If there was a time where an organization could be forgiven for tempering goals, lowering expectations or opting for the status quo, it would be this past year.
But that organization would not be Lori’s Hands.
Despite the myriad challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we opened a second chapter in Baltimore last fall, helmed by senior project manager Tiaira Harris.
Over the past year, the chapter has created multiple opportunities for student volunteers and community members to connect virtually for meaningful interactions by phone and email. Working with Baltimore Neighbors Network, we hosted a virtual gathering to foster connection among neighbors. Through a collaboration with the Betsy D. Simon Aging Network, 15 older adults have received art supplies every month as part of a virtual art class. The chapter also recently hosted a neighborhood cleanup with Lori’s Hands volunteers and help from the Baltimore Office of the Public Defender.
The Baltimore chapter also started an Ambassador Council aimed at increasing opportunities for networking and fundraising in Baltimore.
Perhaps it’s not surprising that the Baltimore chapter received the inaugural Jane Marks RN & John R. Burton MD Award from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in recognition of the volunteer work completed by health professional students in our outreach to older adults in the community to provide support and meaningful companionship.
“One thing this year did was make me smarter and more resourceful,” Harris said. “I think a lot of the things I had hoped to accomplish, I was able to, and that was surprising given the state of the world. I know I can build rapport with clients in person, but I had to connect with people in other ways. That was a comfort zone I had to step out of.”
In addition to working with students from Johns Hopkins University, the Baltimore chapter has expanded its footprint to include students from University of Maryland Baltimore County, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, Towson University and Goucher College. Harris said one student who attends Delaware State University but lives in Baltimore also volunteered with a client in Baltimore.
“It was important to me to have students from HBCUs [Historically Black Colleges and Universities],” Harris said. “Given the demographics of the city, I wanted a volunteer pool that reflects the community here. I have been really happy to be able to accomplish that.”
Harris said the chapter has even bigger plans for this year, especially as vaccinated volunteers and community members will have the opportunity for in-person visits. One area of growth Harris is working to build on is among community members who identify as LGBTQIA. A partnership with Chase Brexton Health Services aims to connect LGBT older adults with student volunteers who can help them remain independent.
“I really want to make sure Lori’s Hands is as diverse as the city is,” Harris said. “What’s exciting me now is that new clients and students are enrolling and we have more partnerships with schools and community providers. I anticipate with word of mouth and going onto campuses, Lori’s Hands Baltimore will grow. I think the best is yet to come.”
