Side Quests: Creating Impact Beyond the Day Job
Speaking at a local conference
If there’s one thing that really motivates me, it’s connection! I have a little over a decade of experience speaking publicly, as well as providing training and education regarding co-occurring mental health challenges. I absolutely love being out in the community, meeting new people, developing partnerships, empowering others, and sharing about my passion for recovery and peer support. I’m incredibly fortunate to work for a place that not only allows me to do some volunteer outreach, but actively encourages it!
I often refer to these extracurricular ventures as “side quests”. Having chances separate from my day to day duties as the Guide Team Lead to connect with the community helps me feel balanced and fulfilled. While these activities aren’t directly connected to firsthand, I’m aware that my representation reflects on firsthand, and I take that responsibility seriously. Here are a few things I am involved with here in the Upper East TN community that bring me joy!
Crisis Intervention Training for law enforcement and first responders
One of my favorite things I get to do is to share my lived experience at the quarterly Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) program for law enforcement/first responders provided through Northeast State Community College in our service area. I also currently volunteer as a board member and guest speaker for a new non-profit in our area that provides a free 13-week life skill/confidence building program for women overcoming trauma called ‘The Magnolia Project.’ Over the past year I have enjoyed speaking with LPN nursing students as well during their semester that includes mental health topics. Most recently, I have been able to include various team members in an opportunity to alternate leading monthly groups at a women’s residence that is part of our local housing authority. We get to not only role model our lived experience with recovery, but also teach life skills, and freely share available resources. It’s something that takes a small amount of time and effort to do, but leaves an immeasurable impact on the participants, who aren’t able to engage with firsthand. While recognition is never the motivation, taking on occasional side quests like these naturally builds a strong reputation with our partners, which is always a good thing!
Examples like these provide valuable opportunities for our market to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones. We have also done so much more—donating an afternoon to help clean a new homeless shelter before it opened, participating in partner events such as a polar plunge, a dodgeball tournament, countless resource fairs, or simply bringing food downtown to share with the unhoused. Our team pours its heart into both the individuals we serve and the community as a whole.
