Welcome to Heartbeat of Housing! I’m Michelle Voke, your host, and in this episode, I’m excited to share a heartfelt conversation with Samantha Culver, a remarkable service coordinator whose story truly embodies what it means to support affordable housing communities.

Samantha’s journey into this profession started unexpectedly during the pandemic, and she brings a wealth of social work experience and dedication. Together, we talk about her transition from working in nursing homes to independent living, the challenges she faced, and her commitment to helping residents thrive. We discuss the importance of building trust, fostering a sense of community, even at a smaller, scattered-site property, and how creative events and daily connection make a real impact.

We also discuss the reality of professional isolation and the necessity of self-care for those in helping roles. Samantha shares candid lessons about maintaining boundaries, advocating for herself and her staff, and supporting residents' autonomy. From navigating the ups and downs of community events to connecting with other service coordinators through platforms like Just AASC, this episode is filled with honest insights and practical wisdom.

Whether you’re new to service coordination or a seasoned veteran, I think you’ll find inspiration in Samantha’s approach to keeping residents healthy, happy, and housed.

Three key takeaways from Samantha's story:

• The Importance of Building Trust: Service coordination is rooted in relationship-building. Samantha emphasizes the challenge of gaining residents' trust, especially after periods of turnover. Her consistent presence and empathy create a supportive, stable environment where residents can thrive.
• Self-Care & Boundaries Matter: As a “helper” professional, Samantha is intentional about preserving her well-being. She advocates for taking PTO, daily breaks, and establishing boundaries—reminding us all that taking care of ourselves is essential for serving others effectively.
• Community Engagement Is Evolving: Samantha gets creative with events and resource-sharing, learning that even if only a few residents attend, it’s a win. She’s quick to adapt, seek new ideas from the Just ASCC platform, and understands that resources can benefit residents and their families, sometimes in unexpected ways.

Advancing national standards of practice for service coordination by amplifying the voice of our members.

We are committed to enhancing service coordination through leadership, professional development, advocacy, and partnerships.

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