Each Small Step
Employee Spotlight: Kerry-Dean Nugent
Care Coordinator, RISE Atlanta program
Care Coordinator Kerry-Dean Nugent has dedicated her career to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable communities.
“My background has always centered on serving others,” Kerry-Dean shares. “I’ve worked across social services, higher education, and K-12 as a special education teacher, supporting low-income families, immigrant and refugee families, at-risk youth, and adults facing mental health and substance use challenges. I’ve also been a foster parent, providing a stable, nurturing environment for children in need. Each role I’ve taken on has fueled my passion for helping others.”
While this role marks Kerry-Dean’s first experience working directly with the chronically homeless, her commitment to empowering individuals and fostering change made it a natural fit.
“I believe everyone deserves a chance to rebuild, and each small step forward is a victory,” she says. “I’m grateful to be part of a team that shares this vision.”
In her role, Kerry-Dean supports 25 clients across Atlanta, each facing unique challenges related to chronic homelessness. Through CaringWorks’ supportive housing services, she collaborates closely with clients to set realistic, achievable goals that build their stability and independence. By conducting comprehensive annual assessments, Kerry-Dean gains a clear understanding of each client’s needs, which informs the individualized, person-centered plans she creates every six months. These plans address housing, mental health, and substance abuse needs, with measurable goals that Kerry-Dean tracks over time. She also connects clients with essential community resources to support their journeys. With a focus on patience and steady progress, Kerry-Dean emphasizes that even small steps—like attending medical appointments or adhering to treatment plans—pave the way to meaningful change over time.
“Whether it’s helping clients make it to their doctor’s appointments or ensuring they stay on track with medications, it’s the small steps that truly make a difference over time.”
One of the most fulfilling parts of her job, Kerry-Dean says, is seeing clients reach their milestones.
“As you can imagine, there’s a lot of paperwork in social services,” she laughs. “But the one-on-one interactions with clients are what I love most. Seeing their pride when they achieve their goals – they get excited, and so do I. That’s my favorite part.”
Kerry-Dean also emphasizes the strength of her RISE Atlanta team at CaringWorks.
“My RISE Atlanta family has been amazing—compassionate, supportive, and always willing to share their expertise,” she notes. “I’m truly inspired by what CaringWorks stands for. ‘Caring does work’ isn’t just a motto; it’s the heart of what we do.”
About CaringWorks:
Built on the single idea that all people—no matter their social or economic standing—should have a chance to improve their quality of life, CaringWorks has served thousands of clients since our inception in 2002. Since then we have grown exponentially to become one of Georgia’s leaders in providing permanent supportive housing. We serve hundreds of individuals each year through unique programs and services that are specifically tailored to the needs of those facing chronic homelessness.
Donate today to help us end homelessness.
October 2024