Effective Conversations, Stronger Outcomes

Change begins with trust, compassion, and preparation. That was the key takeaway at a recent community meeting hosted by the 100 Families Initiative of Miller and Bowie Counties about building skills for effective and empathetic conversations between providers and participants. The gathering was filled with powerful insights and practical strategies for strengthening families. The 100 Families Initiative is a community led initiative that uses collaboration and existing resources to help families move from crisis to thriving.

The conversation opened with a reminder that change often happens in cycles — not straight lines. Barbie Vickers, Social Service Supervisor at the Salvation Army, shared an experience working with a young woman struggling with substance abuse. Despite multiple relapses and setbacks, the young woman returned time and again, eventually accepting help when she was ready. Patience and persistence matter. Trust, once built, becomes a safety net for people finding their way back.

“Sometimes you just have to let them talk,” Vickers noted. Even when it’s difficult to watch someone struggle, being a steady and nonjudgmental presence lays the groundwork for transformation.

Helping families move forward often means guiding them to see progress in small, manageable steps. When someone feels overwhelmed by circumstances, it’s important to preserve their dignity and remind them, “This is just a step in the road.”

Ashley Childs, Coordinator and Educational Specialist at Texarkana College TRIO, emphasized preparing clients for inevitable setbacks by helping them think through “what if” scenarios. By encouraging people to imagine alternative outcomes and create flexible plans, she helps them develop resilience and avoid being derailed by unexpected challenges.

“These bumps are coming,” Ashley said. “But we can build a path that allows for them.”

Not every participant-provider relationship clicks — and that’s okay. The panel discussed how to manage mismatches in personality or energy without making participants feel at fault. Ashley described using a “soft handoff,” where she frames the transition positively by highlighting the strengths of a colleague who might be a better fit.

Vickers noted that she’ll often stay in the room during these transitions, to reassure the participant that they are still supported and valued.

Traci Pitman, Founder & Chief Creative Officer of For All Brand Kind, reflected on how she used to try to push through mismatches early in her career, only to regret it later. Now, she listens deeply to understand what someone really needs and offers supportive referrals if she’s not the best person to help.

Serving others comes with emotional weight. The speakers reflected on the importance of protecting their own mental health and setting boundaries.

Pitman spoke candidly about her own path to burnout — and the lessons she learned from it.

“You can save so many people,” she said, “but there’s nobody coming to save you. You have to protect your own time.” She now reminds herself that balance isn’t always possible — and that’s okay. “Sometimes you just have to embrace the chaos.”

Vickers shared how she reflects on the positive outcomes — like a participant landing a job or moving into an apartment — to keep herself motivated. “That’s how I know what I’m doing matters.”

Childs added that therapy and a strong support system have been crucial in her journey. “The Alliance means we’re not alone,” she said. “Even if we don’t have someone in our organization, we have each other.”