Meet Monique Tate, winner of the I am Hope Award for the first quarter of 2023.
Monique holds a part-time position as a services coordinator for properties in the High Desert, but she is a full-time giver in and out of the communities she serves.
As her two-year anniversary with Hope through Housing approaches, we are happy to have her.
For 23 years, Monique worked in the federal Bureau of Prisons, serving in a variety of roles, including as an inmate counselor. For her inmates, Monique bridged the gap between the outside world and the prison.
When she retired, Monique decided that it was time for a change of scenery. She first joined Hope through Housing as a member of AmeriCorps – including during the pandemic – before joining as an employee.
She said while her work for Hope through Housing is very different, both jobs share themes.
“They both offer access to a service that they may not have access to otherwise,” Monique said. “We are that portal for them to see that somebody is trying to help them out.”
She supports two High Desert properties – Northgate Village and Impressions at Valley Center. Monique polls her residents to discover which events and programs will be most interesting into them. She also has a moms club that helps her check in with residents and determine their needs.
“I try to bring things that help them,” she said. “I talk to them and see what they would like to see. It’s no use bringing somebody in and then nobody shows up. I always try to go based on what they want and need.”
Programs include painting programs, medical checks for seniors and a mental health guidance event. She’s also working on a program that will bring meals for children during the summer.
She said her experience in the prison industry makes her more resilient. Her patience and commitment are undeniable, but her biggest driver is being kind – a motto that carries her through the day.
She also connects with her peers at other properties – with each stepping up to help the others when needed.
“An act of kindness is free,” Monique said. “Not every day is a good day so that one act may help them, and I always try to do that.”