The Willing Partner Program: Providing the Power of Personal Transformation

Maria Ramirez, Willing Partner coordinator, says many choose to begin the Willing Partner program with a simple thought: “I am ready for something different.” Community members arrive seeking greater stability and may not yet see a clear path forward.

“They come to orientation with motivation, but not always the resources or guidance they need, so they enroll in Willing Partner,” explains Maria. The program is built on relationships. Navigators walk with participants, learning their situations and identifying long-term solutions together. They may explore housing, finances, food insecurity, mental health, legal concerns, and more, all with the goal of helping clients build lasting stability.

Beyond providing immediate relief, which Maria calls“band-aid” responses, Willing Partner looks deeper. Is the current rent sustainable? Could resume-writing help or job coaching lead to higher income? Through regular appointments and weekly phone calls, clients meet with a Willing Partner navigator to discuss challenges, set goals, and track progress. Along the way, they may connect with other Heart Ministry Center resources, including free legal clinics, Monen Healthcare Clinic’s mental health providers, or personalized budgeting support.

When Teresa met with Maria, she had completed a prison sentence in another state and spent years in recovery from addiction. A physical disability limited her job options, and her income could not cover her bills. Together, they reviewed her finances and discovered she qualified for more affordable housing. They also identified job opportunities she could realistically pursue. With help completing online applications and sending follow-up emails, Teresa secured a new job and increased her income. With more sustainable housing and higher earnings, she gained the confidence to live within a realistic budget.

“We are here for community members to be successful in their future,” Maria says. “Each situation is different. For someone living in a shelter, moving into an apartment can be a huge goal. Every small goal we reach is a big success.”

Last year alone, the team supported 450 individuals facing challenges like these. But the numbers tell only part of the story. As Maria often reminds clients, “We are just here to help; you did the work. You achieved your goal.” In 2025, hundreds of individuals took meaningful steps toward greater stability—the heart of Willing Partner’s mission to honor dignity, resilience, and the quiet transformations that happen when someone chooses a new way forward.