Lori’s Hands is introducing a membership model for our clients. Membership helps sustain the program — the student training, background checks, staff support, and coordination behind every weekly visit — and it keeps our services available to everyone who needs them, regardless of ability to pay. You know your situation better than we do, and we trust you to choose the level that’s right for you.
Membership Levels
Membership is annual and renews on your own anniversary date. All levels receive the exact same services — weekly student visits, help with household tasks, and companionship throughout the academic year.
| Level | Annual | |
|---|---|---|
| Sustaining | $600 | Closer to true cost + helps others who need it |
| Standard | $250 | Standard cost of a client membership + what we ask of most households |
| Supporting | $125 | Partially community-funded for those who need it |
| Access | $75 | Largely community-funded for those who need it |
| Community | $0 | Fully community-funded for those who need it |
Our community funding partners and donors make the Supporting, Access, and Community levels possible. Choose the level that fits your circumstances — that’s what these levels are for.
This model is new to us this year. We welcome your feedback, and levels may change in future years as we learn together.
Ready to Choose Your Membership?
Fill out the form below. Caregivers and family members are welcome to complete this on a client’s behalf.
What To Expect
FAQ
Why is Lori’s Hands introducing membership now?
For over 15 years, our services have been offered to students and clients at no cost, supported by grants and donations. That generosity has carried us far — but it can be unpredictable, as recent years and federal funding cuts have made clear. Membership is meant to build a foundation sturdy enough to help make sure Lori’s Hands is still here in another 15 years.
What if I can’t afford a membership?
No one is turned away because of what they can afford. Choose the level that fits your circumstances — including Community at $0. That promise works because members of our community help cover the gap for those who can’t. If funding isn’t available at a particular level, a staff member will reach out to you directly to talk it through.
Will you ask me to prove my income?
You know your situation better than we do, and we trust you to choose the level that’s right for you. We are launching this as a trust-based model and are not requiring financial documentation at this time.
Do the higher levels get more visits or extra services?
No. Every member receives the same services. Members who choose Sustaining or Standard are helping to fund memberships for others — that’s what makes the lower levels possible.
Can a family member or caregiver pay on my behalf?
Yes. Anyone can complete the membership form for you.
What happens during winter and summer breaks?
Student visits follow the academic calendar, so breaks between semesters are normal and expected.
What if no student is available for me?
If we’re unable to match you, we’ll reach out to you directly to talk through options.
Can I change my level later?
Membership is set once a year, so changes take effect at your next annual renewal. Please call us if something changes — we want to hear from you.
Still have questions?
Email us at contact@lorishands.org. We’re glad to talk.
Are you a community member wanting to support?
This is separate from client memberships — if you’re a client or caregiver completing your own membership, please use the form above instead.
Our trust-based model only works because people in our community step in for those who can’t pay. If you’re here because you believe in this work — a family member, a former client, a student alum, a neighbor, or a longtime supporter — your donation can directly support a student or client in need.
- Sponsor a client membership — $250
Covers a full year of weekly student visits and companionship for a client who needs support at a lower level. - Sponsor a student enrollment fee — $75
Covers a new student volunteer’s training, background check, app access, and t-shirt, so cost is never the reason a student can’t serve.
You’re welcome to note a client or student you’d like your sponsorship to support, and we’ll honor preferences whenever we can. Otherwise, your gift goes where it’s needed most.
