Staff Feature: Mandy

I talked with our Outreach Specialist, Mandy, to talk about her work at JOURNEYS. As part of our clinical team, Mandy works directly with our clients to help them assess and reach their goals. Mandy splits her time between the HOPE Center and locations out in the community in order to help connect those in need with our services and resources. With an indefatigable sense of humor and relentless advocacy for our clients, Mandy is a true asset to the JOURNEYS community. 

Take a look at what she had to say!



​"I love meeting new clients and hearing their stories. As the Outreach Specialist, I meet with clients and potential clients in the community to assess their needs. I help clients in the hotel shelter program get the services they need and help get new clients into the hotel program. When I’m not working with clients, I also oversee the food pantry and work closely with other agencies like the Greater Chicago Food Depository for frozen food and pantry items. 

This October will mark four years with JOURNEYS. Before I started here, I worked as an addiction counselor at a court-mandated treatment facility for nine years, where I also interned for two years before that. I graduated in 2009 and became a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in 2010. 
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When I’m not at JOURNEYS, I love spending time doing anything outside. If I hadn’t gotten into addiction counseling, I would have gone into botany. I really like plants! I also love hanging out with my sister. She’s my best friend. I like working on old cars with my friends and dad. He and I rebuilt a 1983 Chevy El Camino, which we call the "El Camandy"! I’m a big crafter, too, and I love going to conventions – everything from Comic-Con to knitting and crocheting conventions!"

-Arranged by Roxanne Gentry, Marketing Associate 

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