I enjoy working with vulnerable populations because the goal is simple—to create a happier, healthier community for us all. My work often means connecting people with the right resources or referrals so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their families. When there are gaps in services or people don’t know what’s available, we all lose the ability to make informed choices. Awareness and access are everything. I often think of the Mr. Rogers sentiment, “Look for the helpers… you will always find people who are helping.” I’m lucky to work in an environment where everyone shows up every single day to make sure our community is served. While we may sometimes see the worst of the worst, we also get to witness the best of the best—people who have a heart for servitude and are here to change lives for the better.

At the most basic level, I want to raise awareness of the challenges our friends and neighbors face every day. You can’t help if you don’t know. I don’t believe our community lacks compassion, most people just haven’t seen the realities up close. Once you understand, you can’t unsee it, and most people want to be part of the solution.