BEDFORD- At the beginning of 2024, Natalie Watson was named Program Director of Becky’s Place in Bedford, Indiana. However, this was not the beginning of Natalie’s journey working at Becky’s Place.
In 2012, Natalie was hired as a shift supervisor at Becky’s Place, a shelter in Lawrence County that serves women and children. At that time, Natalie was completing her degree in Criminal Justice. Before coming to Becky’s Place, Natalie worked at the Binkley House Emergency Youth Shelter in Bloomington. Eventually, Natalie realized that she had other passions she wanted to pursue. This realization brought Natalie and her family back to Bedford.
Becky’s Place can accommodate 36 women and children. The assistance that guests need often varies. Natalie explained that some people come in already employed while others are not. This can affect the length of the housing search and stay at Becky’s Place.
As part of the program at Becky’s Place, guests have evaluations with staff every 30 days. The purpose is to check in with guests and see how the housing search is going, as well as to address any concerns they might have. However, Natalie explained that as long as guests are working on finding housing, there is no time limit on how long guests are able to stay.
In her current role as Program Director, Natalie performs various tasks. She oversees case management, meets with community members, coordinates with board members, and, of course, does paperwork.
Natalie said that she and her staff have had to focus on balancing their workloads and taking breaks when necessary. At first, Natalie said it was hard to find this balance. Now, Natalie and the staff at Becky’s Place recognize when someone is overwhelmed and they are able to say to each other, “You need a break.”
When Natalie needs a break, gardening is her outlet. This growing season, Natalie plans to focus on growing vegetables. She also recently planted blackberry bushes and she is excited for that harvest this year.
During her free time, Natalie enjoys spending time camping and traveling. While she is unsure of her travel plans for the summer, Natalie is certain there will be camping trips involved. Natalie enjoys any type of camping, including traditional tent-camping, “glamping,” and staying in her camper.
Natalie feels lucky to be motivated by two inspiring women in her life: her mom and sister. Her mom is big-hearted and her sister is one of the most motivated and intelligent people she knows. She explained that she has really solid people to look up to.
Natalie is also inspired by the namesake of Becky’s Place, Sister Becky. Natalie explained Sister Becky’s selflessness in taking people into her own home, as well as always stopping by the shelter to eat dinner and talk with the guests. Because of her compassion and selflessness, when community leaders started planning in 2010 for what is now Becky’s Place, they agreed that it made sense to name the shelter after Sister Becky.
Ultimately, it is the little things about her job that Natalie loves the most. She’s motivated by seeing a guest’s change in thinking and the “Aha!” moments that they experience.
“There are thousands of inspiring things that happen all of the time here,” Natalie said.
