Intake Matters: Open Mind

By Intake and Resident Specialist Holly Gardner

I love the freshness of moving in a new family, especially the ones you can tell right off the bat are going to work with the staff here in good ways and meet their goals, or at least the majority of them.  I love the enthusiasm and appreciation that they share with me when they get my call letting them know we have a space for them and what their move in day will be.  This is a glow I carry around for hours, sometimes days and helps to remind me to keep an open mind with each new family.  That is the least I can give them.

There are families that seem to run for weeks on that energy.  Yes, they have their setbacks, ups and downs, but they get back on the horse and get their stride.  How do I know these families will have the energy it takes, the right attitude to make it successfully through the program and in to their own housing?  I don’t know, and I can get surprised, but one thing they seem to share in common are manners.  These are the families that tell me thank you, usually over and over again and want to know how to thank others like our apartment prep ladies.  They monitor their kids closely in the lobby and remind them of their manners. They smile more and make eye contact.  They ask me how my day is going. 

  

Yes, I love move in days and all the potential it brings, like the autumn air there is change, there is potential for growth.  All I have to do is keep an open mind and cheer them on because the families that are going to hit the ground running and make the most out of this program deserve that much from me.  

Gertting Past Their Breaking Point

Jeannine Short, our Director of Programs, shared a story of promise for a new family making a home at Community LINC:

The Holman family came to Community LINC in April 2009. Originally from Indiana, the family moved to Kansas City after losing their jobs and eventually their home. Like so many others in their situation, the Holman’s doubled-up with relatives and began the daunting task of finding employment and regaining stability.

Discouraged by repeated rejection from potential employers and disheartened by growing tensions within the crowded household, Mr. Holman made the decision to move to Arizona in pursuit of an employment opportunity. Leaving his family behind in hopes of creating a better future for them, he was once again met with disappointment. At their breaking point, the family heard about Community LINC. When informed that they had been accepted into the program, Mr. Holman broke into tears exclaiming how happy he was to be given the opportunity to provide stability for his family.

Today, the Holmans are gainfully employed and working hard to address and remove their barriers to housing. Not only are they actively engaged in the Tuesday and Thursday night programming, but they also offer their time to help around the community on their days off. In addition, they are very positive role models and take advantage of every opportunity to perpetuate a sense of community.

It’s been tough along the way, but the Holmans are well on their way to a very bright and stable future!

-Laura Gray