First OBB client and Back to School Event!

Last Tuesday, I assisted my first OBB client. I realized how much I appreciate the question-answer based format of the software; it is so convenient! At first my client thought that I was a social-worker and that I would not only help her apply for benefits, but also guarantee them to her. After I clarified my role, she seemed a confused about the meaning her visit and why she couldn't have applied on her own. This led me to wonder how mislead clients are when they first use the benefit bank. After my client found out how much money for food assistance she was probably eligible for, she asked about the accuracy of the benefit bank indicator. As a counselor, I felt a level of responsibility for the outcome of her benefits, even though I know it is only my role to help her apply. After learning about her situation, I found myself hoping that she would receive benefits as much as she did. It was overall a very rewarding experience, and I am really glad I had gone through the benefits training.
This Saturday, Alex and I went to back to school event at a church in Dayton with our Quick Check working in full function. The church was giving away school supplies ranging from character backpacks to mechanical pencils. I was impressed at how organized the event was! This was my first time using the Quick Check at an outreach event, because it wasn’t working for us at the Smart Money Event. It had such an impact! People would come to our table and tell us that they probably did not qualify for any benefits, did not see the harm in doing a Quick Check. To their surprise, many of them were good candidates for benefits that they thought they weren’t eligible for! It was such a great feeling to know I have helped them move a step in the right direction! We were able to do Quick Check for about 20 people and handed out marketing material to about 25 people. I just hope that people follow through with applying for their application; I hope that they take the initiative to call the OBB site and make an appointment.
As an added bonus, Alex and I got to be onstage while enthusiastic high school students gave an upbeat concert for younger children to motivate them to do their best and reach their goals!