Robin, center, with a My Sister’s Place Women’s Center mother and child
In the six years since she has been working at Catholic Charities, Robin Johnson has held a variety of positions at My Sister’s Place and My Sister’s Place Lodge including program assistant, caseworker associate, senior program assistant, operations manager and most recently the intake information referral specialist at My Sister’s Place Women’s Center (MSPWC).
Robin is the first point of contact for all the women who enter the Center. She welcomes them and assesses their needs. Many are looking for immediate shelter so her first goal is to find them a place to sleep. She then matches them with a case manager who works closely with them to set and achieve goals that will help them become independent.
“Robin Johnson is an exemplary employee who goes above and beyond each and every day. You can always count on Robin no matter what the circumstance. Her can-do attitude is contagious!” says Valerie Tarantino, LCSW-C, MSPWC Program Manager.
Robin also lends a hand to the Samaritan Center when needed and serves as the intake manager for the homeward bound program which places families in housing.
“I don’t view this as a job. I am doing a service . . . helping others, which I love. Working here has made me appreciate what I have. I am always in awe of what these women are going through. It’s very humbling,” Robin says.
She recalls one day when a very distraught woman entered the center seeking shelter for her and her seven-year-old son. He asked me, “Is my mom going to be okay?” I told him, of course, she would be. To that, he responded, “We just need a place to stay.”
No seven-year-old should have to worry about where he is going to sleep and his concern for his mother’s well-being was truly touching. I did find them a place to stay and was so grateful to be able to help them. That is what my life is about – service to others.