FrontLiner Profiles: Maurice Ware (and Killua)

Maurice and his new buddy, Killua

“There are so many amazing people in this world and I get to affect a handful of them, hopefully for the better.” - Maurice Ware

FrontLiner Profile Questions

How long have you worked at FrontLine?   

I have worked at Frontline for 4 years now.

How did you first learn about FrontLine Service?  

My best friend’s mother, Jeanine Nemecek, was on FrontLine’s Board of Directors and, knowing that I had previously done work with homeless populations, suggested I look into Frontline. I took a peek at the employment page and immediately found a position working as a case manager with formerly homeless individuals at a Permanent Supportive Housing building. Having spent my undergraduate years working with homeless populations in the city of New Haven, I knew immediately that I would love the opportunity to return to that kind of service.

What is your current role? What are your basic job responsibilities? 

Currently, I am the Youth Acceptance Project Clinician. In this role, I work with families of youth who are at risk of entering the child welfare or juvenile court system. The goal of this work is to increase acceptance and support of youth and reduce rejecting behaviors within the family system. I meet families where they are and try to help them better understand each other. I also work in our Trauma Counseling program, providing TF-CBT to youth who have experienced trauma, and our Defending Childhood Initiative program. Finally, I will be starting work with our Supporting Children team to provide Trauma Systems Therapy to youth as well. I really appreciate the opportunity to learn and utilize such a diverse array of interventions. However, what I most enjoy is working directly with families and youth. My role allows me to see immense amounts of resilience and love on a daily basis despite the very real hardships and challenges faced by my clients.

What is a typical day like for you?

Typically, I do a little bit of everything, notes, outreaches, therapy appointments, lots and lots of driving, and of course chatting with my wonderful colleagues.

Why do you work here? Why do you care about this work? 

Simply because I adore human engagement. There are so many amazing people in this world and I get to affect a handful of them, hopefully for the better. A great example of this is Camp Hope. Each summer, Frontline’s Trauma Department and the Cuyahoga County Family Justice Center work together to provide a 6-day overnight summer camp for about 40 children who have gone through Trauma Programs in our department. I have the privilege of helping to facilitate the camp programming which includes all your traditional summer camp fun such as kayaking, a ropes course, fishing, and programming centered around ideas of hope, resilience, and community. Camp allows children who have worked in our programs to build community with others who have had similar experiences while also providing a safe environment to try new things and express themselves. This was the first year I was able to work the entire 6 days of camp and I can say that I have never had a more exhausting or fulfilling experience in my life. Whether I was being convinced to face my own fear of the high ropes by a cabin of 12-year-olds or helping an overwhelmed youth calm down and rejoin their cabin’s activities, the joy and human engagement found at camp show me that this is exactly the work I want to do and the place I want to do it.

What do people often misunderstand about your work or the people you work with?  

People often say, “trauma, that must be really difficult stuff”, and yes, it is in many ways, but what they miss is how resilient and inspiring our young clients are. Regardless of what they have gone through, kids still want to be loved, feel safe, and have fun.

What is your favorite part of your job?  

Doing all of my notations and paperwork! No, my favorite parts of the job are the moments I get to witness the immense love our clients and their families have for each other. I find immense strength and fulfillment in seeing people care about each other, especially in the face of difficult circumstances.

What is the hardest part of your job? 

Doing notes on time! No, the hardest part of my job is seeing system failures that negatively impact my clients.

What do you do to practice resiliency? 

I exercise, get as much sunlight as I can, and make sure I make time for my family and friends.

What is a hobby, interest, or routine you have that is not related to work? 

I love to go on late night walks and then watch anime with my dog before bed.

What is one thing you would want the community to understand about the work you do?   

That anyone can help a child overcome adversity as long as they show up for them consistently.

Is there anything else you want to share about yourself or the work you do?

I deeply appreciate my colleagues and supervisors for teaching me and guiding me. The immense financial debt I owe to the department of education should really be paid to them.

What would you say to someone who is interested in working at Frontline?

Come with the understanding that you will have a real impact on your clients and they will have an even greater impact on you.