Ms. Tiffanie Ballou

Ms. Tiffanie Ballou is the  Co-Lead for YDH's Peace on the Streets Advocacy Project.

Following is the featured Destiny Spotlight interview provided in our December. 2020 newsletter.

Just as Jesus’ destiny was not only about Him, Tiffanie D. Ballou’s destiny is also not just about her. Her destiny has greatly affected others, and this is true for all of us. Tiffanie’s journey is a reminder of Genesis 12: 2-3, that we have all been blessed to be a blessing to others.

As a Temple University School of Social Administration alumni and a licensed social worker, Tiffanie helps vulnerable people cope with and solve their problems. Her professional career has led her to her destiny of providing care, support, and expertise within a variety of settings to “at risk” individuals - including children, adults, families, and groups.

Tiffanie discovered the pathway to her future at an early age, which she knew would be helping others. Her passion grew from watching her mother, Wanda Ballou, a social worker, supporting people and providing resources for them. Her mother’s caring spirit instilled her desire to do the same. She now looks at social work as a family business. In addition to her mother’s guidance, Tiffanie had several mentors who helped her along the way, including Mrs. Yvonne Jones, Rev. Linda Ivey, and Dr. Argie Allen Wilson.

Tiffanie explained how there are many facets to social work. “Most people think it’s just about working with children, but it also includes families, people with developmental disabilities, behavioral health issues, justice, corrections and healthcare insurance.” Tiffanie’s pathway directed her to serving in various positions before she determined her specialization of working with dual populations that include elderly, poor, and mentally challenged persons. While in high school, Tiffanie was a volunteer with a parenting group and at a senior center. Her destiny journey started with children and she worked at a psychiatric hospital for many years. Once in college, she experienced the stress of balancing work and school. But Tiffanie did not let it stop her from earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology and continuing on to get her master’s in Social Work and to become a Licensed Social Worker. Tiffanie also started and has operated a private clinical practice since 2017 but has suspended services since the pandemic.

Currently, God has called Tiffanie to even greater and she is now working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW. “Helping people adds levels of gratefulness to my life and I find the work very satisfying. I am humbled to provide service, support, and help to people in need. I gain satisfaction from helping people at their lowest and worse times to develop and grow into better, more fulfilled individuals.”

Tiffanie’s advice to anyone who has lost their way or is discouraged on their journey into their destiny, “Keep God first. Stay in prayer. Whatever keeps you grounded (music, reading, etc.) keep doing that. You’ve already survived 100% of your bad days.”