Crystal Baldwin (pictured to the left) has been employed with Southern Tier Connect (STC) since its start in 2018. Prior to joining STC, she worked at Springbrook as a Medicaid Service Coordinator. Crystal’s passion for supporting members drives her to continue working hard and dedicating her time to STC. She shared that her goal is to support, “The smallest things to the biggest things, anything I can do to improve the quality of their life.” This attitude led her to her recent accomplishment of becoming a mentor for STC’s new mentorship program. She is excited about this new program because she “believes that this will not only help with job retention, but it will allow care managers to serve their members more effectively.”
Like Crystal, Robbie Antonowicz is no stranger to hard work. When Crystal met him three years ago, he was already living and working independently. Robbie had accomplished many of his goals except one: to publish his first book. Thankfully for Robbie, Crystal has supported many members through life transitions and goals. Among her many accomplishments as a CCM, she assisted a member in applying for and moving into an apartment, helped with Medicaid recertification, and found funding for bathroom modifications. She was thrilled to find new ways to support Robbie to meet his goal of publication.
Crystal and everyone at STC always knew Robbie planned to publish a book. He says, “I used to read a lot of sci-fi as a kid, and that inspired me to write.” For eight years, Robbie wrote what would become his first publication. After careful research and months of saving, Robbie was approached by an editor who helped begin the two-year editing process.
Crystal supported Robbie’s work toward publication, but she is quick to say that her help was only behind the scenes. “He does so much on his own. I’m just here to be that cheerleader for him.” At Robbie’s request, she provided information to him on how book sales would impact Social Security benefits.
Robbie also had the goal of becoming financially independent. To do this, Crystal supported Robbie in advocating for himself when he showed his family he was capable of managing his finances. She also accompanied him on calls and visits to Social Security as he worked through the logistical side of taking on his finances.
After lots of hard work, Robbie became his own representative payee, a huge accomplishment that ensured he had control of his funds. Crystal is proud and impressed with Robbie’s incredible accomplishments.
Robbie at his book signing
Finally, after years of hard work and perseverance, Robbie reached publication day for his first book, Cheetah Team. Under the penname Robbay Witz, his book is available on Amazon and has sold over 30 copies. Robbie did not stop at publishing a book. Recently, C.S. Miller Bookstore in Norwich, NY, reached out to Robbie, inviting him to hold a book signing. He had a great turnout where he signed and sold over 20 books.
Robbie stepped out of his comfort zone at the book signing by offering a question-and-answer session with the attendees, followed by a reading. This celebration of Robbie’s writing brought together many of his friends, family, and readers. In his own words, he describes how much his first book signing meant to him: “I’d rather celebrate the anniversary of my book than my birthday; that’s how much I loved it.”
Robbie’s passion for writing and organizational skills were instrumental in his success. He was the driving force to accomplish his goals. Robbie and Crystal’s relationship meant that Robbie could pursue the creative and logistical side of ambitions, while Crystal cheered him on and connected him to the resources he needed to be a financially independent author. She shares, “He’s grown so much since I met him. It’s incredible how independent and outspoken he is. He advocates for himself.”
Robbie’s book cover, Cheetah Team Volume 1: The Star Crown
What is next for this published author and Care Coordination Manager? Robbie, of course, has big plans. He shared, “I do have sequels planned. I’m almost done re-editing the story, and then I’m going to start the publishing process on that.” Crystal, no doubt, will be there at his next book signing and encouraging him along the way.
Crystal and Robbie’s relationship is a great example of the support STC is proud to offer. Crystal’s expertise in navigating complicated systems like Social Security, SNAP, and more allowed Robbie to focus on accomplishing his goals. We are excited to see Robbie continue to pursue his passions. Thank you, Crystal, for your dedication to your work at Southern Tier Connect!