Meet Sandy Corbin, a beacon of compassion at the heart of Humanim’s benefit counseling services within the behavioral health department. With an impressive tenure of 37 years, Sandy embodies the essence of service and support within the organization.
In her role, Sandy diligently guides behavioral health program participants through the labyrinth of public benefits, ensuring they access the support they rightfully deserve. From Social Security to Medicaid, Sandy adeptly navigates the intricacies of various assistance programs, even offering insights on benefit adjustments for those transitioning back into the workforce.
Some individuals meet with her at the office in Columbia; for others, she will go to their home to meet – “wherever the clients are most comfortable to meet and talk about money.”
Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of public assistance can be daunting, yet Sandy approaches it with tenacity. “It’s a very complex system and they keep changing the rules,” she acknowledges, highlighting the constant adaptability required in her field.
Sandy’s dedication is deeply rooted in her personal journey. Battling depression since adolescence, she intimately understands the challenges her clients face. That experience helps her relate to the clients she serves and build trust.
“I know the journey it takes to find out that you have something like this, to come to accept it and work through it and realize that recovery is possible,” Sandy says. “It’s not a straight line and never will be. For example, I know how clients feel when they say they don’t want to take all their medicines. I make a point of sharing my story sometimes. It’s very important to remove the barrier between humans that sometimes comes up. It’s nice to know people who have walked the walk.”
Outside of work, Sandy is devoted to spending time with her family: her husband of 52 years, their two children, four grandchildren and two great-grandkids, as well as her siblings and mom, who lives nearby. She also loves reading mystery novels and gardening. Her faith is an integral part of her life and provides direction in both her personal and professional walk.
Sandy is deeply committed to giving back to the people she serves. She and her family have prepared meals at Humanim on Thanksgiving Day for those who have no place else to spend the holiday. Additionally, Sandy took part in preparing food for 80 individuals who attended the Winter Formal hosted by the Behavioral Health staff. Her dedication to providing support and creating meaningful experiences for others is truly commendable.
“This work is worthwhile because it makes a difference in somebody’s life,” she says. Reflecting on her personal values, she shares the wisdom of a quote by Leo Rosten, a guiding mantra in her life: “I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all, to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all.” With a profound sense of purpose, Sandy adds, “I am driven to make a difference on this earth and in the lives of many.”
As she reflects on her legacy, Sandy envisions a continuation of her impactful work, ensuring Humanim’s services endure as a testament to her commitment to making a difference. “I know one day I will retire. When I step out the door, I want to leave something good behind me. I want my legacy to be my department and the services we provide – and I want it to carry on. I want Humanim to be my legacy.”