Reaching Out Every Day

Summer Martin, the acting Supervisor of Outreach describes her job as being a lot like a doorknob. “To enter a door, you have to turn the doorknob and we’re the doorknob to Covenant House California.”

She describes her task simply, but Summer’s job is much more important. A potential client will come to Outreach and speak with a counselor about their problems and the possibility of entering CHC. The program also provides resources for street youth that might be hesitant to enter Covenant House’s program such as information about SSI, medical services, and other potential ways that they can find assistance. “Our job is not to be judgmental.” Says Summer. “Our job is to listen and to try and help the client in the best ways that we can.”

Summer says the job can be tough. Many of the street youth are hesitant or suspicious when it comes to obtaining help. “Basically I have 3 seconds to make a good impression.” She says. “Clients will come to you with raw material that’s like an open wound and you have to patch it up for them. For us, it’s the first 3 seconds that are the most important.”

This former catering executive switched careers when she heard what Covenant House does. She says she loves her job. “I’d always wanted to work with kids so I decided to take a chance.” She hasn’t looked back. “I love that I get to deal with everybody. It’s different everyday. The only thing we know each day is that we will be dealing with a lot of people.”

“Outreach lets people know right away that someone cares. We’re not judgemental” she says when asked about why Outreach is important. “Our job is to give unconditional love and to try to help.” Outreach can be contacted at 1-800-999-9999.

Click here to support programs like Outreach