I was an intern at Karis Community this past year. And I can’t express how much I loved it and how much I learned. When I first had my interview well over a year ago, I knew I was in the right place. As a master’s student eager to apply my knowledge and gain real-world experience, I was excited but also nervous about what lay ahead. Little did I know that Karis Community would not only help me grow professionally but also help build my passion for mental health work.
Karis is a special place, and I will forever be grateful for the time I got to spend with the residents (Community Members). From the moment I stepped inside, I could feel the warmth and genuine care that permeates every aspect of the Community. Everyone is there to support each other and foster a sense of belonging.
My role as an intern involved assisting with daily activities, facilitating group sessions, and providing one-on-one support to Community Members in the evenings. Initially, I was concerned about whether I had the skills needed to make a meaningful contribution. However, those fears quickly dissipated as I immersed myself in the Community, and I soon realized that Karis wasn’t just about providing services—it was about building relationships.
I led the Healthy Relationships Group each week. This group centered around building meaningful connections, working on relational issues, and overall understanding how important all relationships are for success. This group allowed for great connection amongst the Community Members and for members to build an understanding of the importance of relationships with the self as well. The way that this group allowed me to grow as a clinician and to understand how impactful the group space can be. Community Members were vulnerable and able to connect on a deeper level because of the safe space of this group.
True healing comes from connection, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others.
The more time I spent at Karis, the more I understood the importance of creating a space where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered. I witnessed incredible transformations— Community Members who arrived feeling hopeless and isolated gradually began to regain their confidence and take steps toward independence. Being part of their journey was nothing short of inspiring, and it made me realize that this was the kind of work I wanted to dedicate my life to. I learned that true healing comes from connection, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others. This realization sparked a passion in me to continue this work and dedicate my future to it.
My time at Karis Community wasn’t just an internship—it was a transformative experience that shaped my career aspirations and personal growth. I took this internship with the hope of gaining experience, but I left with so much more: a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. I cannot thank everyone at Karis enough for everything they have given me, personally and professionally.
As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have been part of such a special community. Karis taught me that everyone deserves a chance to heal and thrive, and that with the right support, recovery is possible. I am proud to have been a part of this incredible organization, and I look forward to continuing my work in the mental health field, carrying the lessons I learned at Karis with me every step of the way.
Olivia Morrison, Former Community Coordinator/Intern