Cathy Hall Keeps West Marin Connected

As an eligibility worker at the West Marin Human Services Center, Cathy Hall has been the liaison between Marin residents and crucial social services for the past 36 years.  

1. What department are you in, and what kind of work do you do?

I am an Eligibility Worker in Health and Human Services, working at the West Marin Human Services Center (WMHSC) in Pt. Reyes.I serve the West Marin community - we cover over 450 square miles, including Pt. Reyes, Stinson Beach, Tomales, Nicasio and more. I interview and establish eligibility for anyone who needs to apply for Public Assistance programs like CalWORKS, Medi-Cal, Cal-Fresh (previously referred to as Food Stamps) and the CMSP (County Medical Services Program). I do the initial intake and keep an ongoing caseload of everyone who has come through our doors.

2. How long have you been with Marin County, and what is a typical day like for you?

I started in June, 1977, when I was 24 years old. I’ve worked my entire career in West Marin.  Each day, I interview 2-3 people and I process their cases, mail-in applications, manage all the corresponding reports and direct all the paperwork that is involved for people applying for public assistance.

3. What kinds of problems do you solve most frequently?

Everyday, I see people in genuine need and work to get them access to the safety net in order to get the medical coverage, basic food and cash aid. I also link them into other services at our Center like the Community Mental Health counseling program and the public health services so that they can have access to both physical and mental health services.

4. Is there one particular story or accomplishment you would say is emblematic of your work?

I’m proud that over the years I’ve been able to keep local access to Public Assistance for the residents of West Marin.

5. What do you consider a victory on the job?

When families come through my door with a need, and I am able to help them gain access to food, health care and cash and be the liaison between their needs and other services at the Center to help them get back on their feet. I’ve been able to integrate with community-based organizations, both by collaboration and direct participation as a Board member, to provide services to the community.

6. What are the biggest challenges that you face in your line of work?

It is incredibly challenging when I am facing the needs of people who need services and am trying to work outside the box, in a bureaucracy that keeps pushing me back into the box.

7. Cathy, I understand that after nearly 36 years, you are retiring this year – as you leave, what do you think would happen to the West Marin Community if your department were downsized or eliminated?

If my Center were downsized or eliminated it would decrease services to a rural, under-served population, which geographically constitutes 2/3 of Marin County and is so often overlooked. Recent data has revealed that 50% of the families of the children who attend the local middle school in Pt. Reyes, which is the hub of coastal West Marin, are below the federal poverty line, demonstrating how great need is in this area. Without the West Marin Human Services Center, these families in need of services would not be able to access them locally and would have to travel, despite many of their barriers to mobility, a great distance to central Marin.

For the past 36 years I have had the honor to serve the individuals and families of West Marin. I cannot express how grateful I am to have been a part of the incredible work of the West Marin Human Services Center and how privileged I feel to have been able to serve this wonderful community.