Meet Katie!

Katie has been with UCP of West Central Wisconsin for two years, celebrating her anniversary with the organization in August. She has filled multiple roles for us, starting in our housing department and eventually shifting to her current role as an Intake Coordinator in our Self-Directed Services department. Before working with UCP, Katie also worked with various organizations to provide aid to the community. “I started here in the housing department, but I also used to work with the homeless population for 17 years,” said Katie.

Our SDS department, where Katie and other members of our team provide services, is one of our primary operations here at UCP. “We get referrals from [our Managed Care Organizations], make phone calls to clients, and send out paperwork. This is so we can set the client up as their own boss so they can hire their own caregivers,” said Katie. “There are a lot of forms and things like that, and then we help them fill out their paperwork over the phone or in person as well as answer any questions. Essentially, it’s setting them up so we can provide payroll to their [chosen] caregivers.”

While the shift from her previous position has been a significant change, it’s also a welcome one. “I’m just really enjoying my job. I switched over to this feeling a bit apprehensive about it because I used to enjoy working with clients one-on-one so much, but I still do get to have that client and caregiver contact, and it’s rewarding knowing that. I’ve come to realize that it is so important to get these people set up with the services they need so they’re able to stay in their homes.”

Success looks different in our SDS department compared to other in-person services but it’s distinctly recognizable. Enabling clients to hire their own caregivers creates a dynamic where they’re in charge of their own care, and in turn, their own lives. “Being able to set [our clients] up as quickly as possible is satisfying—knowing that people that need our help the most are getting it as quickly as possible.”

Katie certainly does an exemplary job providing services to our clients and caregivers, all while emphasizing the impact of the work the organization provides in collaboration with each party. “I think it’s great to work with the clients and the caregivers that we have; they do such important work and such good work, and I know it’s a very hard job,” says Katie. “It’s just nice to stay connected with the people that are providing these services that are much needed in our community.”