02 Feb A Full-Circle Moment

DEnise polk’s journey with citc

 

When Denise Polk arrived at CITC a few years ago, she was pregnant and experiencing homelessness. Now she works full-time for the organization, helping others navigate the same services that changed her own life.

In 2024, Denise had just moved back to Alaska after living in Utah, and she was struggling to secure housing for her family. After spending a few days living in a tent with her children, she remembered that Cook Inlet Tribal Council offered services for people experiencing homelessness and reached out to CITC for help.

“It was really hard,” Denise shared. “So we came to CITC and let them know our situation. That same day that we came, they were able to help us out with a hotel,” she recalled. “It was tough, but I was happy to get out of a tent with my kids.”

About a month later, Denise and her children moved into transitional housing at Safe Harbor while she looked for more permanent housing. CITC’s administration of TANF funds helped her provide for her family during the transition. “My case manager was really helpful,” she said. “They would help with support if I was short on diapers, or hygiene needs. It was much-needed help.”

Denise secured employment working night shifts at a Circle-K gas station and saved enough money for the first month’s rent in a permanent apartment. After three months in transitional housing, she was excited to have a stable home for her children. But working nights meant being away from her kids during crucial hours, and Denise wanted something different.

She mentioned her desire for daytime employment to her CITC case manager, who encouraged her to apply for an open driver position at CITC. A few weeks later, Denise had secured full-time employment with the organization, along with full time childcare assistance.

As a driver, Denise brings participants to and from appointments at CITC, shops for food for those receiving financial assistance, and does some administrative work for the department. “It’s pretty neat,” she shared. “I thought I would only be driving, but working as an admin gives me more learning opportunities.”

What Denise enjoys most about her work is helping the participants she serves. “I’ve been through the same things that they have, and I let them know that CITC helps. I’m glad they’re here and getting the help that they need.”

Now, more than two years after first walking through CITC’s doors, Denise has built a stable life for her family. Her daughter is now 18 months old, and Denise is proud to have been employed continuously for over a year. “It’s a pretty big accomplishment for me,” she said. “I’m proud of myself, and I really appreciate my case manager. She would encourage me and support me with things that I really wanted to accomplish.”

Every day, Denise sees participants who remind her of where she was just a few years ago. Assisting them through her job is a full-circle moment that brings her family pride and stability.