Temerity Berry loves working directly in the community. In particular, she wants to be hands-on – teaching, spreading knowledge, and connecting people with what they need.

Working with people, particularly youth, is something Kim Erichsen really enjoys, especially, as she explains, “every day is different – you never know what to expect.”

Nikki treats everyone she encounters with compassion and care, especially those she serves which includes youth, individuals in recovery, and people who have experienced trauma, ensuring everyone feels welcomed, accepted, and valued.

“I witnessed early on how destructive addiction can be and at the same time how powerful protective factors in the community can be,” explains Natalia Leusner. “When the opportunity presented itself, it was a ‘no-brainer’ that I wanted to get involved in prevention and work on reducing the risk factors and increasing the protective factors for youth.” 

Jodi Corbett is a proud member of Cape Assist’s team whose “favorite part of the job is direct service. I enjoy getting to know people in the community, connecting and providing resources, and planting seeds of hope,” she says.

Chelysmaly Cruz’s vibrant personality and welcoming smile play a vital part in her work. “You never know what someone is going through. A few nice words can help a person a lot more than you think,” she said.

Alana Maldonado has always felt the need to help those around her and serve the community. Originally she thought this would lead her into social work. During her last semester at Atlantic Cape Community College, Alana interned at Cape Assist and immediately felt a connection with the work. “I have had many first hand experiences seeing the negative effects of drugs and alcohol,” Alana says. “I strive to educate others and build protective factors within our community.”

Lisa Harczak became involved in human services because she wanted “to be a part of someone else’s healthy network of support.” Realizing a traumatized child cannot become a successful adult all by themselves further helped her understanding that no one person “can build and develop resiliency without a support system.” Lisa wants to be part of that support system.

Chelymarie Reyes has been helping individuals, families, and youth in the community for the last 16 years, and she’s nowhere close to stopping.

Vanessa Fales has the will, compassion, and understanding necessary to make Cape Assist a place where people can come without fear for help. “I am often the first voice they hear at Cape Assist, and I try my best to be the welcoming voice, the non-judgmental voice, the person they are comfortable with speaking to in their first steps towards recovery,” she says.

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