ReAudio: ReAssess Your Workers Comp Toolbox
ReInvent your Workers' Comp Perspective!
Things change. In fact, that’s one of the most sure things in life. Haven’t we learned that these past few years? ReAudio has changed too. Starting as a way to provide tools and value to our partners in the Workers' Compensation Industry, we have changed into a human interest podcast, primarily interviewing people who have overcome adversity to achieve success, however, that’s defined by them. Because change is a permanent reality, ReAudio is hoping to help you see our industry a little differently. Through storytelling and exploring different perspectives, Season 4 will guide you to ReImagine your Workers' Comp ReAlity.
Winner of the BLOOM Excellence Awards 2023 Podcast of the Year
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ReAudio: ReAssess Your Workers Comp Toolbox
Angels Among Us
Some people know their calling at a young age. Shamine Linton’s childhood prepared her for her mission, although she didn’t grasp it at the time. It wasn’t until an illness struck her daughter that she realized the years she spent in service as a child herself would pay huge dividends to her community.
Imagine having the power to restore someone's confidence through a simple act of kindness. This is the everyday reality for our guest, Shamine Linton, founder of Sharia's Closet. This nonprofit organization is making a difference by providing emergency clothing, hygiene products, and basic essentials at no cost to those in need. Through her impactful partnership with Reemployability, Shamine is offering a lifeline to injured workers, demonstrating the profound influence of meeting basic needs without judgment.
Sharia’s Closet (https://www.shariascloset.org/) has served tens of thousands in the San Diego area since 2013. Shamine tells us about how volunteers and Injured Workers placed at Sharia’s Closet take away from their experience refreshed, energized, and in a significantly more positive mental state than when they started. Proving how much you receive from giving.
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Speaker 2:Reemployability, season 3. Shamene Linton is the founder and, well, really the person that runs the whole show at Shria's Closet. You are an organization that Reemployability has worked with in the past and currently working with Shamene. If you don't mind, just kind of introducing yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do in your organization and how it came about.
Speaker 1:Wow, thank you so much. It's definitely an honor to be on the show and also I want to thank Lindsay for this introduction and just meeting you and having the opportunity to share what Shria's Closet does, as well as the partnership with Reemployability that has been just really instrumental to our support system in our bottom line every single day. I think at one point we had over 11 people from Reemployability placed at our facility and you know it's really it provides an opportunity that some of these injured workers would not have had. You know they're coming from construction, they're coming from different backgrounds or fields that they've been working in, and to actually walk through the doors of Shria's Closet where we're providing no cost, emergency clothing, hygiene products and the basic essentials and having that ability to connect with another human being that may be suffering. It's really humbling and I've had many different conversations with the Reemployability staff and they're just humbled to be there. They're happy to be a part of Shria's Closet and to have the opportunity to experience that kind of compassion and love in action.
Speaker 1:You know we work with over 90 different social service agencies. Those agencies does an assessment on each individual client. So basically, let's say, the reentry population, the domestic violence program, child protective service. Based on that assessment, the hierarchy of need. Let's say a client needs food, shelter and clothing, then we become the 911 for that clothing and clothing has such a significant impact on a person's self esteem, the way that they're accepted or received in society. So if you're walking into the courthouse for the first time and all you have is jeans and a t-shirt, we at Shria's Closet are able to provide that individual with the basic items that they will need or whatever circumstances that life may throw at them. So if you lost everything that you had in a fire or flood, you're going to the courthouse, you're going to a job interview. We're here to customize seven to 10 outfits. So week's worth of clothes is provided at absolutely no cost and the staff and reemployability are able to customize that with intention, with dignity and respect, because every human being deserves that.
Speaker 1:And at Shria's Closet that's what we stand on and that's what we represent really putting care and compassion in a bag of hope. So each purple bag that we give out is a bag of hope. We hope that you stay warm through the winter. We hope that you go to school and you don't feel less than or you're not bullied. We hope that you get that job. We hope that you get your child back once you show up suited and booted in a nice suit at the courthouse. So it's really giving each individual a chance to learn more about themselves and their lives, what they need at the time when they needed the most, without Going into a million and one question why you need your basic needs met. So Chameen.
