Sheniqua McGinnis Inspires Us All
Moving to a new city can be overwhelming. But it can also be exciting with endless opportunities to explore and learn about your new surroundings.
(Speed Bump!) What if you hit a bump in the road during your transition? You quickly learn you need a little help along the way. That’s where Crisis Assistance Ministry met Sheniqua McGinnis, a native of Harlem, New York. She relocated to Charlotte, NC, roughly six years ago. Before long, she encountered adversity and sought assistance to help her regain financial stability.
Her experience showed her the positive impact Crisis Assistance Ministry has in the lives of Charlotte families and she knew she wanted to help give back to her neighbors with similar needs.
Hello, Crisis Assistance Ministry
She decided to apply for a vacant Customer Service Representative position and got the job!
It wasn’t long before Sheniqua became a favorite among customers and staff members alike. In fact, we hear that people often request Sheniqua’s window when they are seeking assistance.
“When they’re coming here to ask for assistance, it’s bigger than just the application piece. I care about the overall person as a whole,” she says.
“I love to be there for the customer. I encourage them. I love on them at the window because we all go through things in life, and I am empathetic to that, which allows the customer and I to build a rapport”
Sheniqua McGinnis
It All Pays Off
Her empathy and compassion for others shine through each time she guides them through the process of submitting their application for assistance.
The people she welcomes remember her encouragement and kindness, too.
“They come back, and they say, ‘hey you remember me? I’m doing better now. I just wanted to thank you for encouraging me and being there for me.’” she shares.
It’s that feeling of making a difference that motivates her to get up every day and come back to do this work.
She’s proud of being able to help others. And she’s especially proud of being selected employee of the year by her peers and the organization’s leadership. To Sheniqua, it means her hard work and dedication are recognized and valued by the people she works with as well as the people she serves.
Interacting with the public as a customer service representative is rewarding, but it can take a lot of energy. Sheniqua feels it’s worth it, though, because she is making a significant impact in the lives of customers served at Crisis Assistance Ministry.
Still, she appreciates her weekends after giving her all Monday through Friday at work. She uses her time to relax and recharge for the upcoming work week: gaming, walking, and doing puzzles.
Beyond the Window
One of her goals since the beginning has been to grow with Crisis Assistance Ministry. One day, she would like the opportunity to work with families beyond the customer service window. As a caseworker. she thinks she could have a deeper connection to the customer and help families continue their journey with the resources and encouragement they need to get back on their feet. That way, she says, “it doesn’t end so abruptly.”
Til then, she’ll keep on smiling, listening, and encouraging everyone who comes through Crisis Assistance Ministry’s doors seeking assistance.
“It’s a home for me. I love it here,”
Hats off to Sheniqua for her daily work to ease the minds of families in the middle of a financial crisis.
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Sheniqua is one of approximately 53 employees who put Crisis Assistance Ministry’s mission into action every day in direct service or support roles. Employee of the Year recipients are nominated by their peers for embodying the organization’s core values of Dignity, Integrity, Respect, Empathy, Compassion, & Trust in the fulfillment of their roles.