Jenna St Sauver

Responsibilities

During my internship at Martha’s House of Hope, I worked as a Family Life Intern. I supported the moms living there by checking in with them one-on-one, helping them set and work toward personal goals, and offering emotional support when things got tough. I also helped enforce house expectations, led house meetings, and reminded residents of their responsibilities. I was the first evening intern, which meant I was there during a time that usually didn’t have as much staff support. Because of that, I got more of a glimpse into the moms’ lives and personalities, and I was often used as a resource, whether that was for emotional support or helping out with their babies. I also handled a lot of behind-the-scenes work like prepping resources, communicating with staff, and problem-solving to keep things running smoothly and help set the moms up for success.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment was building trust with the residents. I was really proud of how I balanced being approachable while still holding professional boundaries. There were some hard conversations, but I handled them with honesty and care, and that showed me I could be effective and kind at the same time.

Learning experience

I learned that no two days are the same when working with people. I had to adapt constantly and meet residents where they were emotionally, even when I felt tired or unsure. I also learned how important communication is, especially when things are unclear or when people have different opinions on how to handle a situation.

What advice would you give?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and speak up when something doesn’t feel right. This field is emotionally demanding, but it’s also really rewarding. Keep your boundaries, but also lead with empathy. And take time for yourself! Burnout is real if you don’t check in with your own needs.