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Kim Self has been our Emergency Maternity Shelter (EMS) Program Director since it opened four years ago.
The purpose of Kim’s position is to oversee the daily operations of EMS, making sure that the program runs smoothly. She helps moms change their behavior by showing them love. Kim makes sure to give moms plenty of warm hugs and lets our residents know that they are deeply cared for. Each day Kim checks in with her staff in order to discuss what needs to be prioritized for the benefit of the moms. Kim says she has positive conversations with each mom to encourage them and let them know how well they are doing as well as guiding moms toward improving areas they may need to work on. She says the most rewarding aspect of job is when she hears a mom call EMS home, instead of calling it just a program. The funniest thing that ever happened to Kim at work was having breast milk accidentally squirted in her eye, closely followed by having a mom’s water break on her foot! She added that the hardest part of her job is working with a mom who isn’t ready to take the next step to a better life for themselves and their baby. "It’s so hard to watch a mother choose to return to an 'unhealthy lifestyle'," Kim says. Kim’s friends and family are thrilled about the work that she does for this program. They see it as a respectable, life-driven and purposeful field full of integrity. The one thing Kim loves the most about being a Casa Teresa staff member is being able to hug the moms here and show them love. Many other programs do not allow staff members to give hugs or tell residents that they love them. Kim is very grateful that our program allows staff to express affection. Kim’s warmth, strength and affection are what help make her such an important part of the Casa Teresa family. Casa Teresa had 13 moms recently receive their certificate as a Receptionist/Information Clerk. This program is a partnership from Santiago Canyon College School of Continuing Education. The eight-week, two-hour course was a combination of a work preparation course which consisted of goal setting, typing skills, Myers-Briggs personality test, creating resumes, cover letters, elevator speech and PowerPoint presentations. Our Moms were able to successful complete the on site program facilitated by Mr. Greg, an instructor from the college and recieve their certificates, presented by the Dean of Instruction and Student Services, Abdul M. Isira, Psy.D.
Our moms presented a thank letter to the Dean with the skills they learned and some goals they completed during this course. The confidence instilled through classes such as this creates a foundations that our moms will continue to build on, to enter the workforce equipped and ready to succeed. At the end of this course our staff saw a room full of smiling moms, dressed professionally, holding up certificates. Their new boost of self-confidence evident, proud of all they accomplished. We are so proud of their success! |
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