Serving Those Who Served

Employee spotlight: Summer Riddick, Care Coordinator

CaringWorks Care Coordinator Summer Riddick spends each day helping veterans regain stability and independence after experiencing homelessness.

“I help guide them through medical, housing, mental-health, and benefits systems. I assess their needs, create personalized care plans, connect them to services, coordinate with providers, and advocate on their behalf.”

Her hands-on work is driven by a deep respect for those who have served.

“My job allows me to honor their service by helping them access the care and stability they’ve earned.”

Summer will soon celebrate her first anniversary with CaringWorks, but she worked in a range of behavioral health settings before joining the team, including as a Medical Assistant in outpatient psychiatry, an Assertive Community Treatment Team Case Manager supporting individuals leaving psychiatric hospitals or correctional facilities, and later as a Behavioral Health Technician and Group Facilitator in outpatient substance-use treatment program. Her time in behavioral health and case management revealed how important it is for help to be within reach—especially when someone is working to put the pieces of their life back together.

“I entered this field because I’ve seen how challenging it can be for people, specifically veterans, to navigate mental health and social service systems.”

She says the most rewarding part of the job is seeing tangible outcome when she helps someone maintain housing, connect with care, or feel supported.

“The best part of my job is knowing that the work I do has a direct and meaningful impact on the veterans I serve and their quality of life.”

Summer acknowledges that homelessness among veterans is often shaped by barriers such as PTSD, disability, or difficulty transitioning back to civilian life, and she hopes more people understand the realities veterans face.

“Veterans often face challenges that aren’t visible, and they deserve patience, respect, and understanding,” she said. “Homelessness is not a reflection of their worth or effort—it’s a sign that the systems meant to support them need to be stronger.”

And through her work, Summer is strengthening those systems each day.

“Being there to support the 1% who made the decision to serve our country allows me to honor their service while helping them overcome obstacles and build better lives. It’s a privilege to support them and be trusted with their stories and needs.”

December 2025