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Faces of IBA

IBA has come a long way since it first started back in 1968 and that is not only thanks to our supporters and donors but also because of every single person working with us. IBA employs hardworking, committed individuals who all share the same goal: to empower and engage individuals and families to improve their lives through high-quality affordable housing, education, and arts programs.

Today, we want to recognize three members of our wonderful team who dedicate their time and energy to ensure, with the utmost professionalism, that processes are being followed and results are being reached.

What is your role and when did you start working for IBA?

My role in IBA is Resident Service Coordinator and I start working on April 22,2019

What do you do as a Resident Service Coordinator on a daily basis and what are the goals of your position?

The Resident Services Coordinator is responsible for promoting programs and efforts that enhance our residents’ quality of life and that help build a healthy community. The coordinator works to enhance the ability of residents to uphold their lease obligations, such as paying rent on time, taking proper care of the unit, and ensuring quiet enjoyment of the property for all residents and surrounding neighbors. The coordinator also ensures the provision of program support and/or intervention for individuals and families through the coordination of community resources and provides case management to ensure participants access supportive services.

Why did you decide to join IBA?

I decided to join IBA because it is an organization with Puerto Rican bases that connects me to my roots and with my knowledge. I was able to provide a quality service to this community that I appreciate so much and inform them that they are not alone because the Resident Services Program is here to help with their needs.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

Enjoy with my family different activities like going the beach and making new memories every day.

What is your role and when did you start working for IBA?

I’m IBA’s grant writer and I started working for IBA right at the end of August 2020.

What do you do as a grant writer, what are the goals and even maybe challenges of what you do?

As IBA’s grant writer, my job is to research corporations and foundations that might be interested in funding the work that IBA is doing, then fill out grant applications and submit them to these institutions. It involves a lot of writing and networking, as well as keeping track of the many deadlines floating around. While it can be challenging to craft the perfect submission, it’s so rewarding to have a grant funded and know that it’s going straight to IBA’s community services!

Why did you decide to join IBA?

I decided to join IBA because I wanted to use my writing and marketing skills for good! IBA’s mission and work really resonate with me, and I’m so happy that I have an opportunity to play a small role in supporting our affordable housing community.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

Outside of work I like to run, read, cook (with varying results, I’m still learning!), and spend time with friends and family.

What is your role and when did you start working for IBA?

I am a Resident Service Coordinator and I joined IBA roughly about a year ago, June 22^nd 2020.

What do you do as a Resident Services Coordinator, what are the goals and even maybe challenges of what you do?

In summary, as a resident services coordinator [RSC], you are the connection between the client/resident and the need, linking them to the right agency. For instance, if someone comes with a necessity to get a homemaker, as a RSC you make the referral to the local elder agency and the agency then starts and provides the services to the client/resident. One of the main goals is to make the right coordination of services to meet the resident’s needs and continue re-assessing the need to reach the resident’s satisfaction. For instance, if a resident comes in for rental assistance aid, we help in applying for the funds assistance. Then we follow up with the case up until the agency we made the referral to guarantees the rental assistance disbursement funds to pay up the resident’s rent arrears, leaving the resident with a zero balance, no debt, starting fresh. Then we refer the resident to financial coaching, so this resident gets skills on bill payments, budgeting, successful coordination of their finances, encouragement in building new, good habits and educating them to avoid owing rent in the future. There are a lot of challenges, but most I can speak of is that we are a lot of times advocating for the residents and at times we do not see the good results instantly. But the work is rewarding, and we always are aware that even if you don’t meet the initial goal we set forth, we leave the situation in a better place/platform than it used to be (we also create new goals).

Why did you decide to join IBA?

I decided to join IBA because I fell in love with the way the organization operates in being a multi-services fountain of resources/goods to their community/residents all under one roof. When I think of IBA I think of “one stop shop” sort of like Target in a sense. You go to Target, you can get groceries, clothing, electronics, house wear, furniture etc. As an IBA resident, you are equipped to the fullest to reach any goal of being a successful individual if you know how to take advantage. IBA offers Resident Services which is the department I work under. We help residents apply for rental assistance, help residents apply for fuel assistance, assist with referrals for lawyers, food services, homemaking services, financial coaching and much more, you name it. In addition, there are other departments within IBA such as the Youth Development, they offer programs to enrich youth in gaining essential life skills such as art, financial skills, public speaking, help with after school, etc. Another department is financial coaching, which helps residents with learning how to budget their money, start saving money early, goal settings, teaching how to invest, etc. I mean, what else would a person want more than living in such a community where there are existing pillars and backbones within, prepping, guiding and strengthening their residents in every aspect of life as needed to reach their short- and long-term goals. I can go on and on with other departments, but will stop here. Long story short, I am here because I want to continue being a part of this amazing organization/movement and be an asset to its growth, because I foresee big things coming up for IBA.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

I love planting and gardening. I am so bad at it though, but I would love to eventually become more professional. It gives me a feeling of tranquility, love and cherishment to our nature.

If you wish to support our programs and the crucial services they provide to IBA’s vibrant community, please visit ibaboston.org/donate and contribute today!

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