Alexandria – A Familiar Face with a New Role
Many of you already know Alexandria Lavender from her incredible work at Crossroads, but we are excited to officially announce her promotion to The Renewal Project’s Program Manager! In this Q&A, she shares insights about her work and what drives her passion for serving our guests.
- Can you share a story or moment from your time as a Case Manager that had a lasting impact on you?- Yes! I think about this story often. In 2023, our annual fundraiser was held at a nearby restaurant. One of the servers recognized me and called me out by name. He went on to thank me as several months ago, I had helped him get the documents he needed to apply for the job at that very restaurant. In my head, I was like, “Whoa! Full circle moment!”. I had often heard of case managers having these moments with guests that they’ve assisted and would wonder what that moment would feel like to me. It’s an indescribable joy; my heart was so full.
- The Renewal Project provides guests with essential resources to rebuild their lives. What do you think makes this program so effective, and how has it evolved during your time at Crossroads?- A project/program is only as capable as those operating within it. We help set the foundation that is basic identity through vital documents and we do so leading with compassion. From that foundation, the people we help are able to build upon that, moving closer to empowerment and stability. Our mission never changes, yet our line of work is ever-evolving. I’ve come to truly know and appreciate the progression of our organization through the people that I work alongside each day. Each person brings their own set of strengths and views that enriches not only how we serve but what we serve. For example, we’ve been able to widen our scope of resources from this time last year. As our department grows, our connections grow; and opportunities are never too far along from that.
- For those who may not be familiar with the daily work of The Renewal Project, what’s something you wish more people knew about the guests we serve and the realities of homelessness?- I feel as though a lot of people think homelessness is so far from the possibility of their reality. In truth, in today’s age, the majority of people live check to check and are one terrible accident away from bankruptcy. Combine this with a lack of an immediate support system, and now you’re where you never thought you’d be. A staggering amount of guests we see are people that recently had their own homes, rented their own apartments and could pay their bills. I’ve been told countless times from the guests I see, “I got injured and lost my job.”, “I got sick and lost my job.”, “I didn’t have any family to rely on.”, etc., and everything that you’ve worked hard to build crumbles. This fragility is not as uncommon, or as far off as some may think. Sometimes this thought process can hinder one’s ability to be empathetic, often shifting blame to the person experiencing the hardship rather than the systems that promote the delicate state that many Americans actually live in. A scary amount of people are just one bad day away from losing just about everything.
Walter– A Journey of Transformation
Walter Johns (no relation to Tony) came to Crossroads seeking assistance with obtaining essential documents. Through The Renewal Project, he not only received the support he needed but also found an unexpected opportunity that helped him secure a job and turn his life around. In his own words, Walter shares his experience and what this journey has meant to him.
- Can you share a bit about your journey before coming to Crossroads? What led you to seek support from The Renewal Project?- I came to Crossroads looking for help with getting my ID, birth certificate, and a homeless letter. While I was there, I struck up a conversation with Chief Ryan, a security guard at the front door. He told me he owned his own security company, and I asked him if he was hiring. He told me to send him my name and number, and he would reach out if an opportunity came up. A few days later, he called me and offered me a job. I went through training, started working, and have been employed ever since. I went from having no job to having a stable one, and my life has completely changed. I’ve also been drug-free for six months.
- What was the process like for you when working with The Renewal Project team? How did we help you and how did the services you received help you move forward? – The security job has given me the opportunity to continue moving forward. Now, I can work toward getting my own place and my own car. I can keep building my career with Chief Ryan and continue improving my life. He gave me a chance to experience the good in life, to take care of myself, and to have a future. I am very happy.
- What message would you share with others who are in a similar situation to where you were before? What advice or encouragement would you give them?- I encourage others to never give up because there is always a chance in life. I went from having nothing to having a job, a fresh start, and stability. If I had never come to Crossroads for my birth certificate and ID, I would have never met Chief Ryan, and I wouldn’t be where I am today. I tell others to take advantage of programs like this because they can truly change your life. I’ve spent most of my life in and out of trouble, in and out of jail, but now I’m on a different path. I no longer have to look over my shoulder. I’m living honestly, positively, and with purpose. I’m happy with my progress, and my journey continues. I am blessed for the help I’ve received through Crossroads and through Chief Ryan. Thank you so much. I am Walter Johns, I am 35 years old, and God bless you all.
Freny- A Volunteer Making a Difference
Freny Shah has been a dedicated volunteer at Crossroads, bringing her background as a doctor into her work at The Renewal Project. As a doctor, her insights into healthcare and social challenges have shaped her approach to serving our guests. In this Q&A, she shares what motivates her and the powerful experiences she has had along the way.
- As a doctor, how do you think your background has influenced the way you approach your volunteer work?- My work as a primary care physician for elderly patients on Medicare has taught me a lot about what makes individuals and communities “healthy.” For many of my patients, their medical concerns often pale with reality of what it means to be an older adult in America – navigating a high cost of living on a fixed income, deciphering changing insurance plans, and most of all, social isolation. I can’t medicate away someone’s diabetes or someone’s blood pressure if I ignore all the other factors that contribute to their illnesses. It is easy to get overwhelmed; the systems that cause inequities in health care are as convoluted as the ones which contribute to our homeless population. However, we can either focus on all the things we cannot control or take action with what we can do. I take it day by day, meet people where they are at, and if I can make someone’s life even a tiny bit better, that’s a win.
- Can you share a meaningful moment or story from your time working with guests at The Renewal Project?- One of my favorite memories in the mailroom was a day when my 8 year old son was off from school and came along with me to volunteer at Crossroads. He kept a running tally of our clients and was a great help in alphabetizing the mail we received. One client who typically appeared morose and withdrawn smiled at my son and exchanged some jokes with him. Children often remind us of our own humanity and can bring out a side that may not be easily seen. Now every time my son has a day off on my volunteer day, he asks to come with me because he has fun and feels empowered that even he can do something meaningful.
- How has volunteering at Crossroads impacted you personally or changed your perspective on homelessness?- Before I came to Crossroads, my idea of a homeless person was pretty typical – unhoused, unemployed adults often with mental health and addiction issues. And while those issues are present, it’s not the full story – I was surprised to see so many families with kids of all ages living in motels or other temporary housing, many older adults with chronic illnesses, and people of all educational backgrounds actively working or looking for work, but still struggling to make ends meet. We rarely ever know someone’s story unless we take the time to build those relationships and see the “homeless” as individuals first and not a trope. Another thing I took for granted is how fundamental a mailing address is to life – getting an ID, establishing a bank account, applying for a job, getting health insurance! Our mailroom is a vital service and I am proud to be a part of the team.