Back in 2020, when COVID had shut down so much of the world, I felt a calling to do something more. I had been working as a paralegal for an attorney in private practice at the time and helping to take care of my mother who had Alzheimer’s. Ultimately, I decided to get my master’s degree in English Composition and Literature and, in my studies, felt this call toward social change.
I’ve done a lot of different things professionally—medical and legal transcription, legal secretary and paralegal work, stay-at-home mom when my son was younger, and I even self-published a book. When I saw the posting for the Voce paralegal position there was language in the posting about being an agent for change. It literally gave me a tingle. I’ve always enjoyed learning, and child welfare is a many-armed beast. Two years in, I understand the parts and pieces, but I’m still learning.
When I tell people I work in child welfare, I typically hear back something like ‘God bless you. I could never do that.’ At first, this response confused me but now, honestly, it irritates me. I wish everyone could spend a year doing this important work and learning what it means to help those who are marginalized.
At one of the first trainings I attended for this role, my coworker shared a question that REALLY struck me: ‘Is this in the best interests of the child I serve?’ I keep this posted by my desk so I can always be sure my actions reflect this intention. Even though I don’t see the children firsthand, I like knowing my work makes a difference. We have to be there for them.”
-Kimberly, Paralegal
We Are Voce is a series featuring the unique voices of Voce staff, highlighting the experiences, perspectives, and passions of the people who make a difference every day. This series celebrates the people and stories that bring our mission to life.
