Why Assisters Belong in Advocacy
Like many people, my journey into social services was not a straight path—it was something that found me over time. I started working in social services in the 1990s and later transitioned to the private sector, but it wasn’t until 2009 that I truly realized my passion for this work. Before that, I had been on the other side of the table—I was laid off from work for a brief time and found myself needing help. I was blessed to receive services from an agency that gave me not just support but dignity and hope during a difficult period. That experience stayed with me.
It showed me how critical programs like SNAP are, how much compassion and advocacy matter, and how life can change in an instant for anyone. It was then that I knew—I wanted to be a part of making sure people had access to the support they needed without shame or barriers.
Since then, I have worked in various roles, from direct application assistance to community event coordination to policy advocacy. I have trained teams, led outreach initiatives, and fought for policy changes that remove unnecessary hurdles for those in need. But through it all, one thing remains clear: assisters are more than just facilitators of benefits access—we are advocates.
The Power of Assisters in Advocacy
Assisters sit at the intersection of direct service and systemic change. We are the ones hearing firsthand the struggles of families trying to put food on the table. We saw the frustration of seniors navigating complex SNAP applications. We recognize the barriers—whether it’s confusing paperwork, language access issues, or outdated eligibility rules that do not reflect today’s economic realities. And because we see these challenges up close, we are uniquely positioned to advocate for change.
In my years in social services, I saw how a lack of clarity in policy directly impacted those seeking assistance. I saw seniors forced to make impossible choices because of asset tests that penalized them for having even modest savings. I spoke with families who were discouraged from applying for SNAP due to unnecessary complexities in the process. These stories were not just numbers or policy briefs, they were real lives and real struggles.
That is why advocacy must be a part of what we do. It is not enough to help people navigate a fractured system—we must work to fix the system itself.
Moving Beyond the Application Process
When assisters engage in advocacy, we bring credibility and lived expertise to policy discussions. Legislators and decision-makers need to hear from the people on the ground who understand the nuances of these programs beyond what is written in a policy manual.
This is why I advocated at the Texas State Capitol for a simplified SNAP application for seniors. It is why I believed in adjusting the vehicle asset test, so working families are not punished for owning a reliable car. This is why I push for policies that not only maintain access but improve them.
However, advocacy does not only mean speaking before a legislature – it starts in everyday conversations. It happens when we educate community members about their rights, when we share data and stories with our organizational leaders, and when we use our voices to highlight what’s working and what’s not working.
A Call to Action
As assisters, we have a responsibility—not just to help people today, but to ensure the system works better for them tomorrow. That means stepping into advocacy, whether that looks like policy engagement, community education, or simply amplifying the voices of those we serve.
The work we do matters. The insight we bring is invaluable, and the people we serve deserve not just assistance but a system that truly serves them.
Let’s keep pushing forward. Let’s ensure that our role in advocacy is recognized, uplifted, and strengthened. Because when assisters advocate, we don’t just change policies—we change lives.
