Education Enables Sacramento Manager To Serve Others

If you've lived in Sacramento, even just for a short while, you've more than likely heard of Sunburst Projects. With more than 33 years serving the residents of Sacramento and the greater state of California by providing services that benefit youth living with HIV/AIDS, Sunburst Projects plays an important role in the everyday lives of numerous Sacramento residents. A quick glance at their core values reveals a deep respect for the family unit, the belief that every child/teenager should reach their full potential and that it's not the disease that should be focused on, but the quality of life. An important member of this project is clinical case manager Jolene Ford. Jolene works one-on-one with youth and young adults living with HIV to allow them to reach their full potential through, "intensive egocentric case management." Armed with her Masters in Social Work from CSU Sacramento and experience as an outpatient alcohol and drug counselor, Jolene continues to serve Sacramento and the greater Sacramento area.

What does your job entail?

"Supporting clients living with HIV and their families through intensive egocentric case management."

What parts of your job do you most enjoy?

"Seeing my client's thrive despite the challenges they face. Teaching and empowering my clients on how to be self-advocates and get their needs met."

What is your education history?

"Associates degree in chemical dependency studies, bachelor's degree in social work and a masters of social work."

Has your education helped you in your current position?

"Absolutely, all of my degrees included an internship component that allowed me to get experience and practice in the real world."

Any advice for someone wanting to pursue a similar career?

"The work I do can sometimes be emotionally draining, but having great supervision and support at my agency helps during tough times. You will be challenged to look at yourself, your values and beliefs so be willing and open to explore these things. In the end, it's an extremely rewarding job."

Paulo Acoba is a California native raised in the Bay Area and living in the Central Valley. He enjoys distance running, cycling and grassroots motorsports. He holds a degree in management from the University of California Merced. Paulo has been writing for Examiner.com since 2012 and covering the Fresno area.