Employee Spotlight: Latoya Jenkins

Children’s Choice has many incredible employees, people who make Children’s Choice what it is, not only by what they do but in the way that they do it.  Employees spotlight is a way for them to tell you a little bit about themselves. 

Latoya Jenkins is a member of the Respite Program in Maryland for Children’s Choice.

Why did you choose social services as a career?

I made the decision to work in the social services field without much thought. As a child, I was placed in foster care for a brief time. As traumatizing as this was for me and my sister, our social worker, Mr. Martin, handled us with care, love, and compassion. My most vivid memories of him are his compassion and understanding. Even though he is no longer with us, I think about him often. I remember how he showed up and helped my family when we needed it most. Mr. Martin was one of my first heroes, and I pray with God's grace to be the same for someone else as Mr. Martin was to me.  

Why did you choose Children’s Choice to apply to? 

Although I have heard great things about Children’s Choice, this is not why I ultimately chose Children’s Choice. I applied because I felt aligned with Children’s Choice's mission and values. I feel that my purpose is to be a vessel for others; to help and serve others in a way that allows them to grow and reach their highest potential.

At what point did you know that you wanted to become a supervisor at Children’s Choice?

I am not currently a supervisor. However, I do hope that one day I have the opportunity to provide guidance and help others navigate through the social services field.

Was there a defining moment (positive or negative) in your career to this point?

I had the opportunity to plan an Easter event for the families Children’s Choice serves on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. This was my first large event, and I am so humbled and grateful that the event was a success. I found the experience to be rewarding; being able to give back and pour into the children and families that attended brought me so much joy. Seeing the parents’ network and connecting with each other’s experiences in raising children with special needs reminded me of the reasons why I am pursuing a career in social work.

What was it that you struggled with as a new employee or in your position at the agency?

I am in the process of completing school to further my career while also experiencing being a first-time caseworker; the struggles I have faced with both these experiences, I would say, is the lack of hands-on experience that I am now gaining while at Children’s Choice. While attending school to gain textbook knowledge, I have come to realize school does not give me the full scope of understanding social work; rather, it is the combination of school and field work that has helped me to better assist the families and community I serve.

Is there something that a new staff member should avoid when joining Children’s Choice?

Avoid being anyone but yourself. Children’s Choice truly feels like family.

What advice would you give to a new staff member?

Do not be afraid to ask questions or say that you do not understand something because we have all been there and we all need guidance.

Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse that you like?

"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do" –John Wooden

 1 Corinthians 10:24- Do what is good for others, not what is good for oneself.

Anything else that you would like to add to the section?

I am grateful for the opportunity to work for Children’s Choice and to further assist the families in the community I reside in.