Tell us about yourself.
My name is Kendall. I am a Johnstown native – I have left and moved back. I love the mountains and outdoors. I have a degree in Human Service, Psychology, and I’m working on a degree in Behavioral Health. I also have a Chemical Dependency certificate. One day, I’d like to run my own transitional housing unit for single fathers.
What drew you to the CHW position in the first place? Do you have any past experiences that have helped and/or prepared you for this role?
What really drew me into CHW work is that I like helping people hands on. I like knowing that I helped relieve some of the stress and headaches that life can bring. I would find myself being told often that this isn’t how we normally do stuff here or I’d hear the previous individual helping would just give them the information; However, I have found that if you take an invested role, they, too, get more invested in themselves.
What are some specific examples of things you’ve been able to accomplish with your participants so far?
So far working with clients I’ve done things like color and style a woman’s hair, helped get kids signed up for school, helped with a bookbag giveaway, helped sign up children for after school programs, get scholarships for the Greater Johnstown Community YMCA. I really liked walking with the participants during a fundraiser event in Roxbury Park.
What is the most challenging/difficult part of being a CHW so far?
The most challenging and difficult part is waiting for clients. My anxiety is getting the better of me while waiting. Yes, I know it’s just the referral process; however, sometimes my thoughts creep in that have me all over the place.
I look forward to getting to know everyone and hopefully learn new things about myself.