Ann was inspired by her husband Pat to begin working at Together We Cope as an intake worker in 2003, but it’s the people she’s met on the job that has kept her coming back.

A piano teacher in her spare time, Ann held a number of jobs before coming to Together We Cope.  She was in retail sales, a Mary Kay consultant, a claims representative, insurance underwriter, receptionist, bookkeeper and the usual odd assortment of college jobs – including a summer stint as “The Jolly Pirate.”

She recalls: “I chose to work at Together We Cope because of my husband.  As a member of the South Suburban Council on Homelessness he knew about this agency and the work we do.  He kept telling me: ‘If they ever have an opening, that job would be perfect for you.’ Although it pains me to admit it, he might have been right – I love this job. It’s challenging and can be frustrating, but it’s never dull and is always rewarding.”

Ann said she’s met many incredible people at Together We Cope, from co-workers to volunteers to clients.  “Oddly enough, one of the people who left the strongest impression on me is a client I have never met.  She first contacted us years ago to apply for the Share program for help with her gas bill.  Because of a disability she is not able to get around, so we did everything via telephone and mail.  Each year she calls to do a new application, and it has become my goal to make her laugh at least three times during each call.

 “She has made me realize that although circumstances may make us feel isolated, it’s still possible and important to connect with the people around us. It truly is “Together (that) We Cope.”

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