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"I am an artist, advocate, activist, and more. I am a student of life and love to offer my support and insight to help others.
I’m inspired by individuals that are not afraid to speak up for themselves, individuals that provide a safe space for individuals to better equip themselves to navigate these life choices.
I impact my community and individuals every day. Whether it’s offering resources through the various programs I am working for at the time or in my daily life providing understanding where it may not exist. As an HIV tester, I made sure that everyone that I tested was very comfortable, and when a positive result occurred, I made sure they were aware of their results and not let them leave my presence until they were able to assure me, they were okay. I do this work for my friends who didn’t have a fighting chance to live with HIV, now one can have a healthy and sustainable life while living with HIV. With my experience, I assure individuals that HIV does not define you, nor does it lessen your quality of life.
Studying and working in the field of social work has improved my ability to listen and communicate better to the individuals I provide services or resources to. I love people, providing light where there is darkness, placing resources that match the need of the population being served. I work with different personalities, cultures, and egos, as well as through the various processes and protocols that often exist while working with marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Individuals are impacted in multiple ways, your reactions and choices are the infrastructures of your future, one must choose well or be willing to deal with the consequences. This morning I spoke with a participant who served 41 years for a crime he did not commit, he’s finally home with his family and realizes the system is not set up for all. He decided not to allow his situation to define his future, while he can’t get those 41 years back, he can live his life as he chooses.
Social work brings many challenges that one must understand to overcome, as well as daily successes that one should observe. I realize I can’t help everyone, and there’s no one pill one can take, however, by taking each situation as its own entity I focus on what is needed to secure the results that one desires. I’m able to determine the work needed to overcome an obstacle, I also accept if it’s something I can’t overcome and seek help. Ultimately, I’m at my best when helping others overcome their challenges to experience peace and happiness.
As a Peer Navigator working with individuals that recently home from a California State Prison. My duties are the initial intake, assessment, and matching participants to services. If so, I schedule an office visit to collect and sign all necessary documents needed to enroll individuals into the program. I help them navigate the process of readjusting back into society, some serving as much as 40 plus years."
Ronald Jackson (Ron)
Peer Housing Navigator
[email protected]
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