Testimonials

Read what current and past caseworkers have to say about their experiences with Hartford Choice!

"My year at Choice has challenged many of my assumptions about human nature, government, crime, and poverty . . . in short, the world is a lot more complicated and less comfortable than I thought. But I have also learned amazing lessons about people’s ability to rise above their circumstances, and the difference one person can make in another’s life. A 15-year-old client of mine thinks nothing of dodging bullets or crashing a stolen car; and yet he has looked to me for help with homework and advice about life. My clients may not realize it, but I learn as much from them as they do from me. In this respect, my year at Choice has been an extremely humbling experience. Whatever I do next, I will do it with a new perspective, thanks to Choice. "
--Greg

"Growing up in a middle class suburb, I felt like I had lived a sheltered life. I knew what went on in the world, but had never been exposed to it. Working with Choice has been a great opportunity for me to be involved in a troubled community and has given me a chance to learn how to help. I am learning how to interact with troubled youth and their families; and am also being introduced to an entire new culture that I never knew existed before working with Choice."
--Michelle

"Working with adjudicated youth in Hartford sometimes feels like an uphill battle. With each day comes new challenges and surprises that force me to constantly learn and grow as a professional and human being. Although these kids drive me crazy sometimes, the feeling of triumph and gratification I get when I am able to make a difference in one of their lives has made the experience worthwhile."
--Claudia

"It is not easy to bring a sixteen-year-old to take a pregnancy test. It is also not easy to watch a client continue to use drugs or break the law, regardless of what you may do. Somehow though you come in the morning hopeful that you will make a difference, believing you can change a life, having faith that each child has the potential to succeed. Each day leave having learned something, having gained, having given and having changed my life for the better."
--Melissa

"My experience with the Choice Program has been very beneficial. Working with clients on an individual basis has helped me gain knowledge about the different systems they deal with on a daily basis or certain aspects of their lives. Being able to work in the micro system and macro system has helped me make future plans for the advancement of my education.
--Taisha

If you have ever wondered if with a job in social services you can make a difference, then Hartford Choice can give you the answer. I am nine months into my one-year contract, and I can honestly say that I have made a difference. I have helped people find a new home. I have helped open doors of opportunity for the clients that I have had the privilege to work with. The job is not easy, it is often not fun, but it is rewarding. After this I do not know what I will do, but his one-year has given me a perspective and understanding that will no doubt shape my life from this point on."
--Dan

"I have traveled the globe, but found the most humbling and rewarding life experiences here in Hartford, CT. I have been humbled by the strength of the youth I serve and I have been rewarded by the ability to provide a positive influence in their lives. I counsel youth on major life choices, advocate for them within the legal system, and see that their individual health needs are met. Helping youth in this at risk environment has provided me with life skills that will prove valuable in my personal professional pursuits within the juvenile justice system."
--Tara

"My experience with Choice has given me a unique relationship with the youth that I serve. Each client has a special quality that allows me to work with him or her in every aspect of their life, if it’s helping to fill out a job application, or help study for a driver education class. These are the fundamentals that make the job rewarding. Growing up as a child in the system, I often can relate to the trials of life, and the struggles that many of the youth face day to day. Many people think it is simple to choose the right path. What I try to provide is guidance that I wished that I had, when I was younger. Being a role model is not just telling these youth what to do, it is also being a shoulder to cry on, and a sounding board. If there is one thing that I hope for, it is that I have given much as I have learned."
--Andrea

"Only four months into my one year commitment, my experience working for the Choice Program, an outreach and tracking program that helps juvenile offenders in Hartford, has been a great learning experience. Working directly with my clients has given me a whole new perspective on juveniles. When I got to know them, my clients went from juvenile offenders to real people very quickly. Being there on a typical day to help them find jobs, to listening and giving positive advice makes me feel like I have made a difference in their lives. As I continue working here, my main goal is to establish a stepping ground for these kids so that they may have a future that is bright."
--Mark

"ACTION PACKED!!! Those are two words that accurately describe the Hartford Choice Program. Every day at Choice is full of new and challenging experiences. I meet so many people in the Hartford community and school system; it’s amazing! Choice has been an extremely rewarding experience. Words fail to describe the feeling I get when we help a client succeed in school, work or sports, despite the obstacles of his or her past experiences and environment. "
-- Tami

"Today I . . . brought someone to a doctor’s appointment . . . mediated a family discussion . . . took a 16 year old to take a pregnancy test . . . advocated for a client’s medical insurance . . . set up community service for a suspended student . . . attended a student’s planning and placement team meeting . . . made ten home visits . . . visited three schools . . . spoke with two teachers . . . made seven phone calls . . . taught someone something . . . learned something from someone . . .advocated . . . supported . . . hopefully, made a difference in the life of a child . . . definitely made a difference in mine. "
--Melissa