REAL Employees Make a Difference

“I do it because of the clients!”  That is how Artrice responded when asked why she has worked for REAL Services in the Energy Assistance Program for the past nine years.  She continues by saying, “They come in one way, and they leave in a better place.”

Artrice should know.  She came to REAL Services as a client in 2007 when she was raising her three kids and needed help.  At that time, she entered the Family Development program that helps low-income families become self-sufficient.  She also received assistance with her utilities through the Energy Assistance Program.

Today, she is on the other side of the desk… working with Energy Assistance clients to help them through difficult times and ensure that their utilities are not disconnected in the coldest months of the year. 

As she reflected on why this job means so much to her, she recounted one story in particular that has stayed with her.  It was a middle-aged mother with two daughters, both of whom were in college.  To protect the privacy of the client, we will call her Mary.

Mary worked hard to make ends meet as she raised her daughters well and was proud that they were both now in college.  She had always worked full time and had never before asked anyone for help.  That is why it came as a shock when her employer began talking about laying people off and started drastically reducing her number of hours.

With no one to turn to, Mary came to REAL Services for help when she was not able to pay her electric bill.  As she sat across from Artrice answering the questions on the application for Energy Assistance, she broke down in tears.

Artrice immediately stopped what she was doing and went around the desk to give Mary a hug.  She simply held her for 2 or 3 minutes in silence, until Mary could collect herself.

“It’s hard to ask for assistance when you are used to doing for yourself,” Artrice explained, drawing from her own personal experience.  She was able to help Mary by stopping the disconnect of her utilities and providing some small relief from the immediate crisis. 

While she doesn’t always know what happens to the clients after they leave, Artrice noted that she did not see an application from Mary again the following year.  So she believes Mary made it and things turned around for her.

Artrice is one of nearly 200 employees of REAL Services who make a difference every day in more than 20 different programs.  If you are interested in joining this team of dedicated and caring individuals who are making a difference in our community, email hr@realservices.org or view our current job opportunities at https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Real-Services,-Inc.