“We’re not just pointing someone in the right direction of the appropriate resource, we’re checking in with them if they need someone to call with them or help them complete application forms,” shares Carolina.
Carolina is MSC’s Community Access Coordinator. MSC created this role in April of 2021 to help people access and navigate services at MSC and throughout the community. During the last year, Carolina was able to directly assist 326 individuals with requests for energy assistance, rent assistance, shelter, COVID19 vaccine information, legal resources, and tenants’ rights and education.
People can have difficulty accessing the services they need for a variety of reasons. It may be difficult for someone to gather all the documentation needed to obtain assistance. Sometimes people are not aware of the help available or are overwhelmed by the different options and how to access each of them. There may be a language barrier or a lack of trust due to past experiences or mental health issues. And sometimes, it is systemic racism that has historically created barriers. Over 67% of the individuals assisted by Carolina last year identified as Black, Latinx, or a person of color.
Each person Carolina has worked with over the last year has come with unique needs. For some, it is as simple as helping them connect with the right services and guide them through the process. For others, it is a deeper relationship as they may need ongoing support and a trusted ally they can rely on.
“I’m building an authentic relationship with our clients and am someone they can turn to for anything,” shares Carolina. “Sometimes people just need someone to talk to. I am also familiar with how the system works and can help relieve some of the anxiety people feel when accessing services. Sometimes it can take a while for help to come through. I can share with them what is normal and what to expect.”
“I’ve been helping people navigate resources all my life,” shares Carolina. “I am familiar with all the ins and outs of the system.”
At the age of six, Carolina moved to the United States from Mexico with her family. “I am the youngest of four children and my siblings are all quite a bit older than me. Likely due to my young age, my brain was like a sponge and picked up things much more quickly than anyone else in my immediate family.” Carolina became an interpreter and resource navigator for her parents and her siblings, and honed her advocacy skills throughout her youth.
“I spoke up and said what my family and I needed,” she shares. “I remember when I was in eighth grade there was an opportunity to sign up for a College Bound Scholarship. I didn’t really understand or know much about it but I thought to myself, I may need this someday, so I filled out all the paperwork on my own and brought it home for my parents to sign. When I was nearing the end of high school, I was wondering how I was going to pay for college. I met with my guidance counselor and the financial aid office and then I realized I had signed up for this program. I was eligible to receive grants and scholarships that got me through college completely debt-free.”
Being this resource and advocate for her family instilled a deep desire in Carolina to help others as well as to be a leader in inspiring others to do so as well.
“Being able to help people brings me satisfaction and joy that is hard to describe, and this role at MSC gives me the tools and support to do that,” says Carolina, “The best part of it all is that I get to work with a great team that has that same interest and inspiration.”
