Carrie Hamilton – Director of Programs & Services
Lucky for JFS and our clients, working in the telecommunications industry in Southern California just wasn't fulfilling for Carrie Hamilton. So change she did! Carrie's interest in social advocacy led her back to school in New Mexico where she received her BSW and MSW in the Community Organizing/Administration concentration from Highlands University.
As part of her MSW program, Carrie completed a year-long internship with the Jewish Federation of Greater Albuquerque (JFGA) in 2001-2002. Art Fine, JFS Executive Director, met Carrie and was impressed with her talent and enthusiasm. She was the driving force behind JFGA/JFS's successful efforts to secure federal funding to provide in-home services to seniors living in NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities). Upon receiving her MSW, Carrie joined JFS in August 2002 to fill the new position of Executive Assistant.
Carrie's work was cut out for her. JFGA subcontracted with JFS to design and administer the NORC demonstration project. JFS launched the program in the fall of 2003 with a broad array of service providers ranging from UNM College of Nursing to Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Department of Senior Affairs. Carrie's responsibilities grew, along with JFS, and she was promoted to Director of Programs & Services in July 2004.
Currently, Carrie oversees the majority of JFS's programs and is a member of the leadership team. She divides her time between staff training and facilitating staff interaction, program planning and evaluation, and program support/funding, including legislative visits. What does she like best? Carrie smiles, "It is so satisfying to be involved in political advocacy and support strategic change in our social systems. For example our work with the NORC supportive services for seniors is helping move issues facing seniors to the forefront." And the biggest challenge? "Dealing with growth and change – it's rarely easy," Carrie muses.
It's clear talking to Carrie that her career change made a big difference in her life. What about the relocation from California to New Mexico? "I do miss the ocean," Carrie admits, "but I live in the East Mountains and love it out there!" Her dog, cat and rabbits keep her busy, and she loves to travel with her husband. We sure are happy Carrie made the switch – and so are our clients.