Bronco Spotlight: Johnny Anderson III
Bachelor of Social Work, 2019
Community Outreach Coordinator at Family Health Center
In the role of Community Outreach Coordinator, I provide case management services to individuals in Kalamazoo County living with homelessness through Family Health Center’s Health Care for the Homeless (HCH)program. The HCH provides people living with homelessness access to quality health care services, case management, various vouchers for health care services. Through this service and collaboration with Ministry with Community, Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, Kalamazoo Defender, YWCA, Oakland House, Open Doors, and other various organizations, individuals are enrolled in the HCH program to meet the population where they are to ensure they needs are met.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is witnessing the resilience and compassion exhibited by people we serve. The most challenging part about my job is accepting the things I cannot change, systemic barriers, and finding housing affordable housing.
What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?
Direct care work in Adult Foster Care (AFC) homes, factory work, working for a temp agency, and actively listening to my fellow employees in those jobs. Professors and instructors at WMU who saw qualities in me that I did not see myself and encouraged me to continue.
What advice do you have for students?
Never lose sight of what is important to you, despite what everyone else is doing, be true to yourself. Be willing to do what no one else wants to do. Reflect, Reflect, Reflect, and Reflect some more.