As a graduate student in Syracuse’s Master of Social Work program, I was delighted to accept a year-long internship at LIFT-New York to fulfill my program’s field practicum requirement. I was drawn to the organization’s desire to address the root causes of poverty and financial instability. I personally believe that a problem cannot truly be solved until the factors that produce the problem are addressed or, at the very least, understood. I found LIFT’s plan to address generational poverty through direct cash infusions, coaching support, and policy and advocacy work to be comprehensive and inspirational.
So often, individuals receiving social services are not given the dignity and agency they deserve. Putting the power back into the hands of the members is an idea I wholeheartedly believe in. I’ve seen that LIFT treats members with respect and reminds them that their current struggles do not determine their future capabilities. As a coach, I meet members where they are, helping them to rediscover their own power, and use the wisdom gained from their past struggles as fuel to overcome present obstacles. It is so encouraging to witness the growth of LIFT members as they achieve their goals and work to create better lives for themselves and their children. Members truly are the experts of their own lives, and they thrive when given encouragement and reliable support.
Beyond the coaching sessions themselves, one of my favorite parts of being a LIFT Coach is participating in the in-person gatherings and events that LIFT hosts for its community. Whether the occasion is Mother’s Day, Back to School, or Thanksgiving, meeting, members and their families in person providing fun, food, and kid-friendly activities is pure joy! After having had multiple virtual coaching sessions and hearing their kids in the background (and sometimes seeing them pop on screen), it is a real treat to actually meet them and share an embrace. The magic of LIFT events is that they foster community and social support that may not always be available to parents of young children. These events provide a safe space, physically and emotionally, where members and their families can relax and enjoy the day. The cherry on top is that members and their families never leave these events empty-handed. There are always great quality clothing items, toys, goodie bags, and general supplies for members to take home. I am grateful that LIFT provides me with opportunities to support individuals, foster meaningful connections, and build stronger communities that make lasting change possible. This is why I LIFT.
Lynette Fitts
Coach, LIFT-New York