The Detroit times., 1911-01-24
DETROIT MAY GET
VOCATION BUREAU
Settlement Worker From Boston
Tells How Institution Is Con-
Quoted in Her City.

As the result OF an impromptu adj
dress delivered before the Baptist
Ministers conference in the Wood
ward-ave. Baptist church. Monday
m )rning. Detroit may get vocation
bureau, an institution much needed
in this city and elsewhere. according
to settlement workers. The prime OBJ
ject OF the bureau is TO investigate
boys and girls on their leaving school
to take up employment, TO see wheth-
err their quitting school Is necessary
and justified and TO talk with the pu-
pills on their future welfare.
Miss Esther Barrows, associate
head worker with Robert Woods In
connection with the famous South
End House settlement in Boston, now
visiting In Detroit, was present In the
conference as the guest OF the Rev.
Myron K. Adams, pastor OF the War
ren-ave. Baptist church, and one Of
the leaders in the playground and set
Element work OF Detroit, and 1t was
she who brought the bureau matter
before the ministers.
Mr.. Adams was scheduled to adj
OF the working girl" but he asked
to be excused, SO that 'iss Barrows
might tell about her settlement work.
She calmly and forcefully explained
me work of the South End House
and then, In general discussion
which followed her remarks, told OF
he establishing in Boston OF the voca-
ton bureau in connection with the
settlement work.
Our object in establishing the vo-
cation bureau 10 10 get in touch with
the boys and girls who are leaving
school," said Miss Barrows. I'VE feel
that there Is a great need for some
one TO investigate the school records
Of those who are quitting their studies,
ard also talk to them about their fu.
ture. Too much attention cannot be
given the boys and girls. particularly
those OF poor parents, on their leav-
ing school. No doubt much good can
he accomplished by talking to the
boys and girls and instructing them
as to the best course for them to pur-
sue"
Miss Barrows, in explaining the set
Element work proper. said that the
settl ,ment workers formed a sort or
bridge between those who needed help
and attention and those who were
willing TO extend the helping hand.
She related Ill incident which showed
the wisdom of investigation. Ii was
The case of a girl who called on a
Boston doctor for treatment for in
,somnia. Finding that his prescrip-
ton did no good. he investigated, TO
End that the girl who worked in a
factory. was sharing the middle of a
bed with two other girls. The doctor
had cot provided for the patient and
she Immediately began TO show inn
provement, Miss Barrows said. This
kind OF investigation was in line with
social service work, she pointed out.
She also sal that the Boston settle
ment worked, in cooperation with the
churches as much as possible.
hearty vote OF thanks was ex-
tended to Miss Barrows on motion OF
the Rev. w. l.. Riley, OF the Ferry
ave. Baptist church.
Milton Carmichael, secretary OF the
Detroit Convention bureau. appeared
before the conference and said he
would like to work with a committee
OF Baptist ministers In regard to
bringing the big Baptist convention TO
Detroit in 1913. A committee of three
was appointed TO confer with Mr..
Carmichael on the matter.