Vickie Harper’s Impact on Senior Residents and Their Wellbeing

Vickie Harper’s Impact on Senior Residents and Their Wellbeing

HOW VICKIE HARPER SUPPORTS SENIORS WITH INNOVATION AND HEART I'm Michelle Voke, your host, and I am joined by the vibrant and resourceful Vickie Harper, whose journey into service coordination is as unconventional as it is inspiring. After spending 35 years as a beloved schoolteacher, Vickie Harper was pushed into early retirement by the Covid-19 pandemic—only to find herself taking on a new challenge just months later: serving as a service coordinator at Plano Community Homes. Starting her new career amid lockdowns and health crises, Vickie Harper faced the unique challenge of building relationships and trust with her residents while adhering to safety protocols and public health guidance. Vickie Harper shares how she transformed obstacles into opportunities by fostering inclusive community events—like treasure trove “stores” where residents earn gold coins for participating in wellness and social activities, cultural engagement through drag performances and ballet for seniors, and creative partnerships with organizations that benefit her diverse, multilingual residents. She talks about the importance of honest communication, compassion, and healthy boundaries, as well as the strategies she’s developed to avoid burnout and ensure lasting impact. Whether you’re a fellow service coordinator, a housing provider, or just someone who believes in the power of community, this heartfelt conversation offers uplifting insights, practical advice, and a reminder of why the human touch matters most—especially in challenging times. Here are three key takeaways for anyone working in affordable housing or community service: * Building Trust Starts with Presence: Vickie Harper actively engaged with residents—even during the pandemic's isolation—by being visible, accessible, and honest, laying the groundwork for genuine relationships. * Creative Solutions Drive Inclusion: By introducing initiatives like Treasure Trove and multilingual communication strategies, she removed barriers and ensured every resident felt seen and supported, regardless of language or background. * Boundaries and Self-Care Are Essential: She emphasizes the importance of setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing self-care as foundational to sustaining impact in service roles. OUR MISSION Advancing national standards of practice for service coordination by amplifying the voice of our members. OUR VISION We are committed to enhancing service coordination through leadership, professional development, advocacy, and partnerships. https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/casino-funk License code: YDKLEHRMWAOORXTJ https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/big-switch License code: 3MWJFNOT5U8N7BXB https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces License code: ZFIYWOTBBZJNO81U 2026 conference ad [https://heartbeat-of-housing.captivate.fm/2026-early-bird-registration] Copyright 2026 American Association of Service Coordinators

Samantha Culver on Building Trust and Community in Affordable Housing

THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIP: SAMANTHA CULVER’S APPROACH TO RESIDENT TRUST AND CONNECTION Welcome to Heartbeat of Housing! I’m Michelle Voke, your host, and in this episode, I’m excited to share a heartfelt conversation with Samantha Culver, a remarkable service coordinator whose story truly embodies what it means to support affordable housing communities. Samantha’s journey into this profession started unexpectedly during the pandemic, and she brings a wealth of social work experience and dedication. Together, we talk about her transition from working in nursing homes to independent living, the challenges she faced, and her commitment to helping residents thrive. We discuss the importance of building trust, fostering a sense of community, even at a smaller, scattered-site property, and how creative events and daily connection make a real impact. We also discuss the reality of professional isolation and the necessity of self-care for those in helping roles. Samantha shares candid lessons about maintaining boundaries, advocating for herself and her staff, and supporting residents' autonomy. From navigating the ups and downs of community events to connecting with other service coordinators through platforms like Just AASC, this episode is filled with honest insights and practical wisdom. Whether you’re new to service coordination or a seasoned veteran, I think you’ll find inspiration in Samantha’s approach to keeping residents healthy, happy, and housed. Three key takeaways from Samantha's story: * The Importance of Building Trust: Service coordination is rooted in relationship-building. Samantha emphasizes the challenge of gaining residents' trust, especially after periods of turnover. Her consistent presence and empathy create a supportive, stable environment where residents can thrive. * Self-Care & Boundaries Matter: As a “helper” professional, Samantha is intentional about preserving her well-being. She advocates for taking PTO, daily breaks, and establishing boundaries—reminding us all that taking care of ourselves is essential for serving others effectively. * Community Engagement Is Evolving: Samantha gets creative with events and resource-sharing, learning that even if only a few residents attend, it’s a win. She’s quick to adapt, seek new ideas from the Just ASCC platform, and understands that resources can benefit residents and their families, sometimes in unexpected ways. OUR MISSION Advancing national standards of practice for service coordination by amplifying the voice of our members. OUR VISION We are committed to enhancing service coordination through leadership, professional development, advocacy, and partnerships. https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/casino-funk License code: YDKLEHRMWAOORXTJ https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/big-switch License code: 3MWJFNOT5U8N7BXB https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces License code: ZFIYWOTBBZJNO81U Copyright 2026 American Association of Service Coordinators

