As you well know, our vision is that low-income families are entitled to a future not predestined by their circumstances. Beginning in May of this year, in support of this belief and the families we serve, Springboard began using Mindful Inquiry (MI) – a process in which we use the senses, memory, emotions to engage with what is currently happening with residents with the intent to gain new knowledge and create change.
Other resident services models scratch the surface of these face-to-face interactions and only exist to connect residents to resources based on their current need. However, Springboard’s team takes it a step further by not only providing the aforementioned services but also creating space and time for residents to feel comfortable sharing their hopes and dreams. Mindful Inquiry is a perfect fit for the Springboard model – and an optimal component of any resident services toolkit – as it deepens the already fruitful conversations we are having with residents.
It invokes for residents images of what could be and helps them see past their current circumstances to envision achievement of their self-identified goals and devise plans to fulfill them. Maya’s story is one example of how staff utilizes this method to help residents identify priorities and create plans for success.
Maya, who is visibly frustrated, walks into her Community Specialist’s office and has a seat. The Community Specialist stops what she’s doing and with concern asks Maya, “How are you today?” Maya with her eyes cast downward sighs deeply, shifts in her chair, and responds, “I could be better.” As the conversation continues the Community Specialist discovers that Tia feels stressed and depressed and is still searching for employment and transportation after many months while trying to care for her family.
As the Community Specialist gauges her reactions and emotions, she asks Maya’s greatest need right now. To which she replies, “Gaining employment. That’s my biggest thing right now. If I can get a job and get back working, that kinda puts everything in place where it needs to be.” Together, Maya and her Community Specialist devise a plan to refocus her resume and set a target date for each step. Ultimately, Maya leaves the office with a plan in her hand and smiling. A few weeks later and after regular progress checks with her Community Specialist, Maya comes back to report that she is employed. She is currently in the process of setting other goals for herself and her family.
This level of interaction is commonplace at Springboard To Opportunities. True, it requires a greater investment of time and resources for staff training and implementation, but we are committed to making investments that move the needle toward change and positive life outcomes, ensuring that Springboard continues to live up to its vision and mission of supporting and witnessing success for all we serve in school, work, and life.