Activist Inspires Students to Action
To highlight the “Populations at Risk” module studied recently by the Community Service Worker students at Herzing College-Toronto, instructor Joanne Goodyear invited a real life community advocate to campus to demonstrate how even one person can instigate change.
Social Worker Angel Freedman spoke to the class from noon to 1:45 pm on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, and shared a small snapshot of her very busy life:
- Organizing separation and divorce groups
- Individual and group counseling
- Parenting workshops
Freedman told the students how she teams up with local car dealerships and holds car care clinics, important because women learn emergency preparedness and basic car maintenance, all for the cost of one non-perishable food item which Freedman turns around and donates.
The students heard about her additional work at:
- Pathways Home Base for Youth in Crisis
- Blue Door Shelters
- The Krasman Centre – A Place to be Label Free
Freedman talked about her most recent initiative which began with the Sandgate Women’s Shelter in mind, but soon became a vehicle that to this day is driving needed supplies to several nonprofit organizations. Appalled after discovering that items dropped off the collection boxes in her neighborhood were being sold to homeless shelters, Freedman went into action.
“I [mistakenly] thought the clothing was going to people who needed it the most for free!” she said.
First Freedman stopped donating clothing to drop boxes. Secondly she spread the word. Then she put out her own call to friends, family, and the community for clothing and household items which trickled in -- slow at first and then in rapid succession. Soon Freedman was parking in her driveway because her garage was filled. Finally she began giving everything she collected to the local shelters.
She drops clothing and items off at least once per week. Her efforts are making a difference.
“Angel has been very helpful in providing clients with household items,” said Laura Sheldon, Community Support Worker with Citizens for Affordable Housing. “This is a wonderful program.”
At Herzing, Freedman talked about her views on feminism, ageism, sexism, the challenges in the LGBT community, politics and much more. She engaged her audience in lively discussion and answered questions. And through it all she encouraged the Herzing students to keep looking for ways to be involved in their community.
“Being at Herzing College was one of my very favorite days,” Freedman said.
“Those students were very engaged.”
Freedman’s enthusiasm continues to reverberate in her community and beyond.
She said that plans are in the works right now to open “Angel’s House,” a homeless shelter and drop-in centre. The target opening date is 2013.
With her dedication, stories and energy, Freedman captivated a potential new army of advocates at Herzing College. The students presented clothing they collected prior to Freedman coming to campus.
“Angel Freedman is such a powerhouse against street youth homelessness and advocacy,” said student Aaron Lau. “She speaks with such charisma, depth and knowledge. She is truly a force to be reckoned with!”