Please join us in congratulating Heather Ball, the recipient of the July 2024 Staff on the Rise recognition and on her recent promotion to the Housing First Coordinator! Heather’s dedication to the clients she serves, and her willingness to go above and beyond for her team members exemplify the qualities of a Staff on the Rise recipient.
Heather joined RISE in January 2022 and worked as an Adult Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Care Manager and was quickly promoted to Senior AOT Counselor in July 2022. Eager to learn more and expand her skills, in June 2024, Heather accepted the position as the Housing First Coordinator.
“Heather brings to her new role a wealth of knowledge to support the individuals in the Housing First program,” says the RISE Executive Team. “She is forever eager to help the clients of RISE, but she is also willing to step up and help out her peers, volunteer to support new initiatives like the Universal Preservation Hall Ambassador Program and our partnership with C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios and lend a helping hand wherever need be.”
“I felt like I was at the point of my career where I wanted to do something different and I felt like all my experiences would work well for Housing First,” Heather shares.
Housing First provides permanent supportive housing for people and families with mental health diagnoses, substance use, and other life challenges who are experiencing chronic homelessness. Housing Frist does not require people to address their concerns prior to access housing but once they are housed, the housing first coordinator provides long-term rental assistance and supportive services.
“I’m really good at connecting people to services,” Heather shares. “That skill will be a great asset in Housing Frist. “Many of these folks don’t have providers, and I feel I can use my experiences as a Care Manager in assisting them obtain the services they need to maintain their housing stability.”
Heather’s educational and work background is in Human Services. Prior to coming to RISE, Heather worked as a mental health assistant and later as a care manager in the inpatient unit at Ellis Mental Health. She also worked at Schenectady ARC as a supervisor and providing direct care to the individuals they served. She shares that she works in this field to be someone that others can count on. “I know what it is like to not have someone to turn to or count on when things are tough. I want to be there for others and help them see that they can overcome their circumstances and grow through adversity.”
Heather is close with her family and enjoys spending time with her mother, her two siblings, and her nieces. “My nieces are the best! We go to the park, play in the sprinklers, and go berry picking,” she exclaims. In her spare time, Heather likes to read, go for walks, and take a trip to the beach every summer.
RISE administration appreciates all that Heather does for the agency and for the individuals we serve. Please join us in congratulating Heather as our July Staff on the Rise recipient!