July 7th, 2023
We want to share a little about our amazing team members with you, starting with Summer Sawyer, Operation Dignity’s Intake & Data Coordinator! Summer places veterans into housing under the Grants per Diem program and we’re incredibly appreciative of her hard work.
When did you join Operation Dignity and what drew you to working here?
I started working at Operation Dignity on October 13th, 2021. I wanted to be a part of changing people’s lives. I didn’t fully understand the impact I’d have but, close to two years later, I feel that I have improved countless people’s lives and continue to strive to do that every day.
How would you describe your role at Operation Dignity?
My role is very facilitative. The agency depends on me to place vets in the correct environment [to set them up] for success by working closely with our program staff and the VA. I make sure we are helping everyone we can while keeping our communities safe. I would describe my role as very important.
What are a few things about you or your work that may surprise people?
I think the thing that surprises most people is that I work closely with the VA doing case studies on each of the potential clients. The purpose of a case study is to take a deeper look into the clients’ history as well as their interactions with the VA. This information comes from VA clinicians and providers.
What is the biggest challenge you face in helping our clients?
Sometimes, the biggest challenge can be that the clients have struggled so much that they have given up on themselves. I need to cultivate trust to help them believe change is possible and help them to follow through, so that we can assist them in getting stabilized and, ultimately, permanently housed.
What is a goal you have for this year, work-related or otherwise?
I want to provide our vets with even more supportive services!