Posted by Becca Schoen

On February 10, I had the opportunity to represent JF&CS at Brandeis University's third annual SoJust Leadership Forum, the capstone event for their weeklong "festival of social justice."

The forum brought together alums and employees from more than 45 local and national organizations with social justice missions. An eloquent panel of alums spoke about their experiences as undergraduates, their careers, and their passions for this field of work. As a table host I spoke with groups of students about JF&CS, the social justice field, and my experience. The other table hosts ranged from executive directors and recruitment directors to founders of organizations.

At first I wondered if the students would be interested in talking to me about my career as the Administrative Assistant for Basic Needs. Prior to coming to JF&CS, I worked as a case manager. I was on the front lines, working with children and families in crisis. I was able to see the impact that I was having on a day to day basis. What advice did I have to offer from my position at JF&CS? How was I helping the community in my role? In my work with Basic Needs, often "behind the scenes," I support direct service and program staff. While I do not work directly with clients in the same way that I used to, my role is an important piece of the puzzle and contributes to the agency and its mission.

My suggestion to the students was to find an organization with a mission that they believe in and to get involved. I am grateful to be a member of the JF&CS community, supporting a mission that I strongly believe in.

Becca joined JF&CS in the summer of 2012 as the Administrative Assistant for Basic Needs. She graduated from UMass Amherst with a degree in sociology and education and previously worked as a case manager in western Massachusetts. Outside of work, Becca volunteers as a Big Sister with Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters and enjoys crafting and the outdoors. She lives in the largest town in America, Framingham, with her fiancé.