Caileigh Pattisall

Caileigh Pattisall is a Good Shepherd Volunteer serving at the Rose and Blum Close to Home Residences in New York City. She recently graduated from James Madison University with a degree in social justice and communication. Caileigh has a passion for juvenile justice reform, community police policy and restorative justice initiatives.

By this Author

On the last day of our silent retreat at Collier High School in Wickatunk, New Jersey, we ate breakfast together and spoke with the sisters.

As my year of service comes to a close, one last community check-in

Notes from the Field - I feel overwhelming gratitude for this year with Good Shepherd Volunteers and for the people I've met who have inspired me. I'm also nervous for what comes next, but with that comes excitement.

In June 2021, we flew out to Portland to meet my half-brother, Ollie, and his family. We spent a week with them, exploring all over Portland. We went to a beautiful waterfall on this day and took our first family photo. (Courtesy of Caileigh Pattisall)

After a loss and a gift, I am rebuilding my trust in God

Notes from the Field - I can't come to realize God's intentionalities behind what has happened in my life, but I am rebuilding my trust in a plan someone greater has for me, all the while believing that I have the strength to heal and move forward in my life

In every restorative justice training with the New York Peace Institute, they set this up in the center of our circle. (Courtesy of Caileigh Pattisall)

My year of service has shown me the many facets of social justice work

Notes from the Field - There's something to be said for learning about the work directly from the people who have been here doing it. It's only right to bear witness to the issues and people you strive to advocate for.

In one art therapy group, we explored painting with watercolor. I wanted the boys to explore landscapes and visualize where they feel calm. (Caileigh Pattisall)

Making bracelets with the boys was my first breakthrough to relationship

Notes from the Field - My first breakthrough with the boys at Barbara Blum Residence, getting them to make bracelets with me, meant a lot. It was the first real start of establishing a relationship with each one of them.

During our last retreat, we spent the final day making a collage that brought us back to our social justice story. It felt good to reflect why I'm here doing this work and set aside intentions for the remainder of the year. (Caileigh Pattisall)

Thinking existentially at the 'gates of Hope'

Notes from the Field - What do I want to do and who do I want to be after my year with Good Shepherd Volunteers ends? I've started to zoom out and look at it through a bigger lens.

Going through the Missouri Youth Services Institute training had me thinking about my own new community this year. This was the very first photo my Good Shepherd Volunteer community took together.

The importance of meaningful relationships and empathy

Notes from the Field - Learning more about the Good Shepherd Services youth residences made me appreciate everyone who works here even more, as they model behavior and create a culture where these kids can be better.

This poster outside the Barbara Blum Residence, the Good Shepherd Services' home for boys, was a project of a group at the house and a reminder that they are all in this together. (Caileigh Pattisall)

The unexpected guides me to a whole new social justice mission

Working at the Barbara Blum Residence in New York City requires building trust with boys whose lives are very different from those of a white girl from Virginia.

I have a fond memory of walking over the Brooklyn Bridge after work one day. A very nice stranger from Israel asked if I wanted a picture, and we became friends. (Sagi Avni)

Seeking simplicity, in New York of all places

Notes from the Field - A long commute in an expensive city offers time to confront consumerism. Keep it simple, like a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge.

All the Good Shepherd Volunteers received sweatshirts at our holiday party. From left: Moe Berry, Gabby Kasper, Maria Jose Miranda, Mackenzie Moore, Erin Hood, Theresa Vaske and Caileigh Pattisall. (Courtesy of Michelle DeMello)

Finding community outside our comfort zones

Notes from the Field - New people may be better equipped to support us in the "now," no matter how uncomfortable those experiences might be.

One of the philosophies behind a program we use at the Rose and Blum Close to Home Residences in New York City is SELF, which stands for Safety, Emotions, Loss and Future. Each category is important for problem-solving as youth work toward trauma recovery

'I got you': Three little words pack a powerful punch, if you mean them

Notes from the Field - Young offenders in a therapy program give powerful support to each other at Good Shepherd Services' Rose and Blum Close to Home Residences, focusing on trauma-informed care for kids.