Claire Cote: A Passion for Helping People

She’s been called `Canton’s Rock Star’ and the `Angel of Senior Services.’ After the October/2011 storm of the century, people added ‘Miracle Worker’ to Claire Cote’s list of talents and honorary titles.

The scope and face of Canton’s Social Services changed during the nine days of the October storm. But, that evolution has actually been in the works for some time.

Canton used to contract with Avon for our Town’s Social Service needs — for a maximum of seven hours a week. That all changed in July/2010, when Canton opened its own office of Social Services.

As Cote, Senior & Social Services Coordinator, sees it, “every municipality needs their own Social Services with resources that are tailored to make sense for their residents.”

And, potentially there’s more to come. In July/2012, if the budget process goes according to plan, Canton Senior & Social Services will become its own entity, independent from the Parks & Recreation Department.

“It’s important to have a seat at the table with other Departments,” says Cote, “to determine efficiencies;  open channels of communication; and work with people of all ages and walks of life.”

About Town recently sat down with Cote, to talk about the organizational and personal side of what she does and how she does it so well.

AT: Describe how you do all you do…the secret to your success?

CC: There’s an adrenaline rush that comes with trying your hardest when you’re problem solving. I get energy when I work with people. Then, there’s the peace of mind that’s found by helping others to help themselves. This keeps me balanced, or I like to think so!

AT: What are you seeing in this difficult economy?

CC: It has impacted everyone. There’re people in Canton living in their cars; and others living by the riverbank. In the past 18 months, I have also seen people living in mansions who can’t pay their bills because they are underemployed or unemployed.

AT: What don’t people know that they should know?

CC: That we offer one-stop shopping, in a limited amount of time. We have access to Federal and State programs to help with — foreclosures, student loans, utilities, food, and gas vouchers, referrals to other organizations, etc.

AT: It must be hard for someone to come in looking for help, the first time?

CC: We have to build trust. Those who have worked with us know that we operate in a respectful, completely confidential manner, which is important since we often have to ask some very difficult questions.

AT: What’s your basic process when someone comes in?

CC: While everyone’s situation is different, first we focus on the basic needs: medical, food, shelter. Then, we look at the emotional side of what’s going on.

We have to quickly determine what resources are available and what the strengths of the person are, given the situation. We then create goals for them to achieve. We work to empower and guide people to do things for themselves. That’s the essence of social work.

AT: How do you deal with all the sad stories you hear all day, every day?

CC: I hear tragedy and hardship every day. It’s difficult. I am human. I keep a frame of mind; step back; regroup; then come back. I compartmentalize. I take one issue at a time.

I also have wonderful colleagues in other Towns; through the Connecticut Association of Social Workers; and most important right here in Canton like our administrative assistant, Toby Sheel, a former case manager herself, who always has my back.

AT: Who are your heroes?

CC: My clients. It is very humbling to know that at any given time, I could be in their shoes — out of work, in that seat for the first time; not knowing what to do next.

AT: What is a lasting impression from the October storm?

CC: There are so many! But, one is that there was no stigma to whoever wanted to use the shelter. People came with their neighbors. They watched over seniors and other people’s children. And they volunteered, which was huge to making the shelter work.

AT: What trait do you dislike in others?

CC: Making excuses for decisions that they’ve made. Own what you do; what you’ve been doing; where you’ve been; and where you want to go!

AT: What would be your favorite place to go?

CC: I’ve always wanted to go to Africa and completely immerse myself in another culture; to have the opportunity to understand a different way of living.

AT: How do you spend your free time?

CC: When I have time, I like to hike. I’m looking into Bikram Yoga. I’ve also gone white water rafting and skydiving. I love the Arts, folk music and I dabble in painting. I’m looking forward to the BOMB Fest in Hartford this summer!

AT: What about your friends?

CC: I value their patience and understanding. I’m not that accessible to them, since I’m so busy at work. So, I need friends who get it. 

AT: Do you have a mantra that you live by?

CC: Do unto others, as you would like them to do unto you. Personal responsibility. Respect.

AT: While About Town doesn’t reject any of the super heroine descriptors for Cote, what is beyond dispute is that here is a person who has found her passion — a passion for making life better for every person who comes within her domain.

Lucky us.