Speaker 2:What made you create this organization? What's your backstory?
Speaker 1:my backstory. Oh my gosh. I am from a beautiful island in Jamaica, as born and raised there, I came to America when I was about 15 and a half 16 years old and, having being raised in an island where we very rural part of Jamaica where we took care of each other, like at an early age, whatever we grew on our farm, like my grandmother, we had potatoes. We had. You know, whatever we grew, she would send me with bags of potatoes a different house.
Speaker 1:How is it in the community that I that was within walking distance and, let's say, the neighbor grew corn, so I'll be taking home corn. So it's, it's really a Community that taking care of each other meant Exactly just that. You know, if there was someone who lost a family member within that community, I would remember us going and hand washing their clothes and cleaning up their yard, raking and washing and cooking and just really helping that the whole community rallying around that family During their grieving process to help that healing and the vice versa. There was something that happened within our family, the whole community and that's just that just became innate and it traveled with me wherever ended up in San Diego and Wherever I go in the world. That will always be a part of me because that was Shown at an early age.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it was kind of you kind of grew up with it and so it became what it was that you were supposed to do in your lifestyle, right?
Speaker 1:Absolutely, and I've had a childhood dream of really creating an organization that would provide for either the last fortunate or the. This is just having a place of safety, of a place of non-judgment, a place of Just love, kindness and compassion, where anyone could go Without having to say, oh, this happened to me and this is my whole story. If you just need food, I Don't need to know why you don't have food up, I'm gonna feed you. If you need clothes, if you need underwear, if you need a toothbrush, you know it's just Um life's basic needs. There shouldn't be a whole lot of red tape to jump through to get those needs met.
Speaker 2:So how long has Shirai's closet been in existence and what made you go into that type of not-for-profit? And I got to ask who's Shirai?
Speaker 1:Shirai, oh my gosh. So I have two children. I have a 23 year old, shamari. He's in the Air Force. He's been in the Air Force about three years well, four years now and and Shirai is our 15 year old. We started the nonprofit when she was five years old and she was named by our son, shamari, who named her and the reason why is called Shirai's closet.
Speaker 1:Very personal story for me is at five years old, shirai became very ill and she was sick. You know, we almost lost her and and all I had was hope at that time and Hoping that she would wake up, hoping that she would breathe. You know, it's just and I just really translate that to Clothing and Just wanting a chance To live or an opportunity, you know. So here, name it after Shirai's closet. It's like I got a second chance to be a mom again, and not only that, I have an opportunity to leave a legacy of hope, compassion, kindness, dignity, respect and really cultivate a community of really non-judgemental.
Speaker 1:We live in a world that is automatically so quick to judge people based on whatever reason, and sometimes we don't even give them a chance or even look them in the eyes to say hello.
Speaker 1:We automatically have a perception of who people are and that's so far from the truth sometimes.
Speaker 1:So, yeah, you know, in 2013, after you know she came home and just reflecting on my journey coming to America and my experiences and the child going back to the childhood dream and then having a child, that's really just so sickly and I'm like, okay, you know, what am I gonna do?
Speaker 1:I'm gonna allow fear to hold me back or am I gonna jump in and really live the life that caused a ripple effects and change in other people's lives in a positive way and every interaction that I have? I really am very mindful and intentional in that, because the way I treat people, this may be the last or the first time that someone has been kind to them, so it's really that relational and hearing people, choosing to hear and see people and meeting them where they are. You know it's already hard enough, trying to just survive every single day, but just imagine the person that has to walk through our doors and ask for underwear and menstrual products or just basic, you know toothbrush and toothpaste. This happens every single day and the way that we care it does make a huge difference.
Speaker 2:You mentioned not judging people, and that's, you know, a big thing that comes in in our industry.
