A Few Minutes with Kristie Buckley

Kristie Buckley, President/CEO, Access, Inc.

Not only does Kristie Buckley bring a career of caring to her new role at President/CEO of Access, Inc., she also brings plenty of experience – 22 years.

That’s how long she’s been with the Linda Vista non-profit agency that serves at-risk youth, recent immigrants, and victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.

Named to the top position six months ago, her unflagging optimism and heartfelt desire to help others is certain to raise Access’ community profile – as well as improve the lives of the 1,250 people who rely on its programs, many of which she has created and managed.

A sociology graduate of Metropolitan State University in Denver, with a master’s in social work from San Diego State, Kristie came to San Diego in 1995. A year later, she joined Access and soon became a case manager.

LISC recently awarded Access a revolving loan of $250,000 to help continue its mission of serving those in need.

What’s the process of finding those who need your services?
For us, it’s trying to find those people who don’t typically come to us. Without someone else urging them to get help, they wouldn’t necessarily pick up the phone or get on-line and ask for our services. We rely on people in the community who might come into contact with young people who are homeless or not going to school or keep losing their job or who are victims of exploitation. We’re always looking for those who need us the most.

What led you to pursue a career in social work?
Going back to my college days, my world has always been about helping others. I’ve always found it very rewarding, helping people to realize their own value and worth despite their struggles.

How has your role with Access evolved through the years?
Well, the non-profit sector can be cut-throat and competitive at times, but I’ve survived a lot of layoffs and a lot of uncertainty about our funding. I’m confident that we’ve developed a solid program with best-practices in place. Now it’s up to me and to our team to help as many people as we can.

What gives you hope?
If we can make just one person successful, even out of 20, that’s success. There are always bumps along the way because doing what we do takes time and things don’t always work out. But I’d rather have them stumble with us and then re-train or re-direct them to achieve a better life, than have them fail on the outside where nobody cares about them. Because we care.

Kristie Buckley
President/CEO
Access, Inc.
kbuckley@access2job.org
858-560-0871