Staff Spotlight: Ali Robinson, Director of Client Services for Senior Reach and Housing

Ali joined the team at Reach in December 2024 as the client services director for Senior Reach and the Housing Program. In this role, he provides case management to our senior clients and residents at Jefferson and Rockland House.

Tell tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m Ali Robinson, Director of Client Services, Housing, and Senior Reach at Community Reach of Montgomery County. I grew up in the Montgomery County and I’m passionate about connecting people with resources that empower them to thrive.

When did you join Reach?

I joined Community Reach of Montgomery County, December 16, 2024, and officially started the first week of January 2025.

How did you learn about the organization?

I learned about Community Reach of Montgomery County through Indeed. I saw the job posting, researched the organization and applied. Andrea Kempner-Wink, our Managing Director, reached out and invited me in for an interview. I was drawn to the organization’s mission of empowering the underserved community of our county.

Ali playing chess with Jefferson House residents

What do you enjoy or find rewarding about your work?

I find it incredibly rewarding to help individuals overcome their housing challenges and secure stable housing, help seniors access essential services that improve their quality of life, and to have the opportunity to align with other community organizations operating in this space to help improve the delivery of our services and meet our program goals.

What do you think your impact has been so far? What do you hope it will be?

So far, I’ve been able to help our clients know that Community Reach of Montgomery County is here, growing and ready to seamlessly continue serving their needs. We are planning for our and their future needs with dignity, care and respect. Aging in place can be scary; my hope is to play a major role in the implementation of our Housing and Senior Reach strategic plans by collaborating with staff and community partners and to surpass our organizational goals. I hope to continue broadening our vision to expand our services, strengthen support for housing and our senior programs, and continue to increase our community reach.

Have you had any meaningful encounters that you would like to share?

Yes, many! One that stands out is helping a senior utilize our safe and secure services [that help with home repairs and maintenance]. When your toilet can’t flush properly it can leave harmful gases emitted into the air and drive up the cost of the water bill from multiple flushes. The plumber was new, and upon completion of the job, offered to take the client to their sleep study so they would not have to use public transportation. This is a community, one that I am proud to be a part of now. Serving and serving well leaves no uncertainty with our clients. They deserve our best and hearing their relief and gratitude during a follow-up call reaffirms why I do this work. They know we care.

Is there anything else you would like our supporters to know about you or your work?

I’m committed to fostering a compassionate, resourceful community where everyone has access to the support they need, and I’m grateful to be part of this mission with Community Reach of Montgomery County!