Lessons from a Summer at the Ashrei Photo ID Clinic
At Ashrei, we believe that every ID we help someone obtain is more than a card—it’s a key that unlocks opportunity. This summer, we were fortunate to have Miriam Steinberg join us as an intern at the North City Photo ID Clinic. Below, she shares her reflections on what she learned during her time with us.
This summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to intern with the Ashrei Foundation and serve at the North City Photo ID Clinic. When I walked through the door on my first day, I had no idea what to expect. Would I know enough to be helpful? Would I be able to connect with our guests—or even with the other volunteers?
It didn’t take long for those worries to fade. From the moment I arrived, everyone was eager to help and quick to welcome me in. Connecting with the guests came more naturally than I ever imagined.
Many of the days were challenging, and the stories I heard were often even harder—especially in the aftermath of the devastating tornado that had upended so many lives. But what surprised me most was the deep kindness and resilience of the people I met. Guests who had lost so much still showed extraordinary care for one another.
Each encounter offered a lesson in how to be a better version of myself. I think of the woman who patiently guided her sister through every step of the process, the man willing to drive two states away to retrieve his friend’s birth certificate, and the young man determined to get his ID so he could secure a job and improve his situation. Their love, friendship, and determination continue to inspire me.
Though my internship has come to an end, the people I met and the stories they shared will stay with me. They have shown me what it means to grow and move forward—values at the heart of Ashrei’s mission. As I move into the next chapters of my life, I will carry these lessons with me, striving to embody the resilience, compassion, and hope I witnessed every day at the Photo ID Clinic.
We are so grateful to Miriam for her service, reflection, and heart this summer. Her words remind us why our work matters and how much we learn from the guests we serve. If Miriam’s story inspires you, we invite you to get involved—whether by volunteering, supporting the Photo ID Clinic, or sharing our mission with others. Together, we can keep growing and moving forward.
