This week in field I got to meet with some consumers in person, answer phones, and do follow up surveys. The experience that sticks out to me took place on Monday, when I was meeting people directly.
This case dealt with a woman who had all of the paperwork she needed and was ready for us to do our part in helping her financially. Through my dialogue with her I learned that we had already assisted her in getting to the point of sustaining her housing by suggesting she call legal aid. We encourage consumers to make goals such as finding/holding on to work, developing positive relationships with landlords, etc. She's also seeking grief counseling on her own initiative. As I was working with her in signing the remaining forms, I mentioned to her that I may be going about it more slowly because I want to make sure that everything is taken care of. She was so kind and said, "all I know is that a really nice lady in gray helped me". (I was wearing a gray sweater).
It continues to amaze me how positive people can be when they are facing crises. Many of the people I see at my internship are like this, and there is also a good portion of people who are more negative in their interactions and response to the trials they face. I know where my strength and encouragement comes from, and sometimes I wonder if I should "wonder" more with people about their values.
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