Speaker 2:When an employee gets injured and they can't do their normal job, too many times we instantly think that it might not be as bad as they say that it is, or that they're taking advantage of the system, and so there's a lot of judgment that takes place in our end of the world and things that we deal with on a daily basis, and when we are able to utilize an organization like yours to get those injured workers back to work, which is the intent of our program.
Speaker 2:It's always so nice to have an organization like like Shariah's Closet, that embraces those people, understanding that in a lot of cases they may not be super jazzed about going in and working in a not-for-profit, but you've told us some stories about some folks that you've kind of turned their mind over onto. You know the benefits of volunteering and and being able to give back to the community, so can you tell us a little bit about how you deal with the injured workers that our program gives you as as volunteers, and how they're able to help and if you've been able to transform any of their, any of their opinions or attitudes?
Speaker 1:Oh, yes, absolutely 100. So we're not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but depending on how you serve the tea, I think it's easy to swallow. So, walking into Shariah's Closet, first they get an orientation. So the orientation really explains well, even back it up a little bit. Prior to that, we ask that all participants watch a video which is a test testimonial of that highlights the clients that we serve and some of the organizations that we work with, as well as a virtual tour. So prior to even walking in the door, you're visualizing the space, you're hearing the stories of the clients and the recipients that you'll be working with and once you get in, you're greeted by one of our friendly staff that will take you on a personal tour, explain the program, the processes and also really sharing the work that's being done, the labor of love that's poured into our recipients. Some of the reemployability staff will say, oh no, this is not for me and we respect them and we okay, we let them know. Okay, you have other choices or other organizations that you can go and work at that you're going to be happy. Because one thing for me, if you're going to come into an organization with the wrong attitude, it's hard to make that attitude right, because if you're not going to want to fold, close, organize stuff, or if you're not a people person, then it's hard to make that. But those that are open, open-minded, open-hearted and they get to see the impact, they give us a chance and they get to see the impact of their daily contribution. Wow.
Speaker 1:I've had staff from the reemployability in tears, just blown away by the work that we do and just so grateful to be there. I've had staff that say, hey, are you hiring? Like, once I'm done with my all my injuries and everything, can I come back? Can I come back and volunteer? It's really transformative when you're able to hand someone a bag of essentials that they need and no cost is associated with that. There's something that really touches the heart of people and it just brings that human connection. We're so caught up in just fast-paced computers so we lose that connectivity with humans and we're boots on the ground every single day. And being boots on the ground and having those employees there to be able to connect with another human being and relate like, oh my gosh, this is amazing what is happening and I get excited to come here. I can't wait to come back. I love it here. I couldn't ask for anything more and I'm really honored and grateful for the collaboration and the partnership because the reemployability staff has helped us tremendously the work ethics and the joy.
Speaker 1:I just got a new placement last week. I think he's been there about three weeks and yesterday I had to call him and just say hey, your attitude, your enthusiasm, your energy. I just want you to know that I appreciate you going above and beyond and he was just so happy to receive that phone call. But just recognizing people and that also helps in their healing journey as well, because you're feeling, you know, potentially just like less than I can't perform as I used to at my old job, but here I'm being appreciated and acknowledged and really I do have to take more breaks depending on their injuries and their restrictions, but you're also seeing and recognize for your contribution.
Speaker 2:You know it's almost cliche now and that's too bad, but you always hear it's better to give than receive and I don't think enough people really sit back and think about what that really means. Obviously you were brought up that way and that's why Shirai's closet exists. And now to have the opportunity to have injured workers go in and really step back and you're right that helps their healing process because just the act of giving of themselves it helps your emotional well-being, it helps your physical well-being, it's just good for you all around. So we appreciate your partnership and thank you for working with our folks and thank you for what you do in the San Diego area.
Speaker 2:You know I often think about there's so many not-for-profit organizations out there and it would be so much easier for some people sometimes to say, well, I'm just gonna give all of my time to this organization or I'm gonna give my time to multiple organizations, but for you to stand back and say I'm gonna start my own organization you mentioned earlier and I love that about overcoming your fear and just kinda doing it. If anybody's interested in starting their own organization whether it's like Sharia's Closet or whatever not-for-profit or activity that they feel is needed in their neighborhood. Any bits of advice for somebody that's like you know what. I wanna do something good for the community that I live in. How do you start a not-for-profit?
