FrontLiner Profiles: Tara Gower

“Many of our clients have literally hit rock bottom, ended up unhoused, and were resilient enough to rebuild their lives. It’s an honor to serve them, cheer for them, and support their journeys.” 

Tara Gower has been a Permanent Supportive Housing Program Manager since February 2023. 

What is your current role? 

I am a manager in the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) buildings of Southpointe Commons and Harper’s Pointe.  PSH is our clients’ first housing after coming out of homelessness.  My role is to develop social service programming in the buildings, provide clinical supervision to case management staff, and collaborate with community partners to support residents to maintain their housing. 

What do people often misunderstand about your work?  

Sometimes people struggle with the fact that offering dignity and respect to people means giving them the autonomy to make their own choices—even when those choices are not always ones we agree with. We are constantly being called on to “parent” our clients, “Force them to stop drinking!” or “Tell them that they’d have more money if they didn’t smoke!”   

But our work is about working alongside people, letting them be their own experts, and supporting their goals. We support them in a non-judgmental way like, “I see that you are drinking every day.  How do you think that’s getting in the way of you paying your rent?”  

Why do you work here? 

I work at FrontLine because of the culture.  The team supports one another, and we laugh and have fun while doing one of the hardest jobs.  Managers are right there with the team, pitching in and modeling servant leadership, and because of that, are in touch with the work in a tangible way.  FrontLine is on the cutting edge of evidence-based clinical practice, and I love the focus on anti-racism and inclusion.  Our staff inspires me every day with the grit it takes to serve people who are in their deepest struggles.  Many of our clients have literally hit rock bottom, ended up unhoused, and were resilient enough to rebuild their lives.  It’s an honor to serve them, cheer for them, and support their journeys.  

What is a typical day like?  

There is no typical day, which is part of the fun!  I support our team in whatever way I can as they are on the front line delivering excellent care. I help organize food and resources, enroll residents moving into the buildings, help facilitate groups, collaborate with community partners, advocate for clients in court, and support staff in team meetings and one-on-one training and development. 

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

It’s a great place to work!  The work is hard, messy, and complicated, but you will learn so much.  If you surround yourself with these courageous co-workers who are doing the work of seeking justice, anti-racism and equity, you will grow.  You will learn about mental health, setting boundaries, growing your leadership, and about the Culture of Poverty.  After doing this work, you will be equipped for success in any behavioral health setting or to advance within the agency. 

What qualities make someone a good PSH Manager?  

A good PSH manager sets a tone for dignity and respect for all people. They can pivot when something unexpected happens.  They keep the clients at the center of the mission.  A good manager supports and challenges their team in whatever way they can.  They make it safe to take risks, and safe to vent frustrations.  They laugh and celebrate successes.     

What is the hardest part of your job?  

The hardest part of the job is the mental load.  I am responsible for 5 case managers, programs in 2 buildings, and 150 clients.  I am constantly trying to stay on top of details, because the details matter for people’s housing and lives. 

How did you first learn about FrontLine Service?  

I came from MetroHealth in the Emergency Department where I interfaced with many Frontline programs: Mobile Crisis, Coordinated Intake, Children who Witness Violence, Trauma Loss Response Team, and Police Co-responders. 

What do you do to practice resiliency?  

My family and friends are my resiliency.  I spend time with people who fill my bucket and are innocent contrasts to the trauma that our clients face.  When I leave work, I try to be fully home, enjoying my people and drawing from their positivity.  I also maintain close friendships with some fierce social workers who understand the work and can always support me when things get rough. 

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

I love to hike, swim, bike, or explore new playgrounds with my kids, my husband, and our dog Nala.  I also have a shameless addiction to playing Angry Birds to turn off my brain. 

FrontLiner Profiles reflect the views of the person interviewed.  
They do not necessarily reflect the view of FrontLine Service.