Gericka Frison

“I’m quiet but loud in the work that I do,” Gericka Frison described herself.

The Intervention Specialist for Caught in the Crossfire isn’t new to violence prevention work; she’s been doing work in her community for more than 20 years. With Youth ALIVE! that includes finding out what her clients’ needs are and helping them find solutions from housing to employment or other things that may arise. There is no map to follow, everyone’s needs are different.

Gericka described her work as fulfilling, it allows “ clients to have the space and freedom to speak freely and not be judged,” she said. She knows there is value in meeting people where they are, “in the hospital or an encampment, we are going exactly to them and meeting them where they are. Being able to support them in their needs in their crisis no matter where they are.”

The McClymonds graduate initially wanted to be a teacher but was presented with an opportunity working for the county. “It was all in alignment with what I was already doing,” Gericka said. “The wheels have been rolling ever since.”

Violence hit Gericka personally when her brother was killed and she uses her experience with grief and loss to help her navigate the experiences of hurt and loss for her clients. “I always asked myself what was the help I needed, what was the support I needed,” she said. ”I said when I was in the position to be the person I needed back then – someone helped me. I always feel like I pay it forward.”