening, learning, advocating, and showing up for others. Progress often happens through small, consistent actions that build trust over time.
As I continue into my future career, I will carry the lessons I learned at JONAH with me. I hope to continue building relationships, advocating for equitable policies, and helping create communities where everyone feels respected, included, and valued. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of an organization that demonstrates every day how compassion, collaboration, and persistence can create meaningful and lasting change.