From client to staff member, Arburtha Franklin shares her story of how she came to work at TLC.
Arburtha Franklin is the H.O.P.E. House Coordinator at The TransLatin@ Coalition.
After 23 years in the California State Prison system, I had a very different idea about what to expect from society when I was released. All that changed upon coming here at The TransLatin@ Coalition (TLC). I immediately recognized the genuine compassion and concern for my well-being, in all areas of my life, from medical assistance, mental health, HIV prevention, violence prevention, and immediate emergency housing. I found the staff here at TLC to be professional in every way, and thoroughly respectful of my privacy. I was impressed! What I didn't know was that one day soon I would be asked to join this dynamic organization, first as an intern, where I learned the value of true compassion through my work with Terri Jay, Alexia Partida Cruz, and Angelika Carrillo, through the Case Management Support Services.
While working with case managers, I assisted a client by helping them get to their doctor’s appointments, and to my surprise, this individual ended up helping me more than I would ever be able to help them by teaching me what is truly important…a positive mindset. They inspired me to always "see the glass half full" instead of half empty! That change in mindset allowed me to approach life with more compassion and better serve our clients, other people like me.
My surprises were not done because through the generosity of Maria Roman, our COO, and other staff members I have been recently promoted to a full-time position here at TLC as the new H.O.P.E. House Coordinator, our transitional housing program. I began my new position in December 2021 and I am so appreciative of all the care that has been shown to me by each and every member of the TLC staff! I am looking forward to continuing to grow and become a professional working for my community.
Thank you,
Arburtha Franklin
H.O.P.E. House Coordinator
The TransLatin@ Coalition