Every month, this is THE podcast that shines a spotlight on the vital role of service coordinators in affordable housing communities across America.

Hosted by Michelle Voke, President and CEO of the American Association of Service Coordinators, this series brings you the real stories of the unsung heroes—the heartbeats—who work tirelessly to ensure that older adults, families, persons with disabilities, and veterans receive the support they need.

From arranging critical services and benefits to building community and fighting social isolation, service coordinators are making a difference every day.

Tune in each month as Michelle Voke introduces inspiring guests, shares personal experiences from the field, and discusses both the joys and challenges of this important work.

Together, we’ll learn how to better support and advocate for those living in affordable housing.

Copyright 2026 American Association of Service Coordinators

https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/casino-funk

License code: YDKLEHRMWAOORXTJ

https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/big-switch

License code: 3MWJFNOT5U8N7BXB

https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces

License code: ZFIYWOTBBZJNO81U

Welcome to the very first episode of “Heartbeat of Housing.” I’m Michelle Voke, and I couldn’t be more excited to kick off this journey with you.

In this episode, I sit down with Callie Allen-Boone, an extraordinary professional who’s spent over three decades in senior and affordable housing.

Callie Allen-Boone shares her powerful story—from her early days in public housing, to her longtime passion as a service coordinator, to her newest role helping support other service coordinators at AASC.

Together, we dig into what it’s really like to serve hundreds of residents, how to keep your passion alive in the face of burnout, and why teamwork between staff is essential.

We also talk about the wins that keep us going, the tough days that make us stronger, and why sharing knowledge and support is the heartbeat of what we do.

You’ll get to hear our thoughts on the future of service coordination, what it means to advocate for residents truly, and how building community—whether through programs like Ask or simple conversations—can change everything.

Whether you’re in the field or just want a window into the world of affordable housing, I hope you’ll find wisdom, encouragement, and maybe a bit of inspiration in my conversation with Callie Allen-Boone.

Top 3 Takeaways for Housing & Service Coordination Professionals:

Boundaries and Relationships Are Everything: Managing 200+ residents alone, Callie stressed the importance of building trust—not just with residents, but with property managers and maintenance teams who truly are the eyes and ears of the community.

Peer Support Overcomes Isolation: The toughest days come when systems fail to proactively support residents. Callie emphasized how reaching out to fellow service coordinators for answers, resources, or just to commiserate can renew your energy and build resilience.

Start Small with Partnerships: The most impactful programs often start with a simple conversation. Callie’s success with WellCare's “Mind, Body, and Soul” series began at a conference and grew into a transformative experience for residents.

Copyright 2026 American Association of Service Coordinators

https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/casino-funk

License code: YDKLEHRMWAOORXTJ

https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/big-switch

License code: 3MWJFNOT5U8N7BXB

https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces

License code: ZFIYWOTBBZJNO81U

Whether you’re new to service coordination or have been in the field for years, I think you’ll find inspiration in Corry’s story and our discussion about what it truly means to serve our communities.

Welcome to the Heartbeat of Housing podcast! In this episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with my dear friend and colleague, Corry Michaelis, who has dedicated over 20 years to the work of service coordination in affordable housing. T

ogether, we explore Corry's inspiring journey—from starting as a secretary to finding her calling as a service coordinator, and the powerful impact she continues to have in the lives of residents.

We talk about building trust with residents, the evolution of our roles over the years, and share heartfelt moments—like the time Corry helped a resident hear for the first time in decades.

Corry also opens up about navigating the emotional challenges of the job, the importance of embracing technology, and why advocacy for affordable housing and supportive services is more crucial than ever.

This conversation is close to my heart and packed with real-life experience, wisdom, and hope for the road ahead.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Evolving Role of Service Coordination: Corry’s journey from front desk receptionist to leading remote service coordination shows how the profession has adapted to technology and changing resident needs. Remote coordination is growing, allowing broader reach—especially in rural areas.
2. Making a Tangible Impact: Whether it’s helping a resident hear for the first time through a grant-funded hearing aid or crawling into a dumpster to retrieve a lost checkbook, Corry demonstrates that small acts of support can dramatically change lives.
3. Future Advocacy and Resident Empowerment: As the population ages, the need for affordable housing and compassionate service coordinators will only increase. Corry highlights advocacy as essential—not just for more housing, but also for more support systems, urging service coordinators to educate and empower residents to have their voices heard.

Advancing national standards of practice for service coordination by amplifying the voice of our members.

We are committed to enhancing service coordination through leadership, professional development, advocacy, and partnerships.

https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/casino-funk

License code: YDKLEHRMWAOORXTJ

https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/big-switch

License code: 3MWJFNOT5U8N7BXB

https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces

License code: ZFIYWOTBBZJNO81U

Copyright 2026 American Association of Service Coordinators