Can you tell us what you do?
MM: I’m a Care Manager at Bergen’s Promise, where I’ve worked for eight years. Our non-profit organization is paid through Medicaid for services provided, and the majority of the people we work with live in Begen County and are referred to us from social services. I work with children and adolescents with mental health and developmental challenges. I match them with services and support them and their families. Typically, my case load is about 15 children, ranging from as young as 3 to as old as 21. Many have PTSD, ODD, and other serious challenges.
Working with a vulnerable population, what does a “success story” look like?
MM: Providing someone with sustainable structure, because they will need that as older children and adults. Giving a child stronger coping skills and organizational skills and helping them advocate for themselves. Some
In your experience, what is needed to provide adequate to the youth and families you work with?
MM: I think we need a lot more social services for kids with intellectual developmental challenges. There are gaps everywhere. Especially for kids in elementary and middle school. They would benefit from having someone besides their parents help them with lifestyle issues. More funding for services would go a long way.
Let’s pivot to your work in the Union. How long have you been a Shop Steward, and how did you become one?
MM: I’ve been a Steward for three years. One of the Shop Stewards was becoming a Supervisor, so we needed someone to take his place. There weren’t any women Stewards at the time, which was not representative of our mostly-female workforce. People saw I communicated well with my fellow workers, so I was elected and participated in the Local 1037 Shop Steward training.
I talked to my fellow workers about what it requires, and saw who was interested. Now three of our four Stewards are women. I recruited Stephanie, one of our Stewards. We have a really collaborative team here that we see in our day-to-day work, and the Union activity.
How do you talk to non-members about joining the Union?
MM: We have almost 100% Union membership. I mean, we just had (February 17) after a massive demonstration where over half of us workers came to hold up signs demanding management negotiate a fair contract with us. And over 97% of Union members in our unit signed the petition. So they see that without a Union, we’re going to be overworked, underpaid, and treated as expendable.
Can you tell us a little more about yourself, personally, outside of work?
MM: I’m originally from Orange County, New York. My wife and I have been together for 12 years. I love to travel during the summer. I like hiking, kayaking, outdoorsy stuff. We go to Ringwood Reservoir, Torrin Park, and other places nearby. Recently, my wife and I went to the U.S. Virgin Islands. We’ve been to Amsterdam. We have an upcoming trip planned for Costa Rico, which I’ve heard is stunningly beautiful.
My favorite National Park is Yosemite. I like to stay active, but I can also be perfectly content sitting on the couch with my cat.