Leaving My Comfort Zone to Make Change!

My name is Mistie Wolfe and I am the Guest Services Manager for PATH Dallas. I have worked with homeless individuals for 9 years now. Consequently, I have worked for the same organization for 9 years.

So…Why did I choose to leave my comfort zone? And why PATH Dallas?

As I look back over the last few years in Dallas, the buzz has been the ever evasive homeless “problem”. People wanting to see something done about the homeless in Dallas but no one wants to do it. And with good reason –there were few examples of how to address chronic homelessness effectively.

Let’s factor in politics, social services, a bond package passed by the voters, and here we are…The Bridge/PATH Dallas. (This is kind of the time lapse version.)

Like many others, I had reservations and curiosities. Being an advocate for homeless individuals, I felt a sense of responsibility and possibility – that perhaps I could be part of the solution. So when I saw the posting for jobs at PATH Dallas, I thought- OK, maybe this is my opportunity.

I began to research PATH Partners. I went to the website (www.pathpartners.org) to read up on all the information I might need to make a decision to be a part of this organization. Are they effective? Are they innovative, creative and flexible in their approach to addressing chronic homelessness? What does their mission mean to me? Could I stand proud to work for PATH Dallas? The answer to these questions was YES!

PATH Partners has already implemented many of the “common sense” ideas that my colleagues and I have discussed for a long time. I mean c’mon, the “Mall” concept almost seems like a no-brainer! With that in mind, I made the decision to step out of my comfort zone of 9 years to apply with their organization.

I am proud to say PATH Dallas hired me. We are counting the days until the Bridge opens and counting the days till our efforts, combined with the expertise of our partners, will help the homeless get off the streets to get the help they need.

I am proud to have left my comfort zone to be part of the PATH Dallas team and look forward to making a contribution to end homelessness in Dallas!