How Landon Butler Cultivates Connection and Joy in Affordable Housing

If you care about affordable housing, finding fulfillment in your career, or just love hearing the stories of those making a difference, you don’t want to miss this episode. Welcome back to Heartbeat of Housing! I’m Michelle Voke, and in this episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with the reigning Service Coordinator of the Year, Landon Butler—brought to life by Corry Michaelis in this conversation. Join me as I chat with Landon about his winding and inspiring journey from earning a degree in healthcare administration to discovering his true calling as a service coordinator at St. Mary Manor. We talk about what it was like for him to step into a building that hadn’t had a service coordinator for months, and the creative ways he rebuilt trust, community, and connection—whether through food-filled events like National Donut Day or simply spending the time to build genuine relationships with residents. Landon opens up about the challenges of burnout, how important it is to advocate for yourself as much as for your residents, and the impact of building strong connections both inside and beyond our buildings. This is an honest, heartfelt conversation about the highs, the challenges, and the meaning we find working in this field—one resident, and one relationship, at a time. Here are my top 3 takeaways from the episode: * Advocacy Goes Both Ways: Landon reminds us that while advocating for residents is at the heart of the job, advocating for your own support and mental health is just as essential. Speaking up about burnout or support needs ensures you can continue to serve at your best. * Relationships Matter More Than Paperwork: The foundation of impactful service coordination is genuine connection—taking the time to know residents well beyond forms and checkboxes, and building trust through conversation and meaningful activities (bonus: never underestimate the power of donuts or a good bingo game!). * Community Partnerships Amplify Impact: Landon's success comes in part from reaching outside the building—actively networking to bring in local resources, programs, and intergenerational events that enrich residents’ lives and foster real community. OUR MISSION Advancing national standards of practice for service coordination by amplifying the voice of our members. OUR VISION We are committed to enhancing service coordination through leadership, professional development, advocacy, and partnerships. https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/casino-funk License code: YDKLEHRMWAOORXTJ https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/big-switch License code: 3MWJFNOT5U8N7BXB https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces License code: ZFIYWOTBBZJNO81U Copyright 2026 American Association of Service Coordinators

Building Trust and Delivering Hope: Corry Michaelis’ Service Coordination Story

Whether you’re new to service coordination or have been in the field for years, I think you’ll find inspiration in Corry’s story and our discussion about what it truly means to serve our communities. Welcome to the Heartbeat of Housing podcast! In this episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with my dear friend and colleague, Corry Michaelis, who has dedicated over 20 years to the work of service coordination in affordable housing. T ogether, we explore Corry's inspiring journey—from starting as a secretary to finding her calling as a service coordinator, and the powerful impact she continues to have in the lives of residents. We talk about building trust with residents, the evolution of our roles over the years, and share heartfelt moments—like the time Corry helped a resident hear for the first time in decades. Corry also opens up about navigating the emotional challenges of the job, the importance of embracing technology, and why advocacy for affordable housing and supportive services is more crucial than ever. This conversation is close to my heart and packed with real-life experience, wisdom, and hope for the road ahead. Three Key Takeaways: * Evolving Role of Service Coordination: Corry’s journey from front desk receptionist to leading remote service coordination shows how the profession has adapted to technology and changing resident needs. Remote coordination is growing, allowing broader reach—especially in rural areas. * Making a Tangible Impact: Whether it’s helping a resident hear for the first time through a grant-funded hearing aid or crawling into a dumpster to retrieve a lost checkbook, Corry demonstrates that small acts of support can dramatically change lives. * Future Advocacy and Resident Empowerment: As the population ages, the need for affordable housing and compassionate service coordinators will only increase. Corry highlights advocacy as essential—not just for more housing, but also for more support systems, urging service coordinators to educate and empower residents to have their voices heard. OUR MISSION Advancing national standards of practice for service coordination by amplifying the voice of our members. OUR VISION We are committed to enhancing service coordination through leadership, professional development, advocacy, and partnerships. https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/casino-funk License code: YDKLEHRMWAOORXTJ https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/big-switch License code: 3MWJFNOT5U8N7BXB https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces License code: ZFIYWOTBBZJNO81U Copyright 2026 American Association of Service Coordinators

Building Community and Connection in Senior Housing with Callie Allen-Boone

Welcome to the very first episode of “Heartbeat of Housing.” I’m Michelle Voke, and I couldn’t be more excited to kick off this journey with you. In this episode, I sit down with Callie Allen-Boone, an extraordinary professional who’s spent over three decades in senior and affordable housing. Callie Allen-Boone shares her powerful story—from her early days in public housing, to her longtime passion as a service coordinator, to her newest role helping support other service coordinators at AASC [https://www.servicecoordinator.org/home]. Together, we dig into what it’s really like to serve hundreds of residents, how to keep your passion alive in the face of burnout, and why teamwork between staff is essential. We also talk about the wins that keep us going, the tough days that make us stronger, and why sharing knowledge and support is the heartbeat of what we do. You’ll get to hear our thoughts on the future of service coordination, what it means to advocate for residents truly, and how building community—whether through programs like Ask or simple conversations—can change everything. Whether you’re in the field or just want a window into the world of affordable housing, I hope you’ll find wisdom, encouragement, and maybe a bit of inspiration in my conversation with Callie Allen-Boone. Top 3 Takeaways for Housing & Service Coordination Professionals: Boundaries and Relationships Are Everything: Managing 200+ residents alone, Callie stressed the importance of building trust—not just with residents, but with property managers and maintenance teams who truly are the eyes and ears of the community. Peer Support Overcomes Isolation: The toughest days come when systems fail to proactively support residents. Callie emphasized how reaching out to fellow service coordinators for answers, resources, or just to commiserate can renew your energy and build resilience. Start Small with Partnerships: The most impactful programs often start with a simple conversation. Callie’s success with WellCare's “Mind, Body, and Soul” series began at a conference and grew into a transformative experience for residents. Copyright 2026 American Association of Service Coordinators https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/casino-funk License code: YDKLEHRMWAOORXTJ https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/big-switch License code: 3MWJFNOT5U8N7BXB https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces License code: ZFIYWOTBBZJNO81U