Speaker 1:Well, you have to start with that drive and that passion and have a purpose. Many people might say, well, I wanna do not even just a not-for-profit but for-profit business, but not having a plan, a outline of what you want that to be and what the impacts of the fruits of your labor and the investment that you're putting in. At the end of your time, what do you wanna leave behind? Do you wanna just be remembered to say, hey, I did good, or you made a difference? You really truly made a difference and you were committed and dedicated when times got hard, when things seemed just so dark. And just having that drive and that passion not to give up on whatever dream that it is. You know, Taking those extra classes and listening to the podcast, listen, you know things that will help you to be a better version of yourself every single day. You're always learning, always growing, willing to improve different communication styles, because you're gonna navigate challenging people, challenging behaviors. There's so much that's gonna comment you, but are you equipped for the journey ahead?
Speaker 2:I was looking at your website. The first, the picture on the cover on the front, I imagine that's your daughter, shariah.
Speaker 1:That is my daughter.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's a great picture. Shariahisclosetorg it's S-H-A-R-I-A-S. Closetorg for all the information that you want, and I'll put a link in the show notes if anybody wants to get more information on the organization. What do you need right now, like what's your wish list? I imagine you don't have to just live in the San Diego area to help out. If you're inspired by what Shamene was talking about today and what she's been doing, you can go to that website. But what is it in particular that would make your day awesome today?
Speaker 1:My day if we got a space. We're looking for a forever home. In the San Diego area we have three locations right now and we're looking for a forever home that would be like our public station where everyone and anyone could come. It's not just for women, it's not for men, it's for everybody. Inclusive space, five to 10,000 square feet, partially donated. That would be fantastic where we could have like private schools, organizations to come and really be a part of, be rooted in the community, where it's a platform and a space that if you wanted to do you know a service project or service day, you wanted to bring your team from you know, florida, chicago, and say you know what? I want to go back and give back, give of your time and having the space to do that, and where we could connect not only young students but employers with real people that are actually going through struggles every day.
Speaker 1:I think that would be transformative. That's number one. Number two any financial assistance. It doesn't matter the dollar amount, just a consistent flow, because we don't sell anything that we receive, but just to cover the overhead expenses and operational costs. You know there's a competition with nonprofits and getting grants. You know it's just constant struggle of just finding financial means to sustain. We've been thriving for 10 years and one is to keep going for the next 50, 60 years. I really believe this work is vital to our community and really helping people get back on their feet in transition. And then if you have families and friends that would love to volunteer or share on your social media, you know, share like us, you know. Maybe someone might see Shariah's closet and want to do a Shariah's closet in their community. How can I help? You know, it's not only just for San Diego. Everyone across the world needs a Shariah's closet.
Speaker 2:Well, chamin, I so appreciate you taking time out of your day after explaining everything that you do and three locations and all the organizations that you serve. You're a busy lady and I appreciate you taking a few minutes to chat with us and hopefully we can get some interested folks on your website to provide some of those things, and we certainly appreciate your partnership with reemployability and definitely want it to continue as long as you'll have us. So thank you so much for everything.
Speaker 1:It's a great partnership. I'm honored for it. I look forward for us to keep keeping that going for years and years to come, and hopefully we'll get more and more staff every day. I mean it's great, just awesome, having you guys. And then, once you guys check out our website, we do have a sunny days ahead fundraising campaign that's happening right now, so anyone can help us with that. Thank you for your time and thank you for having me on the show.
Speaker 2:Thanks for listening to REA Audio. Now we need you to help us out. If you know someone whose story should be told, please let us know. Email Todd at reemployabilitycom. That email address link will be in the show notes as well. We'd love to have you follow REA Audio on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or Stitcher, wherever you get your podcasts. You can also check out more content at listentoreacom. Remember, lead with the good and have a great rest of your week.
