We rarely get the whole story on social media. When someone airs their grievances about a non-profit online, it is natural to feel for them. A short post can easily make it seem like an organization failed someone in need. What gets left out of the timeline, however, is the context. The public doesn’t see the missed appointments, the unreturned calls, or the unmet expectations behind the scenes. Real progress requires partnership. Even the hardest-working caseworkers can’t force someone to take steps they aren’t willing to take. A recent online discussion highlighted this exact issue, and Esther’s response below serves as a reminder that there is usually a much deeper story:
There are always two sides to every story shared on social media.
When people post something negative about a mission, an agency, or a caseworker because they didn’t get the help they “needed” or “wanted,” we have to ask the hard questions.
If you were in a program for the allotted 90 days:
- Did you do your part in following the rules?
- Did you help with chores?
- Did you pay your weekly dues?
If you were removed from a program that served as your safety net:
- Is it possible you didn’t check in?
- Should you have returned calls to your caseworker?
- Did you miss your monthly appointments, or fail to turn in your pay stubs every two weeks?
At the end of the day, nobody can be forced to change. In those 90 days, how many times did you actually visit your caseworker to follow up on a missing ID or a job lead?
The best caseworkers in the world cannot get you a job, secure your ID, or find your next home if YOU do not put in the effort.
Caseworkers are burdened daily by tragic stories of crisis; they are helping people who are often angry, depressed, or struggling to find motivation. Their plates are overflowing with the sheer number of people in need.
So, when we hear that an agency “did not help enough,” we must question how much was really done on both sides—and why.
Navigating the complex realities of outreach isn’t always perfectly captured on an Instagram feed. That is exactly why Sweet Oak Collaborative remains dedicated to serving the Brazos Valley with vital collaborative case management. Check out our local non-profit’s growing list of partner agencies, or if you represent a community organization, get in touch to find out how we can build a lasting partnership together.