I worked as a Chef in industrial kitchens for thirteen years before starting a daycare in my home which I managed my own staff for seven years. while working with older teens at the Boys and girls club of Kalamazoo I realized I could be of more hel in the youth foster- care system. I raised 16 foster daughters and continue to be a part of their lives. working with struggling young people landed me a position with our local public Mental health system which I currently still work to support and improving systems that effect our community. I have lived in Edison neighborhood for 27 years where I have volunteered and worked to help make a healthier and safe place to raise children and families. . I am dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. I have solid relationships with community residents and agency partners who also work to provide safety and support to Kalamazoo County and intend to utilize a team mentality to accomplish agency goals.
I have maintained a Garden and shared my growing experience with young people from the the first property I purchased at 25 years old.
I completed the Urban Garden certificate class at Kalamazoo Valley community College and started a urban Garden at my current home.
During the education experience at Kalamazoo Valley College I have expanded my growing knowledge in Hydroponic and aeroponics gardening .
Assist ISK through outreach in establishing formal and informal connections to communities of at risk populations.
Assist ISK and provider Networks in workforce development and recruitment efforts through referrals to better meet the needs of at risk and underserved populations.
Support ISK cultural competency initiatives and participate on related committees.
Collaborates with Management to modify existing or identify new strategies to enhance services in order to meet the needs of at risk populations.
provide warm transfers to mental health services programs and providers to underserved or at risk populations that may lack the will to access.
provide community trainings to Community agencies and residence on Mental health Awareness including Mental health 101, Mental Health first Aid, mental wellness strategies including nutritional health utilization for wellness and and community involvement for relationship building and support.
Work with Evaluation team's to determine outcome efforts within the system of care. this includes consumers centered by Families and friends, courts, schools, provider agencies, hospitals and anyone else the family chooses as a positive support.