Heading Home Corps gives me the opportunity to pursue my passion

Editor’s Note: This blog was written by Tiesha, a Housing Resource Navigator in the 2022-2023 service term.

I love to help others. I wanted to pursue a career in social work/case management and was able to find my training and start through AmeriCorps Heading Home Corps. It allowed me to gain practice working with clients from all walks of life. It couldn’t have been any more perfect. 

When I finished my first service term in summer 2022, I wanted to return to serve again in order to gain even more experience working to assist clients. 

Heading Home Corps has given me the opportunity and experience to learn skills that I will need in my future career.  

Now wrapping up my second term, I am grateful for the experience I have gained by being an AmeriCorps member. On top of that I continue to search out new opportunities to learn more and help people with different backgrounds and needs. The education award has played a magnificent role in that. I am what you would call a “lifelong learner.” 

My service with Heading Home Corps has helped provide the tools I will need moving forward to launch a career in social work/case management like I have always wanted to do. I have been advised many times by different staff members throughout my term including an employer I met on a tour site helping a client get moved into an apartment I found for him that I would make a great case manager. 

I am passionate and love what I do because I get to not only help others overcome barriers and obstacles in their life, but I also get to continue to learn and grow as a person through my journey helping others. Clients are so grateful for even the smallest act of kindness when being assisted. It allows the client to feel cared for and heard during those difficult and challenging seasons in their life. Sometimes the biggest need that most people want during tough times is simply a listening non-judgmental ear, genuine support and someone who understands. Every day, just seeing people’s lives get a little easier from the weight of the world and being able to put a smile on someone’s face brightens my day and is the heart of why I serve. I want people to see light at the end of a dark tunnel.