Hull House was located in one of the worst neighborhoods in the Chicago slums. Tenements were filthy with buildings crumbling around the community. Garbage was piled high , a breeding ground for disease and fumes. Running water was often limited to faucets in the backyards. These were the conditions endured by poor
immigrant families that came to America in search of a hopeful future in the turn of the 19th century.
Jane Addams founded and lived in Hull House for nearly 40 years. She was a pioneer in social work and was able to base her programs on the needs of the Community because she was a member of the community. She did not work for the people but with the people. She developed programs for infant care, kindergarten, youth clubs, workers groups, classes in citizenship and reading. All the programs were aimed at self respect and self reliance. And being poor did not mean you were not entitled to enriching class in the arts and music! Jane made sure of that.
Her work gained national attention and recognition. She campaigned for peace, reform of child labor laws, woman's rights and the protection of civil liberties. Above all she accepted people with diverse views and never lost sight of her place in this unique community. She did not view herself as a director but as a resident whose work it was to organize with the community, not for the community. The success of Hull House encouraged replication of the program to varying degrees. No one would encounter Jane Addams success however, unless they too could become a true member of the targeted community.
The respect given by Jane Addams to all people can be explored in the
Lady in the Box
and
Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen
. Poverty is dealt with great sensitivity and honesty. It is essential the very young children be given clear messages that poverty does not translate into pity.
The Lady in the Box
: Ben and his sister meet Dorrie. She is homeless and lives over a particular grate near the deli. It is a warm spot and she considers it her home. When the deli owner tries to evict Dorrie from her location the kids finally share the dilemma with their Mother. She advocates for Dorrie to retain her home in spite of the deli owners resistance. This book deals with the issue of poverty and homelessness with sensitivity and respect. As with Ms. Addams, these characters work with Dorrie, not for Dorrie.
Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen
: Children are ushered into the world of soup kitchens with warmth, dispelling many myths that are attached to the individuals that use them. The diversity of the population allows students to grow in their understanding of poverty.
You are now ready to introduce Jane Addams to your class. She will help the children explore their fears and myths of those living in poverty. She too has a repetitive phrase embedded into the storytelling: I just never knew. The phrase is to be chanted by the students each time 'Jane' raises her hands above her shoulders. Add her costume to Cesar's. The students will now have two voices to assist them as they solve problems each week. It is very important for young children to have many opportunities to explore similar experiences solving problems over and over again. This is how they make sense of the world around them and form social competencies.
I Just Never Knew
a storytelling by
Mary Stewart Bargar
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I traveled all over the world. I could fly to any country, eat in any restaurant any time I wanted. I never knew that many, if not most of the people in the world could not go to exciting events like the theater or concerts. I JUST NEVER KNEW!
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I just never knew that many people were not equal or free to do as they wished. I visited a settlement house when I was traveling in England. Here people were given the opportunity to enjoy books, plays, art , what ever interested them. The classes were organized by those who lived in the settlement house. The residents of the settlement house had talents in these areas and wanted to share them with the community. I JUST NEVER KNEW ! and what a great idea.
I decided right then and there that I would found a settlement house in Chicago. But I needed help. I called my good friend Ellen Starr and she offered her time. We chose a part of Chicago that didn't have chances for people to socialize. Most of the families worked all day for little money and were very tired. Even the children worked. I JUST NEVER KNEW!
We opened Hull House and it was never empty. We ran a nursery, kindergarten, art classes and book readings. When the community was in need we responded. WE JUST NEVER KNEW how wonderful it could be when we were all equal and free to enjoy our lives.
