Alexia Presley, Case Manager, will celebrate her first year with Dreams for Change on October 2. Her warmth, energy and big smile are hard to miss. She brings empathy and patience to her work, along with a straightforward approach that encourages people to keep moving forward and see what may still be possible.

“Patience is number one. Every client is different, and what they’re going through in life is going to be different.”

For Alexia, that starts with respect. She is mindful that staff come to work and eventually go home, while participants are living through these challenges every day.

“We have to realize that when we step in here as case managers, this is their home. We go home, so we always need to have that level of respect for them.”

There is also a lot behind case management that others may not see. Alexia helps participants get identification and other documents, connect to employment and resources, and prepare for housing opportunities. There are assessments, case notes, documentation and regular check-ins. If someone needs something and Alexia does not know where to find it, she will research it. If she still cannot find it, she will ask someone who might.

“I don’t mind asking for help. We’re all a team here.”

Some of Alexia’s favorite moments come from watching small steps begin to add up. She shared the story of a participant who started by getting his ID. From there, he found a job, opened a bank account and saved $4,000. Eventually, he came to Alexia ready to start looking for housing he could afford with the money he was earning.

“Just those little things let me know that I’m doing what I need to do as a case manager.”

Alexia has grown in the role too. Early on, she wanted to do everything she could for everyone.

“I was like, ‘No, I’m going to do this. I’m going to do that. I’ve got it.’ I was wearing myself down.”

A coworker, Luke, helped her realize that she could not work harder for someone than they were willing to work for themselves. Alexia remembers thinking, “No, I can change the world. I can do this.”

Over time, she has learned to give participants more space while still being there for them. She checks in, keeps track of what they are working toward and makes sure they know she is available.

“I have to be present. I have to be there for them. When they see that, they trust me, and I appreciate that because I trust them too.”

Alexia sees that possibility in her coworkers too. She proudly talked about fellow Case Manager Malaysia and how much she has watched her grow in the role.

“When I tell you this young lady has stepped up, she has stepped up and shown up. She’s a really good case manager.”

Alexia is also quick to acknowledge that everyone is still learning, including herself.

“I still ask questions, and I’m going to continue asking questions because I can only get better.”

Then, with a smile, she added, “Not to toot my own horn, but I’m a really good case manager.”

Alexia also talked about the connection among her team and the support they receive from their Site Coordinator, Daniel.

“I really love the connection we all have as a team, including our coordinator, Daniel. We really do work together.”

That sense of support is something Alexia feels throughout Dreams for Change. She shared how much it means to see people at every level willing to show up and work alongside one another. Seeing Teresa working hands-on alongside staff has made an impression on her.

“When I see my CEO hands-on, out here with us in the trenches, I appreciate it.”

That same willingness to show up is at the heart of Alexia’s approach to the people she works with. She wants them to know that where they are today does not have to be where they stay.

“I want you to show me that you can change your life. I don’t want this to be the last stop of your life. There’s so much more out there.”