Friday Feature: Mikala Godfrey

Amazing partnerships
Mikala's story

Your name: Mikala Godfrey

Your role at Volunteers of America Michigan: Veteran Employment Specialist for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.

What brought you to this position? The opportunity to work with veterans and provide hope to those who are struggling with finding employment.

What is your biggest takeaway from working with Volunteers of America Michigan? My biggest takeaway from this position is that each person has different barriers and some days it’s about macgyver-ing solutions or its about tapping into different resources. The amazing partnerships that I have developed with the community resources have been lifelines for myself and for my clients.

What is your biggest challenge in this position? Currently, my greatest challenge is in remembering to temper my strong desire to provide the best possible care for my veterans with remembering to take time to care for myself and avoid burnout. I enjoy being the go-to person for my clients whenever they have hit a road block however it has taken some adjustment to make sure that I’m remembering I need to be the go-to person for myself as well. I’ve learned how helpful it can be to set myself reminders for lunch and making sure I get out at a reasonable time.

Where is your dream vacation spot? Galveston, TX.

What is your favorite book? “Thank You for My Service” by Mat Best.

How do you spend your time outside of the office? When I am not working at Volunteers of America Michigan, I am working with a local service dog organization to assist in training service dogs for veterans and their individual needs.