When not working in her office, one of the first faces that people who come to our center meet is Jannie. Often introducing herself with a bright smile, she helps to solve any daily issues someone at our Center experiences and wears many hats in her role from helping with other department’s events and programming to working in accounting. Even when things get difficult, one of the many things others admire about her is that she consistently perseveres.
Before her time at BHNC, Jannie grew up in a low-income household and had worked in the retail industry for 11 years until her company became bankrupt. During this time she was also volunteering for our events. As she was searching for another job, one of our former staff members reached out to her and asked if she would like to become a Resident Outreach Leader (ROL) and Jannie accepted. She learned about our different departments during this 12 week program and was eventually hired as an Outreach Coordinator. When that position came to an end, she transferred to her current role as an Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director and helps out all departments with operational support.
Coming from a low-income background, Jannie expressed it means a lot to her to be able to help out families by giving them what they need and providing free services for participants. Without BHNC, she believes things wouldn’t be the same and that we help the whole family as a unit, from helping adults and youth in finding a job to providing food for vulnerable seniors.
“We’re not considered frontline workers, but I feel like we are because we are risking our lives everyday as well,” Jannie said.
Before the pandemic, many staff would come into her office daily to discuss things that they needed advice on and Jannie was there to share her positivity. Many participants and staff members enjoyed being around her. She often goes the extra mile for both staff and those that come to our Center.
One elderly resident had not been coming to our Center to pick up the food that we offer and they did not have much food. Jannie asked her why she had not been coming to the Center and out of concern for the resident’s health, Jannie went out and brought her food. The resident shed tears and told Jannie how much she misses the Center and has had nothing to do with her time. The most rewarding experience for Jannie has been all of the people that have thanked her.