UMCR teams started meeting at the beginning of each shift to touch base on important details and ensure all staff are aligned on protocols, lunch times, and any real-time updates. These check-ins also create space to connect as a team, share important reminders, provide feedback, and make sure everyone is included, informed, and supported before heading into their shift.
I believe that taking this time together helps build trust, strengthens communication, and reinforces a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility. When staff feel connected and supported, it sets a positive tone for the shift, encourages collaboration, and helps us show up more grounded and present in the work we do out in the community. These moments of connection contribute to a healthier team culture.
Additionally, our UMCR program has added 3 teams and will be adding an additional team soon. I'm excited about the about the positives impact the growth of UMCR will have on the communities we serve. Expanding our teams allows us to reach more individuals, provide more timely support, and continue building meaningful, community-centered care. Together, this growth and our continued focus on connection and communication position us for a strong and impactful year ahead.
UMCR was recently called to respond to a situation involving two individuals seeking entry at the front entrance of a local church. When staff arrived, they immediately introduced themselves and explained the purpose of their visit, setting a tone of respect and transparency. Using open-ended questions and empathetic communication, the team focused on building rapport and creating a safe space for conversation. Their calm and compassionate approach helped establish trust from the very beginning. This foundation allowed the individuals to feel heard and supported.
Through active listening and thoughtful engagement, UMCR staff explored each individual’s needs and personal circumstances. The team provided psychoeducation about available housing and community resources, ensuring the individuals understood their options. During the conversation, one individual shared that they had previously been connected to LAHSA services but had lost contact with their case manager the year before. Recognizing the importance of continuity of care, staff asked for permission to assist further. This moment marked a turning point in reconnecting the individual to critical support.
With consent, UMCR staff accessed the HMIS system to locate the individual’s case information. They were able to confirm the individual’s status and provide the correct contact information for their assigned case manager. This reconnection offered renewed hope and a clear next step toward stability. Both individuals expressed gratitude and remained cooperative throughout the process. The team’s dedication to problem-solving and advocacy made a meaningful impact in real time.
In addition to housing support, UMCR ensured the individuals received comprehensive resources to address their immediate needs. Staff shared information about medical services, clothing assistance, food pantries, and local places to shower. Two bus passes were provided, along with clear directions on how to access these services. The team also offered warm meals while the individuals respectfully cleaned the area and removed their belongings from private property. These gestures reflected UMCR’s commitment to dignity, care, and practical support.
Throughout the interaction, the individuals remained engaged, motivated, and open, even sharing their favorite hobbies, family connections, and cultural backgrounds. Staff praised them for their willingness to participate and advocate for themselves. Most importantly, the individuals expressed gratitude for being able to communicate in their primary language, Spanish, which helped them feel truly understood. As they departed, they shared appreciation for being listened to and treated with respect. This success story highlights how compassion, cultural awareness, and resource coordination can transform a challenging moment into an opportunity for hope and progress.
