Second Harvest Heartland's Care Center Navigates Challenges with Compassion
At Second Harvest Heartland, our Care Center team leads with their hearts. With every call, the Care Center team goes beyond simply connecting neighbors with resources; they connect with neighbors on a human level.
Angela Cordero joined Second Harvest Heartland two years ago as a Neighbor Services Advisor because she was looking for more than just a job. She was looking for an opportunity to help people at a critical moment in their lives. “I’ve been through a lot, so there’s always something that a neighbor is going through that I can relate to. I can feel how they’re feeling, because I’ve felt it before.”
Angela’s empathetic approach helps her navigate the wide array of calls she receives. From guiding individuals through the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) application process to questions about legal aid and housing, Angela brings attention and care to everyone she speaks to. She knows that those reaching out are often in vulnerable situations, and a compassionate ear can mean as much as a helpful answer.
“I do carry a bit of weight on my shoulders,” Angela says, “because I know I have to find help and get answers for neighbors. But I love talking to people and helping people, and I am always able to get them the help they need.”
In a climate of shifting policies and economic anxieties, the team's role has become even more critical.
Nick Henrichs, Senior Neighbor Services and Care Center Advisor, engages directly with individuals grappling with the daily anxieties of putting food on the table. “We’re hearing the same thing from almost everyone—they simply can’t afford food. Everything is going up—rent, gas—and then you factor in the skyrocketing cost of groceries. It’s a really tough situation out there.”
The reality this team knows all too well is that food insecurity rarely exists in isolation. Individuals and families facing hunger often grapple with a complex web of challenges, requiring a multifaceted approach to support.
Nick believes this thoughtful approach is what sets Second Harvest Heartland's Neighbor Services and Care Center team apart. "They can count on us to answer the phone where a lot of other places don't. We can help neighbors sign up for programs like SNAP and CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) and steer them in the right direction for all kinds of other resources, food and non-food related.”
When reflecting on what drives his dedication to helping neighbors, Nick’s answer is clear: the profound impact of connection and support. “Hearing the gratitude in someone’s voice, knowing that we’ve helped alleviate some of their worry, that’s what keeps me going. We build relationships with our neighbors, often supporting them through weeks or even months of challenging times in their lives. It's about more than just food; it's about providing hope and support."
By connecting with neighbors on a human level, offering guidance through intricate systems, and fostering a sense of hope, team members like Angela and Nick are not just providing resources, they are building stronger, more resilient communities where neighbors help neighbors navigate the challenges of hunger. Their work underscores the fundamental truth that addressing hunger requires not only groceries for today but also a profound commitment to human connection, ensuring that neighbors are not just fed, but also seen, heard, and supported in their journey towards stability and well-being.