Finding Purpose With Benefits In Action

By Eric Gonzales, Program Manager

Purpose is power. It can sustain you when you’re sinking, strengthen you when you’re struggling. Have you ever found a purpose that filled you with courage, determination and joy? It’s life changing.

Benefits in Action gave me purpose and allowed me to use my skillset to change lives and help my community.

Before Benefits in Action, I had an unfulfilling career as an attorney. It was miserable. I needed a change. However, ending my career was devastating.  The time spent pursuing higher education. The money invested towards the degree. All this was a loss, but the loss of purpose was greater. I was not in a good place. No income, no internet and no purpose. I knew I had to try something different; and I found it at Benefits in Action.

I first connected with the organization as a volunteer. It seemed to be a place where I could make a difference. I was drawn to the picture on the website of employees collaborating with each other. Imagine collaboration rather than competition. I dressed up in my one remaining suit and drove to the offices in the hopes of becoming a volunteer. I succeeded and started writing grants on a volunteer basis. This allowed me to use my research and writing skills to get funds for an organization that helps the most disadvantaged members of our community. It felt great after working for those with privilege.

I quickly realized Benefits in Action was where I wanted to be. When I was offered a full-time position, I immediately accepted. It was amazing. I was asked what I wanted to do in the organization. This was different than before. I was empowered not just dictated orders. An area that intrigued me was Social Security, though I knew nothing about it. I started to learn, grow and become confident.

This was in January 2020. Two months later, the world shut down due to COVID-19. I didn’t know what to do. I was fearful I would lose my job, especially since I didn’t have internet to work from home. Benefits in Action as an organization was there for me. I was able to work with the organization as their in-office person while everyone else worked from home. In that role, I worked at the front desk, received and handled mail, made copies, handled technical issues and deliveries, and handled any in-person interactions with clients while others worked from home. I still have the letter giving me authorization to drive to and from work during the shutdown. I couldn’t throw it away as it possesses sentimental value.

I really feel like I grew as a person with the responsibilities given to me managing the office. It was challenging, but not overwhelming. I engaged with many in need. Social Security never sleeps, because people will always need Social Security benefits, even during a worldwide pandemic. I spent my afternoons working with clients to evaluate their disability claims and helping them apply for disability benefits. I studied for and eventually passed the test to become an EDPNA certified non-attorney representative. Being the only person tasked with these responsibilities allowed me to hone my skills and apply past knowledge such as interpretation of statutes with new purpose. That new purpose was helping others.

Helping others can be tough. People aren’t always grateful for your help. People also have misconceptions that are difficult to overcome. Sometimes, people are rude. Nevertheless, the job proved very rewarding, not only because of the help I was providing for the community, but also because I was expanding the organization to provide additional services towards. I was part of something greater than myself.

So how about you? Do you have a purpose greater than yourself? A purpose that can not only strengthen you, but change lives?

Purpose is power. Power to change our lives and the lives of others. I encourage you to devote your time, talent or treasure to Benefits in Action during these difficult times. Together we can make a difference by serving those who need it most in our community.

Any support you can give is much appreciated. Who knows, you might even enjoy it as much as I have.