This month, we’re celebrating Kelly’s 20th anniversary as a Resident Assistant at Plaza Place, a milestone that reflects her unwavering dedication to the families CFH serves. Her commitment to this work actually stretches back even further — more than 30 years — to when she was a college student at the University of Illinois who biked across campus to volunteer at a women’s shelter.
Two decades later, Kelly remains one of the first familiar faces a family sees when they walk through our doors. We sat down with her to reflect on the journey.
When you think back 20 years ago, starting at CFH, what do you remember about why you chose this work, and how has that “why” evolved over the years?
I actually started this work more like 30+ years ago (20 with CFH). When I was in college at the University of Illinois I was looking for somewhere to volunteer. Center for Women in Transition (now Courage Connection) was a place I biked to off campus. I think my impetus was coming from a family that made it their career to help others (my dad was in law enforcement) and secondly-I did it out of fear. I moved away from home at 19 to attend college and was afraid of what would happen if I couldn’t make it on my own. I now know that homelessness is much more than ‘not making it on my own’ while still being in college but that was my reference point!
Can you share a memory of your time at CFH that has stayed with you or that you find particularly meaningful?
When we had Elizabeth House and first opened, I remember the families hearing the doorbell and saying that it felt like home to them.
I also remember being part of holiday celebrations where the families made their food that I had didn’t have growing up. I’ve learned to have an appreciation for greens!
As an RA, you’re often one of the first familiar faces a family sees during their time at CFH. What does that relationship mean to you or what do you find most rewarding about the relational aspect of the job?
I think just being that light-whether it’s a smile or a kind greeting that can make someone’s day. Everyone that walks through our doors has value and I believe in all of the families to make it through the program. If that’s what I can contribute to their day then I’ve helped play a small part in their success.
Is there anything you wish more people understood about your work at CFH or the families you support?
That systems inequalities play a role in those experiencing homelessness. It is not solely (or even at all) the negative stereotypes such as lack of individual effort that contribute. It is usually a complex challenge driven by a combination of factors (i.e. lack of affordable housing for example). With the models (empowerment, trauma-informed) that CFH uses to approach the causes we work to move people to stability!
