There is something to be said about the people working in Social Services. Put aside the degrees and the certificates, it really takes a huge heart and an understanding of the human spirit to be successful. In this Featured Story, we are going to tell you about Kim, a proactive person in her community.My impression of Kim is one of commanding intelligence. I have never met someone that I immediately thought, "she knows too much about things, she must work for the CIA or something!"
It's true, she knows too much, but that is really impossible. Kim has a vast knowledge from her life experiences, and a college education. She has a long list of efforts to better herself and her community. Meet Kim!
Kim is a mother of a college freshmen at UNC Greensboro. She finds herself making the trip down from Connecticut quite often to be with her pride and joy.
Kim works as a Case Manager & Intake Coordinator for a recovery program, that rehabilitates men in 3-6 months.
"I love every minute that I am there," she told me. "Most of our men are referred by probation or parole. Some are still within the DOC (Department of Corrections), and often we have self admittances."
Kim has several degrees and certificates. Here are a few:
AAS in Human Services-Substance Abuse Counseling 2009
BS in Health & Human Services - Public Health Education 2011
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor 2010
Certified in Reality Therapy/Choice Theory 2011
"I still have a desire to achieve my Masters....just not sure if I want in in Public Health, Counseling, or Social Work," Kim added.
Kim sure can pile on a education! With all that in her pocket, Kim has made so much room in her heart for the less fortunate.
This past June, Kim had an opportunity to work as part of a disaster relief team that spent 7 days in El Reno, Oklahoma.
This was where the second set or tornado's hit after Moore was devastated. "(The) heat was about 105-110 (degrees)...and it was some of the best work I've ever done," she heralded.
Seen here with fellow workers, Kim was involved in recovery and removal of the remnants of the tornado.
"It was an amazing experience...in every aspect of the word. I'm hoping to do some more of that kind of work if and when the opportunity arises."
Belle Terra (Beautiful Earth)
In her spare time, Kim makes her own line of scented candles and lip balms. It's a passion she has had her entire life. I actually sent her a text as a follow-up to my interview for more detailed information.
I wanted to share with you this absolutely real message:
"In Sept 2012 I was trying to figure out how to make Christmas happen...see I had 2 trips to NC. That Dec I had my graduation, second was Christmas & my daughters B-Day. So...I decided I'd try to make something I love. LOL...loved candles since I was 3. And I loved them so much I thought I'd see if I could sell them....and here we are now."
Kim has spent a large amount of her free time learning and experimenting with newer scents and materials to make her products stand out.
"I use Kosher Soy in my candles, which has no chemical additives," Kim described to me. "I use paper wicks, high quality scents, and essential oils."
Kim's lip balms are made of all natural products, that are also chemical free.
Her candles and lip balms make really great gifts for anyone, even for yourself. I always support small business, especially for those that offer a product that creates some sort of wellness for your mind, body, and soul.
Visit the website: www.shopbellaterra.com
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To The Rescue
Kim somehow finds time to come to the aid of felines in distress. This puts her right in the middle of Waterbury, CT.
It's is a run down neighborhood, a place harboring drugs and crime, where she has made many trips with Better Days Rescue to save several felines that had been left behind by their owners.
"The locals know why we are there. We don't fear for our own safety when we are in the neighborhood," she told me.
Greatness Can Be Measured
It's amazing to meet someone that can bring so much to the table, the good, the bad, and the possible. Some of us have people like Kim in our lives, and hopefully we celebrate them and their achievements. "While finishing my AAS and starting my BS, I also cared for my Grandmother until she passed away in June 2010. She had Alzheimer's...I was her primary care giver. Did it all...from cleaning house, to changing her adult diapers. When I first went to UNCG I was in the social work program...but switched to public health because it had more online options."
"I was at the point in my SW degree that I had to do a 40 hr/wk unpaid internship...plus still have 5 classes. I wasn't sure how I could manage that, be a single mother, study, do homework, and care for Grammie. So I explored my options. My adviser told me I might have to withdraw until Grammie died. That was not an option. I'd withdrawn from UNCG in 1987 because I had no focus, then again in 1999 because I was way too busy doing cocaine, and partying to go to school. I didn't want to withdraw again. In retrospect....my days as a party girl helped my figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up...at age 34! I stuck with what I knew...sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll! My passion lies in helping people heal their souls and find a way back to living, not just existing. I don't think when anyone was 4 they wanted to be a felon, junkie, hooker, or ousted from their families when they became a grown up. I'm about second chances....and better choices!" --Kim K.
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See, there's a theme behind the title of this feature. You've just read all about a person that makes waves in her community and beyond, has been to dark places, seen the light, and pressed on to repair her life, her relationships and her career. Everyone has what it takes to be like Kim. To find their own person successes.