Why I do what I do – Mindy Downs, Case Manager

During this current crisis, 100 percent of my clients have asked about me and my family, wanting me to be safe, not certain “what they would do if something happened to me.” Clients have purchased masks and gloves for me, insisting that I be safe, no matter what. My people cry when I bring them a box of food, and they have NEVER asked or demanded I do so; they do not want me to be unsafe.

When I meet with them via phone meetings or walk-and-talks, they are able to tell me in implicit detail what precautions are to be taken and they are very observant of these precautions as “they want to keep me safe.” My clients are demonstrating self-efficacy in areas they have never demonstrated self-efficacy before. Several of my clients have talked about “how selfish and self-focused they were and now the world is so much larger and scarier.” I have repeatedly been appreciated for caring enough to call them regularly, even on weekends, which has them outreaching me in tears with their fear of the unknown and what is happening in the world. These are some of the reasons I do this job.

I miss the day-to-day camaraderie with my team but know the team is there somewhere and that we are still being led by Sara our “fearless leader.” I also know we are still being led by the fearless Executive Team, who is doing all they can do to support the warriors in the field, doing their best to educate us and keep everyone safe.