Ericka Hurt has been a huge blessing to My Sister Susan’s House (MSSH) this year! She jumped in headfirst from day one, and our clients and staff love working with her. We are very fortunate to have someone so committed to our youth in the AmeriCorps role.
1. How would you describe your job in a few words to a stranger?
I am a program coach at My Sister Susan’s House where we provide case management and life skills to pregnant and parenting mothers.
2. What’s your typical day at work like?
A typical day at MSSH is reviewing staff logs and checking calendars. After doing paperwork I prepare the girl’s medication and start planning the day. Once the girls are up I sit and talk to them and play with the babies. I will do case management and just sit and bond with the girls.
3. What is your favorite thing about working at Youth Focus?
My favorite thing about working at Youth Focus is seeing the ladies grow into themselves. Watching them learn how to look at life through a different lens.
4. What is one thing you wish the general public knew about Youth Focus?
I wish the general public knew that Youth Focus is all about empowering and helping youth.
5. What energizes you the most outside of work?
I am currently obtaining my Master’s in Social Work and that is what keeps me the most energized because I am looking forward to giving back.
6. What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
My dad always tells me that if you are doing something you love it will never feel like work. You will always give it your all because you are in love with what you do.
7. If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
If I had a superpower it would be to healing. To be able to touch people and heal whatever is hurting or bothering them.
8. What advice would you give to your teenage self?
I would tell myself that everything will work out.
9. What’s the biggest misconception people have about the youth you work with?
The biggest misconception that people have about the youth I work with is that they are forced here. They believe that they are ordered by the courts to participate in the program. When in reality the youth come here on their own to become better parents and give their child a better life.
10. What’s one song you have completely memorized?
Believing In Me by Monica
