ABSTRACT
Emily faced a diffi cult situation while completing the community service requirement for her introductory social work course at Oasis House, a shelter for persons who are homeless. She was in the recreation room of the shelter talking with one of the residents, Lorinda, a single mother with two young children. Emily had talked with Lorinda on several previous occasions and felt a special bond with her. Lorinda and Emily were the same age and had many similar interests. They had both been on their high school track teams and had competed in the same events. During one conversation, Lorinda asked Emily for money. Lorinda told Emily that she needed the money to help her boyfriend get bus money to get back home. He had gone to another city to look for work so he could earn money and send for Lorinda and the children. He had not found a job and had no money for the trip back. Lorinda assured Emily that she would repay the money as soon as she and her boyfriend had jobs.
