Meet Tenicka Gibson. She started at SCS in August of 2018. Tenicka is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She obtained her Bachelors of Science degree from The University of Southern Mississippi in Therapeutic Recreation and a Masters of Social Work from Jackson State University. She has over 15 years of experience working in a variety of settings which include long-term healthcare, mental health, residential and non-profit. Previously held positions consisted of Activity Director, Social Service Director, and Certified Mental Health Therapist which has allowed her the opportunity to work with diverse populations.
Currently, Tenicka serves as the Prevention Care Coordinator with Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth, Inc. In this role, she consists of disseminating knowledge and skills on early violence prevention and positive parenting practices to adults who raise and/or care for children. Additionally, she is trained and certified as an ACT Facilitator through American Psychological Association Violence Prevention Office and a Certified Mental Health Therapist. SCS asked Tenicka a few questions and here is what she had to say.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Work and family accounts for a lot of my time, but on the weekends, we like to get out and enjoy nature, travel, parks, cooking, and the beaches throughout the year. COVID-19 has made me pay more attention to my self-care interest such as reading, walking, meditating and journaling.
Why do you work for SCS?
A friend encouraged me to apply for a position as the Prevention Care Coordinator. After researching the organization's mission and vision, I was impressed by the company’s commitment to serving vulnerable children and youth within the state. Furthermore, I was informed by past and present staff of SCS commitment towards the growth and development of its employees. These individuals praised this organization for its excellent treatment to employees over their tenure with SCS. I wanted to work for an organization like this. I was looking for a company that would empower and challenge its employees to be the best professionals they can possibly be. We found each other!
What do you do on a day to day basis?
The diversity of work, as a Prevention Care Coordinator, ensures that no day is like any other, and I am always focused on bettering the community, which makes me feel good when the day is done. The variability of my job consist of providing Parent Café monthly support groups, referrals to job training, violence prevention, childcare, respite, crisis care services and basic economic needs. I also help with connecting clients with mental health and family counselors. What I enjoy most about my job, is conducting parent education classes to parents and caregivers to help enhance parenting practices and behaviors to create early environments to protect children from violence, maltreatment and entering foster care.
What’s your favorite part about SCS?
I love that I have a great degree of control and freedom within my job. I work full time on a flexible schedule, both in and out of the office, and my supervisor trusts me to produce high quality work and results. I work hard to maintain that level of trust, which keeps me engaged and excited but at the same time, I love that my job enables me to love and enjoy my passion as a Social Worker.
Give me 1 or 2 quotes about who you are and what you stand for.
“A powerful woman knows how to hold others by hand, and help them stand.”
This quote describes me personally and professional as a Social Worker.
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.