Poverty Reflection
SW1050 - Introduction to Social Work
University of Cincinnati
What is poverty? “Poverty is a social problem that affects individuals, families, and
communities (Strier, R., Nouman, H., & Kantarovich, N., 2022, Introduction section, para. 1).
To say I never experienced poverty growing up would be a lie. Long story short, I was in foster
care from 8 years old till I graduated high school. From five -seven years old I took care of my
younger siblings. I would go to our neighbor’s house and ask for food for us and or clothes for
us. Starting the seven-day poverty immersive simulation and reading Land’s Maid: Hard Work,
LowPay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive I could not help but think back to those times. “Unless
you have experienced poverty at any point in your life, you cannot truly fathom its impact”
(Howe, 2025, para. 2).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
“Being poor, living in poverty, seems a lot like probation---the crime being a lack of means to
survive” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 10). Having a $8.00 budget for seven days was not an easy task
but I completed the assignment. Unlike Stephanie I did not spend more than my $8.00 budget.
When Stephanie said, “I don’t have money to pay” (Land, 2019, Ch. 1 p. 13) she expected for
her mom to pay. While I cannot fault Stephanie for going to lunch, she should have
communicated with her mom and William to get understanding who was paying for what. Then
she could have made the decision to go or not to go. Knowing Stephanies situation her mom
should have offered to pay her lunch, with no stipulation. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends
to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done” (New International Bible,
1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
Stephanie had met Jamie and got pregnant. “She was struggling on whether to stay living with
Jamie or fulfill her dreams to move and becoming a writer” (Land, 2019, Ch. 2 p. 15).
“Delaying the person, she expected herself to be. All the mental health issues that my daughter
has had happened in the past month, I struggled with making the decision to stay in school and
continue my education or having to withdraw because I was getting to far behind. “I really do
notknow. But I feel like I should be sure. I do not know anything anymore” (Land, 2019, Ch.
2 p. 15). After the call with her dad, “Stephanie started speaking differently to herself, and not
listening to the thoughts in her head. Whereas I went to prayer asking God for guidance. That
is when I said I can do this and reached out to the professors to let them know my situation.
Both professors then gave me extensions to get my assignments turned in.
Stephanie left an abusive situation and moved into transitional housing to start a new life with
her daughter. She did everything she could so Mia, her daughter, could have the best life
possible. Stephanie still doubted her motherhood skills, “Despite getting lost in my head, I
obsessed over whether or not I was a good mother” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). With everything
going on with my daughter, I can relate with Stephanie and her feelings. I just want to continue
to make the right decisions and to get her the best help possible. And yet, there are those days
I feel like a failure because there is little progress made with her mental health, or the doctors
do not seem to listen to my concerns. When Stephanie went to court for custody of my, she said
“I found an almost primal strength” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 17). I resonate with that statement
because I find my strength in God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal
gloryin Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, 1 Peter 5:10).
Even though Stephanie had so much gone in her life she still “wished she had the courageto
speak up for herself, to speak up for millions of others who were struggling through the same
or similar hardships” (Land, 2019, Ch. 11 p. 48). I am not going through what Stephanie went
through in our readings but I too wish I could have my social work degree so I can help
adolescents with mental health. Mental health is personal and close to my heart, my daughter
suffers from mental health, and I lost my brother to mental health in 2018. “Mental health is an
important part of overall health for children and adolescents. Many adults with mental disorders
had symptoms that did not get recognized or addressed in childhood or adolescence” (National
Institute of Mental Health, 2024, Digital Shareables on Child and Adolescent Mental Health).
As Stephanie was recovering from her car accident, she was worried about her life stresses.
Through all the worry, she still took care of Mia. “As a single parent, we work, we love,we do.
And the stress of it all, the exhaustion, leaves us hollowed” (Land, 2019, Ch. 20 p. 79). Not to
take away from single parents, but as a parent, regardless of how tired, overwhelmed and
emotionally drained as I was last week during the poverty immersive simulation, I still drove
45 minutes one way to visit my daughter every day. “Mental health issues weave itself through
all aspects of our lives including parenting” (Office of the Surgeon General, 2025, Mental
Health Reports and Publications, para. 1).
During the simulation experience, I did not mention that the company I was working for laid
me off in February. During that time, I did have moments of self-doubt, but that did not last
long. I went to prayer asking for strength, understanding and wisdom. “I needed my job to have
purpose, meaning, or at least feel like I’d helped someone” (Land, 2019, Ch. 23 p. 91). Few
weeks later, my daughter had her first mental health episode. Her mental health has been the
worst this last month, and last week not being able to eat and get full, my body was weak, and
I ached from head to toe. I just wanted to give up, but that is not in me. I reminded myself why
I am in school. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up” (New International Bible, 1978/2011, Proverbs 19:17).
“Many of my decisions came from an assumption that things would, eventually, start to
improve” (Land, 2019, Ch. 25 p. 95). As things started to improve for Stephanie and Mia, they
also started to improve for me. My daughter has started her mental health recovery, and I am
going to school to gain a degree for something that I have always dreamed of doing. Helping
others that are struggling to help themselves. “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we
can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
conclusion, there were multiple social welfare systems discussed in the Land’s Maid text,
“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p. 18), and
“LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)” (Land, 2019, Ch. 5 p. 24), are just
a 6couple. I am going to focus on SNAP for this assignment. “To get SNAP benefits, you must
apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including
resource and income limits” (U.S. department of Agriculture, 2025, Am I eligible for SNAP).
One strength of the SNAP system is it reaches those who are in the most need (Gundersen C.
2022, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program section, para. 3). As Stephanie was in need
and applied. “She was grateful to be able to provide food for her family” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3 p.
18). Another strength is “SNAP allows recipients to use their benefits in more than 260,000
stores.” A third strength it is an “entitlement program at the individual level, which means
though the average length of time on snap is less than one year with minor exceptions some
stay on much longer periods.”Moving to weaknesses in the SNAP system. One of the
weaknesses is the “enrollment process” (Gundersen C. 2022, Opportunities for and Threats to
SNAP section, para. 2). Another weakness would be SNAP recipients do not always get enough
funds to provide for the month. Stephanie, in the Land text, “has to stretch the SNAP to make
it through the month” (Land, 2019,Ch. 3 p. 18). A third weakness of the SNAP system would
be how society views recipients of theprogram. “The assumption that most people on the
program are stealing the working American’s tax money to buy junk food” (Land, 2019, Ch. 3
p. 18). Healthy food is expensive to buy, so imagine having to stretch your money for food for
a whole month. Buying healthy would not seem like a choice. “The righteous care about justice
for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” (New International Bible, 1978/2011,
Proverbs 29:7).
