NEWS

Staff Highlight: Caitlin Tobin – “I learn so much from our clients”

Preble Street staff are #CompassionInAction, and we want you to get to know them! This month we’re introducing you to Caitlin Tobin, 1st Shift Case Manager at the Recuperative Care Program. 

Name, title, and program: Cait Tobin, Case Manager, Recuperative Care Program (RCP) 

How long have you worked at Preble Street? I’ve been here for 2 ½ years. 

What do you like best about your role? Every day is different. I get to connect with people and either help them with something or simply listen. It’s not always about accomplishing a task but rather making a meaningful connection. I learn so much from our clients.  

What are the biggest challenges you face in that role? Navigating the spectrum of challenges that our clients suffer from and trying to do the best thing for them.  

What is a favorite memory you have at your current program? One of my older clients was housed directly from RCP. She recently passed away, and I’m so happy that her last months were in a home of her own.  

What do you want people to understand about your job? That what may seem the smallest victories, are huge in the eyes of my clients.  

Describe your ideal weekend. Spending time with my 14-year-old.  

Join our team!

Preble Street is committed to hiring individuals who want to make an impact in Maine through their diverse lived experience, education, and other learnings, are committed to providing low-barrier services directly to Mainers, and have a positive regard for individuals accessing services for homelessness and poverty.

From human resources to finance to casework to food programs, find the role that’s right for you!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve heard? To let it go and trust that things will work out the way they are supposed to.  

What are some of your favorite local spots to visit? I love walking the Back Cove trail. I live in Casco, so I love being there amongst the lakes.  

What are some favorite books or articles that you’ve read recently? I recently have read a lot of books by Chevy Stevens. I read to relax before bed. Her books are not deep, but they are so good.  

What’s something that you’ve always wanted to try or learn? Glass blowing.  

Describe a unique experience that you’ve had. I lived in Mexico for a little bit when I was 19. I was a Spanish major in college, so I went there for immersion.  

Anything else you want people to know? I’m a single mother of an amazing 14-year-old boy. He is the most important part of me.  

Prior to my career with Preble Street, I was a veterinary technician for 23 years. I had to discontinue to preserve my mental health. I kind of fell into this job, and I love it. I don’t want to do anything else.  

I’m in recovery myself. I don’t say this looking for praise, but to help someone else to speak up if they need help. This part of me helps me to help our clients so much better every day. 

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Funding cuts endanger unsheltered youth

Much like the Street Outreach Collaborative but with a focus on youth, Preble Street’s Teen Outreach caseworkers provide resources and basic needs to young people living outside. Though Preble Street is exploring ways to continue this lifesaving program, it is likely coming to an end or will have its services dramatically cut. On July 9,

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5 years of “social work without walls”

When someone is focused on day-to-day survival, there is little time to attend to long-term goals. Accessing the limited available resources requires sorting through a convoluted web of systems and can be impossible to navigate alone.  Every day for the past 5 years, the small but mighty Street Outreach Collaborative (SOC) at Preble Street works

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