Staff Spotlight: Scott McGinnis | Program Manager, Anawim Housing | July 29, 2020
One way Anawim Housing makes an effective impact on the lives of our tenants is through the dedicated staff we hire to oversee our Permanent Supportive Housing programs. Our highly skilled program managers work together to support and empower the individuals and families we serve. Collectively, our team holds the following certifications: Workforce Development Specialist, International Alcohol and Drug Counselor, SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recover (SOAR), and Certified Prevention Specialist.
Trained in diversion and rapid resolution, our team uses a trauma-informed approach to ensure our community's most vulnerable individuals remain housed. Each program manager uses their lived experience, interest, and education to meet tenants where they are and to build trusting relationships.
This summer, we welcome our newest staff member, Scott McGinnis, to the Anawim Housing Program Team. Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and passion that will allow us to continue serving tenants with creativity and flexibility. Scott came to Anawim Housing because he believes in the core of our mission. "I agree with the Housing First philosophy. If someone is hungry, you feed them first. It is the same premise at Anawim. If someone is homeless, you provide housing," says Scott. With a degree in Psychology and experience working with individuals living with severe mental illness in a Community Support Program and a crisis receiving unit, Scott returned to direct service work because he wanted to use his life experience and education to give back.
"My first job in the psychology field was in a psychiatric ward. Later I served as a youth counselor with delinquent youth," says Scott, "I learned a lot working with people from all walks of life."
Today, along with his work around mental health and substance abuse, Scott is most interested in grief support and how to help people heal from grief and loss-related trauma. "Three years ago my son passed away. I want to use that painful experience for something positive. Grief counseling can be hard to come by, especially finding someone who has been through it themself," says Scott. Scott sees his role in life as helping others find a way forward. "There is hope for tomorrow. There is hope for a better life. There is hope to achieve your goals," he says.
In Scott's first month on the job, he has been most impressed by the genuine comaraderie of the staff. "Everyone here works well together. We cover each other. Even in difficult situations, there is a positivity that the team exudes," says Scott. The partnership of our staff is central to the work Anawim is doing to end homelessness and provide stable housing to individuals who need it most. We are excited to welcome Scott to Anawim Housing. His skills will be an excellent addition to the program team, to the organization, and the broader community.
Scott McGinnis moved to Iowa from Wisconsin. When not working, he spends his free time riding his motorcycle and playing with his dog, Otis Boden McGinnis.