Just because Thanksgiving is over doesn’t mean we’re done being thankful for our members and all that they do! This month we are spotlighting the winners of this year’s Broadcast Your Love contest. This year’s contest was one of the best with amazing submissions, finalists and winners. We are so thankful for the staff members at Advocates, Inc. for putting together the winning submission.
The vision and execution was carried out by the Advocates peer specialist team; program staff; and Nicole St. Amand, marketing communications manager.
Here’s what they had to say about their Broadcast Your Love submission and working in human services:
What was your vision for the Broadcast Your Love photo and what was your favorite part about creating it: At Advocates, we knew we wanted to broadcast our love for human services in a special way this year. Our Peer Specialist Team visits many of our programs in a given week. They captured several photos to include as many people from the diverse community at Advocates as possible. Next, our marketing communications manager, Nicole, brought her vision of a colorful and creative graphic to life, by including words or phrases that our program staff used to describe why they love working in human services. We were excited with the end result and happy with the huge team effort.
Best professional memory:
Every day is a memory. Several staff at Advocates share why they love working in human services:
“We love helping the people we serve and are inspired when we see individuals move to new levels of well-being.”
“The little ways that I can make a difference each day and help the people I support get through difficulties are what inspire me and why I love working in human services.”
“I see it as a privilege to serve a community like this. As much as I serve them, they also give to me back most of all.”
“I appreciate and cherish the opportunity to give emotional support and share my personal story and experiences with the people who I support. I am also grateful for a chance to learn from my own experiences while also learning from the experiences of the people we support. I have learned so much from (them). It has been and still is amazing work being a Peer Specialist.”
“I’m grateful to work for an organization that is truly mission-driven and puts the individuals we serve first.”
What are some innovative and effective ways your organization has addressed issues or designed programs/systems? (Question from Amali De Zoysa at Pine Street Inn): Most recently, we opened a 24/7 peer-staffed program, The Living Room, where any adult experiencing a mental health crisis can drop-in to connect with a peer specialist. The Living Room is an alternative to emergency department visits and hospitalization, and allows an experience that is entirely voluntary, and focuses on respect, mutuality and trust.
Question for the next member spotlight honoree: What contributed to your decision to work in human services?
P.S. If you know someone who inspires clients and embodies the spirit of The Caring Force, please nominate them on our website or email Christine Batista at christine@providers.org for more information about our Spotlight program.
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