"Every person, regardless of background or diagnosis, shares a fundamental desire: to feel heard, respected, and supported." - Dominique Salinas
As a Community Coordinator, my time at Karis Community has been a transformative chapter in my professional and personal development. When I reflect on my experience working alongside Community Members, I realize and recognize that I am not just a provider but also a participant in a shared journey toward recovery. This immersive experience has taught me the value of humility and the importance of listening. The Community Members’ resilience and insights challenge my preconceptions and enrich my understanding of mental health beyond textbooks and lectures..
Some of my primary responsibilities include leading weekly recovery support groups, providing individual check-in spaces for the members, offering support during after-hours of crisis, and joining the Community at dinner during my shifts. These sessions and groups serve as spaces of vulnerability, trust, and growth. We explore topics ranging from coping strategies to job interview preparation. Witnessing Community Members support each other, share their stories, and celebrate milestones has emphasized the power of peer support in the healing process.
An unexpected but impactful part of my work at Karis is bringing my dog, Tico, a mini–Australian Shepherd, into the community space. As he trains to become a licensed therapy dog, Tico has already shown how valuable animals can be in mental health settings. His presence often helps break the ice, ease anxiety, and encourage Community Members to step outside, engage in gentle conversation, and even reflect on their emotions. Walking or simply sitting with Tico gives Community Members an opportunity to practice mindfulness, nurture a sense of responsibility, and experience nonjudgmental companionship. Research increasingly supports the therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted interventions, and witnessing this firsthand at Karis affirms the deep, often unspoken, emotional support animals can offer in recovery settings. Tico is not just my pet; he became an extension of my work—offering comfort, connection, and calm in moments when words sometimes fall short.
Beyond Clinical Skills: Teaching Life Skills
While clinical interventions are vital, I quickly realized that equipping residents with practical life skills is equally crucial. From budgeting workshops to immersive health and wellness topics, these activities aim to foster independence and confidence. By addressing daily challenges, we empower Community Members to envision and work toward a life beyond Karis, aligning with the program’s goal of preparing individuals to re-engage productively in the larger community.
Building Relationships in Their Space
Operating within the Community Members’ living environment requires a delicate balance of professionalism and approachability. Being present in their space means being available during moments of crisis and celebration alike. This proximity allows for deeper connections, as trust is built not just in scheduled sessions but also during shared meals and spontaneous conversations.
Advocacy, Validation, and Encouragement
A significant aspect of my role involves advocating for Community Members, connecting them with resources, and validating their experiences. Many Community Members face systemic barriers, from housing instability to healthcare access. By assisting them in navigating these challenges, we reinforce their agency and self-worth. Simultaneously, we encourage personal growth, challenging them to set and pursue goals, embodying the program’s emphasis on empowerment.
Reflections and Takeaways
My time at Karis has been more than just a placement site; it’s been a profound learning experience. I’ve come to appreciate the intricacies of community-based mental health care and the significance of creating spaces where individuals feel validated, respected, and understood. The lessons learned at Karis will undoubtedly inform my future practice, reminding me always to approach my work with empathy, openness, and a commitment to holistic healing.
As I reflect, my hope is that anyone reading this blog gains a deeper understanding of how transformative this community can be—not only for the residents but for everyone involved. Families, staff members, and alums are all touched by the healing, growth, and connection that Karis fosters. It is a space where traditional notions of mental health facilities are gently but powerfully challenged. Here, recovery does not look one way, and mental health does not follow a single narrative. Every person, regardless of background or diagnosis, shares a fundamental desire: to feel heard, respected, and supported. Karis meets that need. My experience has shown me that community-based care can offer far more than clinical treatment—it offers dignity, mutual growth, and a reimagining of what healing truly looks like.
Dominique Salinas
Community Coordinator