Mission to Serve

by Amy Kirkland

Each day we are on a special mission to serve people. 

Our Purpose, Vision, Tenant, and Values are at the forefront of each day. 

With my role primarily serving guests with their mail check, I tend to zero in and make it my mission to live out our Values Statement “We believe in meeting people where they are with patience and humility, and treating each person with respect and dignity.” Many days this can be very difficult because someone needs something, and it simply has not been delivered, and in some cases, I see that it is never delivered. It is difficult because there is often little I can do except try to be patient, listen, and treat them with kindness if they can receive it. I am a person that is generally gifted at remembering either a person’s name or face. Remembering a person’s name or face often helps our guests feel seen. In addition, it offers a sense of respect and dignity for them. I enjoy engaging guests about what they might be looking for if they frequently come and seem to be seeking something in particular. I can often learn through conversation that the guest was expecting a food stamp card, and as we engage, I realize we may have a few more steps to complete for various reasons. They may need to request the card if they previously had one, or an interview with DCFS might be necessary. When our guests come in, they often have a lot on their minds, which may lead to missing steps in a process. By making it my daily mission to live out the values statement, I can often help get someone back on track and in the right direction.