In our ongoing series where we introduce the dedicated staff members who are the backbone of our organization, today we’re thrilled to spotlight an individual who truly embodies the spirit of service and community. We’re proud to present an inspiring conversation with our new Resident Services Coordinator, Monica Cohen. Monica’s path to joining All Things Are Possible (ATAP) has been paved with deep commitments to community engagement, altruism, and a robust belief in the potential of every individual.

Her infectious spirit and relentless drive have been fuelled by her varied experiences and a profound desire to effect positive change in the world. As a mother, community leader, and founder of the Mat to Mattress initiative, Monica exemplifies resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of service to others.

In this illuminating interview, Monica shares her journey, her motivations, her personal philosophy on community building, and her aspirations for the future at ATAP. Her extraordinary story and perspective on community service will undoubtedly inspire us all.

ATAP: Could you start by telling us a little bit about your background and your journey so far that has led you to join our organization?

MC: Sure, I have been blessed to be a mom for the past 22 years.  I have a 22 year old daughter and a 20 year old son.  As far as I am concerned, being a mom is the best job in the world.  While my kids were growing up, I was drawn to not only being there for them but for our community as well.  Through the years I have held many positions supporting the schools and activities my children participated in.  I have been room(s) mom, Brownie troop leader, chaired multiple fundraising events, been a sports and dance team(s) parent volunteer, held school board positions, chaired a PTA national art program for many years, and more.  I have found fulfillment and joy in helping others.  

Once my kids went off to college I found some extra time on my hands and wanted to continue to contribute to others.  In 2019, I founded an organization called Mat to Mattress where I take donated, new and slightly used yoga mats to the homeless population in downtown Los Angeles.  There is no money exchanged, simply the people living on the streets are grateful for a softer moisture barrier from the often wet and cold cement sidewalks. The tagline for Mat to Mattress is “Everyone Deserves a Comfortable Place to Rest”.

I also found myself taking on projects to help people in my community.  One such situation is when I heard about a 7 year old piano prodigy whose family could not afford piano lessons for him.  After some time and research, I procured a teacher to donate her time to him for lessons as well as a piano for him to play on.  Spending my time this way makes me happy.

For many months, I was searching for a part time job that would give me the fulfilment and meaning I seek.  After reading the job listing from ATAP, I knew I found my job!

ATAP: What was it about our organization and its mission that motivated you to become a part of our team?

MC: For starters, “All Things Are Possible” is the greatest name of an organization that I can think of!  I love the work that ATAP does, the way they go about getting the work done and the overall company mission.  Helping Families: Educationally, Economically, and Socially, I definitely want to be a part of this. I am 57 years old and at this point in my life I want to make the world a better place and by working at ATAP I feel likeI am doing just that.  

ATAP: Can you share your personal philosophy when it comes to community building?

MC: My personal philosophy is pretty simple.  I do my best to be kind, authentic, well prepared and invested in the families I have the pleasure to work with in my community.  I am patient and understand that trust is key in relationships and does not come quickly.  Reliability, acceptance and encouragement are also components of my way of being in building community.    It is an honor to me to serve my residents and I value them individually.   

ATAP: What do you think is most exciting about your role as a Resident Services Coordinator?

MC: I am excited by and love the freedom I have in my job.  I appreciate the structure and guidance ATAP offers me and yet there is a flexibility within the suggested schedule to interpret the theme of the day in creative ways. I am grateful for the support I feel from ATAP to use my personal skills and talents to connect with and support my community.

ATAP: What do you love most about your community?

MC: There are so many reasons why I love my community.  The obvious and first reason is of course the residents. I love having fun with the kids, watching them grow and learn as well as the adults.  They are appreciative of however I assist them and I love connecting with them.  As I become more integrated into my community I look forward to all the ways I can support them and their families.  

I also greatly appreciate my on site manager.  We talk everyday and she is extremely supportive of me and the work I am doing.  I am thankful for her.  

ATAP: What is your unique skill or talent that you bring to work at ATAP?

MC: I believe I connect well with others and trust that my residents sense my commitment and devotion to them and our community.  I do my best everyday to support the residents of Village Heights and always try to find an element of fun in what we do together.  It is my goal to have my residents look forward to being with me every day.  

I don’t think of my job as work but rather an opportunity to serve.  I am grateful to work for ATAP.

ATAP: What is the most important thing people should know about you?

MC: I would like people to know I am trustworthy, honest and sincere. I come to work organized, prepared and ready to have a great day. This job is meaningful to me and I am honored to be able to do this work. 

ATAP: If you could add one element, activity, or curriculum to ATAP what would it be, and why?

MC: I would love to see more cooking activities as part of the curriculum.  I love cooking for a variety of reasons.  Cooking is creative and fun, it is a life skill and food brings people together.  My kids and I enjoyed the DIY S’mores Solar Oven project greatly.  It involved science and a bit of cooking.  It was fun for them and at the end they had a yummy treat to enjoy.   

Our enlightening conversation with Monica Cohen, our new Resident Services Coordinator, serves as a potent reaffirmation of our belief in the power of individuals to effect meaningful change in their communities. Monica’s rich life experiences, paired with her passion for service, embody the very essence of what ATAP represents.

Her unwavering determination to make a difference, whether through enriching educational experiences, fostering essential life skills like cooking, or simply providing a comforting and reliable presence, embodies our organization’s mission. Her thoughtful insights are a testament to the potential that indeed, “All Things Are Possible,” when underpinned by kindness, reliability, authenticity, and a shared vision.

As we conclude this feature, we are filled with gratitude and admiration for the dedication and passion of team members like Monica. Their stories remind us of the importance of our work and provide a motivational beacon for our continued efforts. We eagerly anticipate the incredible impact Monica will undoubtedly make on the residents of Village Heights and within our organization as a whole. Her journey strengthens our conviction that with such dedicated individuals on board, truly, all things are possible.

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