People – Passion – Professionalism: Staff experiences during the pandemic

Xymena Gallegos-Mohr, Case Manager, Homeless Prevention Services

What do you like best about your job?

Serving as a link to assistance for the Latino community is the best part of my job. It is gratifying to help people who do not have knowledge or whose resources are limited understand the support available to them. Helping others makes me appreciate what I have and not take it for granted. CSA is a refuge for many and a critical resource for the community.

Was there a seminal moment/incident during this past year when you realized just how much the pandemic is/was impacting your clients and/or workload?  

In these difficult times, people not only need rental assistance, but also someone who can listen to them and feel empathy. One experience that impacted me was when a client shared that a relative had serious mental health issues caused by the pandemic, and that he had another family member who was going through a similar crisis. I gave him resources on communication and informed him of available therapies for his family. Because of his background, it was hard for him to ask for help and I’m so glad he did.

Anything else that you would like people reading this to know?

Be grateful for the small things and mercy will find you. Every day is a new opportunity.