In early 2024, GMCC experienced an increase of new Latinx immigrants seeking critical resources at our Friday Drop-in Services. We were in immediate need of Spanish-speaking volunteers to help us support these new community members. Paulina responded to our ad and started volunteering every Friday. She provided translation, connected people to resources, and formed connections with our Latinx clients. Through Ampact Heading Home Corps (Americorps), we hired Paulina as a full time staff member the Fall of 2024.
Paulina and her office-mates in 2024
Since then, Paulina has supported over hundreds of clients with securing IDs, identifying housing, and working with property owners. Some people come to our building just to see her! She is known in the community for her friendliness, compassion, and willingness to always help. She always goes above and beyond to connect people to the resources they seek, whether it is providing supplies for children, accessing legal help, or just having conversations with people to understand their needs, be a listening ear, and point them in the right direction.
“It’s very emotional for me. When I came here, I had nothing. I was a lawyer in Ecuador, but that experience didn’t translate to getting a job here. Then my GMCC friends told me about this job, encouraged me to apply, and supported me along the way. I just want to learn and help people. When I became a citizen, I was told that I should pursue my happiness, that it was one of my rights here, and I have achieved it at GMCC. Thank you!” – Paulina, Bilingual Resource Navigator
Through Minnesota Housing, Paulina & her colleague Lesia provide CES assessments for participants, identify & tour different housing options with them, help with paperwork & leasing, and provides basic necessities for the home, such as cleaning & cooking supplies. Recently, Paulina was very proud to get her first CES referral client housed in an apartment.
“I need to stay in contact with them because we look at more than 10 possible apartments until we find the one that will make them feel at home, and we make sure to inspect everything in these places. I also make sure we are successful in developing and increasing the financial and emotional skills of each participant. And I want the relationship with the owners of these properties to be the best it can be for our participants. It’s a very generous project for the community, and I feel very excited when they finally receive the key to unlock their right to live with dignity. They deserve it.”
Paulina also shares her love for her Ecuadorian culture with everybody around her. She made a cultural presentation about Ecuador for GMCC staff, talking about the geography, music, art, and history. She even brought some handmade items for show & tell and shared delicious food! In the office, Paulina always offers smiles, hugs, and warmth to everyone.
Paulina is a huge testament to GMCC’s impact and the importance of relationship-building, volunteerism, and putting trust in those with lived experience and shared identities with the community members we serve.
Recent Comments