Corina is a Case Manager at Front Steps who has a long history in helping her community wherever she is. Learn more about how she arrived to Austin, her favorite hobbies and how her childhood affected who she is today.
Q&A Interview:
- Can you share a little about yourself and your professional background?
I have worked with folks who are less fortunate, overlooked, stereotyped or physically challenged for the majority of my career. Working for the ARCH of Alameda County I coached highly developmental individuals on their job to help them gain skills/independence through employment at various job sites. I ran the after- school program at Dewey Academy as the culinary instructor for at risk kids or even at the girls group home while I put myself through college. Culinary Instructor for the CHEFS Program (Conquering Homelessness through Employment in Food Service) helping our less fortunate community members learn a skill, obtain gainful employment and housing.
- What drew you to this kind of work, and how did you get started in the field of social services?
My Grandmother was an Evangelist and I grew up watching her feed the hungry in our community, visiting the sick after church and learned how to lead with kindness. I learned that your first mind is the Lord if you feel to give, you should give.
- What inspired you to join Front Steps and take on your role as a case manager?
I previously worked as a Rapid Rehousing Program Manager. However, I never forgot where I came from. I know that I picked up my life in California to move here and was very certain that I wanted to do the same work. My desire coming here was to learn the resources, people served and the community before taking on any other role such as management. I wanted to make sure I could be a resource as well to the clients as well as any staff. I’m still learning. Also, I’ve never worked solely with Veterans. My Father was Marine so that inspired me tremendously to take the job.
- How have your personal and professional experiences shaped your approach to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness?
My personal experience is how can I not be available to help someone and someone has helped me. I have been displaced myself and experienced financial insecurity and many other barriers and I understand the struggle. Hustle pays off, determination pays off, hard work pays off, positive mindset/tunnel vision pays off and no one can tell me different. I encourage clients to focus in on what they really want and work towards it.
- Outside of work, what are some hobbies, interests, or activities you enjoy?
I like to make homemade ice cream, bake, walk, listen to music and hang out with my close friends. Oh, and be a complete goof ball!
Your “Why”
- What motivates you to continue doing this work, even on challenging days?
I wouldn’t want anyone to throw the towel in on my family member/ friend or even myself if I was receiving case management services.
Impact & Mission
- How do you define success in your role?
Being the same person every encounter no change in the service or personality. Building the rapport; when folks start opening up to you about their past and current experiences it gives you a better idea of where they are coming from and what barriers they are facing. In turn you can provide more personalized service that fits their needs.
- What do you wish more people understood about the realities of housing instability or homelessness in Austin?
I don’t know much about Austin but I do know about homelessness. STUFF! happens don’t judge be helpful there are folks who choose to be homeless and folks who did not based on other circumstances mental health, domestic violence, low income, grief, job loss and addictions of all kinds. No one is perfect and everyone has a past.
Looking Forward
- Is there a particular skill or area of expertise you’re eager to grow in while working here?
I just want to learn about the community, folks in the community and the resources available to help folks in need.
- What message or piece of advice would you like to share with our community or the neighbors we serve?
Listen and intentionally lead with kindness.
- Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers that they don’t already know about you?
I was a part of the Rapid Rehousing Pilot Program that started with the CHEFS Program. The program showed success and became permanent and 5 years later I ended up running the program.