Reflections from members of the Compass community during COVID-19
News about the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic is everywhere. The national story focuses on the big numbers - but behind each number is a story that matters, too.
To help bring these stories to our life, we’re sharing reflections from members of the Compass community - clients, financial coaches and other front-line staff, and our supporters - as we support families to navigate the economic impacts of this pandemic.
You Can Count on Compass
Carla Wahnon, Financial Coach in Greater Boston
The common thread in discussions with my clients is the fear and uncertainty about the economy, about having money to pay their bills, and having to hold it all together. Some of my clients have been furloughed, some have relatives on ventilators, some have used all their savings, and some are afraid to lose the little they have saved in their retirement account. The common denominator across all these interactions is the trust that clients have in Compass.
Clients know that they can count on Compass for an open and frank dialogue, information, and resources. They understand our mission to provide high quality, caring services with the respect they deserve.
As part of my role as a financial coach I have developed targeted outreach campaigns to bring updated and relevant information to my clients. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. One campaign was about new available resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic, another campaign focused on employment, and a third one focused on current assistance for micro and small business. These campaigns have resulted in in-depth interactions (by phone or online) and strengthened relationships with my clients. They’ve provided problem-solving ideas and, most importantly, hope, solidarity, and community-building.
The routine of a Financial Coach at Compass Working Capital during the COVID-19 pandemic era has changed as dramatically as everyone else’s. It is truly an around the clock role. Personally, I have combined my passion for what I do with Compass’ mission to provide our clients with timely and high-quality financial guidance to help them navigate the uncertainty during these unprecedented circumstances. I feel a tremendous responsibility placed upon my role - more than ever - because for most of our clients we are the only ones they can go to for advice, guidance, and answers in times when they feel the most vulnerable. Partnering with my clients, offering them assistance, and sometimes only listening to their concerns, makes me proud of my job and proud of being part of the Compass Working Capital team, the work we do, and our unwavering commitment to our mission.
There are a couple of things my clients have said recently that have really stuck with me: “Thanks for believing in me!” and “You’re special to me! You are a person of your word, and you waste no time! I really appreciate your efforts to help me in my pursuit to find lucrative employment.”
Click here to learn more about Carla.