Staff Spotlight: Phoebe

A Shelter Advocate in Council Bluffs, Phoebe works with our shelter guests on the weekends and evenings, bringing continuity and consistency from the work being done to offer support and resources during the weekdays. “I know our Shelter team works so hard during the week,” says Phoebe, “one of my goals is just to keep that momentum going on the weekends.”

Having struggled with alcohol addiction and homelessness herself, Phoebe brings her own lived experiences to her work, which has helped her to have a quick rapport, credibility, and respect from our guests. “During my addiction, I lost myself as a person,” says Phoebe, “I lost custody my daughter and almost lost my life a couple of times.” Phoebe entered an inpatient treatment program that helped get her back on track, and she eventually got her daughter back as well. “You feel so hopeless, but everyone has choices. I had to be honest about my issues, and I did the work to get to a better place,” says Phoebe.

Tenacious, stubborn, and loving are qualities that Phoebe brings from her experience and into her work. “A big part of what I do is to help people see what’s inside of themselves,” says Phoebe. “Being in constant crisis gives people a skewed perception of reality, but I try to help them see what they CAN do, and that they DO have control over their situation.” One thing Phoebe has learned during her time at New Visions is how strong the community is for people living in poverty and homelessness. “I came from what you’d call a “white picket fence” life,” says Phoebe, “so when I fell into addiction and homelessness, I didn’t know immediately about the resources available to me. Working with individuals who have been in poverty for a long time, I can see how they help one another, they lean on each other.”  

Phoebe is proud of her sobriety and the life she’s building now. A few of Phoebe’s favorite things include spending time outdoors, cooking, dogs, puzzles, and the color purple. In her free time, Phoebe enjoys volunteering in the fellowships of the sober community (AA, CA, NA). This includes hosting sober events to promote a safe, loving environment for those who struggle with mental health and addiction. “Service work is a prime pillar of my sobriety and allows me to share my experiences with others,” says Phoebe “it’s tremendously important for me to LIVE in my sobriety, not to just stay sober.” We are so grateful for the gifts and experiences that Phoebe brings to her role with us at New Visions, and we look forward to the continued growth and productivity that she encourages in our guests.