For the past 3.5 years, Kady Stevens has been one of the steady, compassionate forces keeping our shelter running through the weekend hours – a time when needs can be high and resources across the community are limited. As a Weekend Shelter Advocate, Kady brings deep empathy, patience, and a genuine passion for helping people who’ve experienced hardship. She’s the kind of advocate who meets survivors exactly where they are, offering comfort, guidance, and understanding in moments that may feel overwhelming.
Kady is also deeply involved in the community, always finding ways to connect people with support, spread awareness, and build a culture of care. Her commitment to showing up – not just for survivors, but for the community as a whole – makes her an invaluable part of our team. Her work is driven by heart, and it shows in every interaction.
This is our final Ask an Advocate feature of the year, but we’re already looking forward to continuing the series next year and shining an even brighter spotlight on the incredible staff who make Options what it is.
Now, let’s get into Kady’s interview!
What is your name, title, and how long have you worked at Options?
Kady Mae Stevens, Weekend Shelter Advocate, 3.5 years
What does a “day in the life” of your role actually look like, and how does it change from day to day?
A lot of different things can happen on the weekends. So coming into work, you never really know what to expect. There could be moving of rooms that needs to happen. There could be a survivor needing transport somewhere. The hotline could be ringing off the hook. Children may want to play. Survivors may just want to chat. It’s always a toss up. It keeps things fresh though.
What’s one thing people misunderstand most about your job?
That “I am just a babysitter.” Nothing irks me more than when I tell people I work at the shelter and they say that back.
If someone shadowed you for a day, what would surprise them the most?
I would say the fact that the shelter is a home. It’s a shelter that is actually a HOME. Who can really be comfortable in an institution type setting? We want to provide home with safety.
What’s the hardest part of saying goodbye to a survivor who’s moving on?
The hardest part of being a shelter advocate is when a survivor moves out and becomes a community survivor. They then get to work with the community advocates over at the office and your contact becomes much more limited with them. It’s always exciting though when someone calls the hotline on the weekend after they have moved out, because then you get to talk to them!
What’s a small “win” that makes you feel like the work you do really matters?
When a see a survivor thriving out in the community. Whether they are still in shelter or not. But when I see them at work, or downtown, or enjoying time with their children. Seeing them take back their life is so rewarding.
What’s a behind-the-scenes moment you’re proud of but few people would ever know about?
When I saw a survivor in public, but I was with my family. The survivor still came up and gave me a hug. No words were exchanged, just a quick look into each other’s eyes. That’s all that was needed. When my family asked who that was, I said “I have no idea, they must have thought I was someone else.”
What’s a ritual or habit you use to transition out of “work mode” after a tough day?
Probably diving into one of my other jobs or doom-scrolling.
How do you remind yourself to rest when you feel like there’s always more to do?
As long as it’s not a life or death situation, it can wait.
Who or what do you lean on when the work feels overwhelming?
A few select co-workers who understand what it can be like sometimes. And my husband. He reminds me that what I am doing is for the good.
Do you have a “comfort item” at work (a photo, snack, playlist, etc.) that helps you get through the day?
I like to play my worship music from my computer when I am working on documentation. It helps bring me back to me.
How do you celebrate even the smallest successes?
Really just by smiling and knowing that a difference was made, no matter how small.
When did you know that advocacy work was the right fit for you?
I’ve always been a helper. I don’t think I ever realized this is right for me, because it really has always been a part of me. I just have a more focused area of where I am helping.
If your younger self could see you now, what would they be most proud of?
That I don’t judge people for who they are or what they do.
What’s one thing you wish every survivor could hear and truly believe?
That they are worthy of a full and beautiful life.
What motivates you to show up on the really hard days?
That someone is relying on me. That it’s not about me when it’s time to work. It’s about who needs my help.
What’s your go-to “pick me up” song or snack at work?
Popcorn with a lot of pepper and pink Himalayan salt!!!!
If you could describe your advocacy style in three words, what would they be?
Understanding, flexible, and listener
What’s one thing about you that your coworkers might not even know?
I am biologically an only child but I have 7 brothers and sisters.
If you need any additional information, have a question, or a concern, feel free to reach out to Options at our 24-hour toll-free helpline 800-794-4624. You can also reach an advocate via text by texting HOPE to 847411 or click 24-Hour Chat with Options.
This grant project is supported by the State General Fund for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, sub-grant number 25-SGF-07, as administered by the Kansas Governor’s Grants Program. The opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of Kansas Governor.