This year has brought unforeseen challenges and also incredible growth for Lori’s Hands. Because 2020 has been a year of so much change for our organization, our board members have been in turbo mode! From re-imagining our service delivery to ensure safety during the pandemic, to outlining guidelines and procedures for new chapters, board member Patrick Gray has been contributing more time, energy, and wisdom to Lori’s Hands these last several months than ever before. We found a few spare minutes to talk with Patrick to learn about what keeps him motivated to do this work.
LH: Patrick, how did you first get involved in Lori’s Hands?
Patrick: I was initially introduced to Lori’s Hands several years ago when I was working at a local assisted living. I was intrigued by the concept and wanted to see it in action. I started to hear the Lori’s Hands name more and more through several networking groups I belong to and then when I started to work with BAYADA Home Health Care I met with Maggie to discuss how we could partner. I was already engaged and wanted to be more involved. I was pleased that I was asked to sit on the Ambassador Council and later the Board of Directors to support Lori’s Hands.
LH: So it sounds like your professional life focuses on supporting patients and family caregivers, too. Can you tell us a little bit about what you do “in your day job”?
Patrick: Yes. My life passion has always been to do something where I could see result of what I was doing and to serve others. My current role as the Director for BAYADA’s Senior Living Office has been so fulfilling. On a day to day basis I am involved in lots of operations and behind the scenes work, but I am still actively engaged in knowing our team of clinicians are doing all they can to serve our clients with Compassion, Excellence, and Reliability on a daily basis.
LH: Why are you drawn to the work that you do through Lori’s Hands and BAYADA? Why do you see it as so important?
Patrick: Circling back to my childhood, I realized how important the older adults in my life were. I was able to engage with groups like Adopt a Grandparent and a local hospital’s Healthy Heart program where kids were partnered with adults in a healthy lifestyle activity. In middle school I became very close to my grandmother after my grandfather died. I spent a lot of time with her helping her around the house and she helped my parents out by getting me to many of my sports practices and doctor appointments. My other grandparents always made sure we recognized family was important too. Throughout college I was able to continue to engage in intergenerational relationships through my volunteer work. Much like our Lori’s Hands volunteers, I did yard work or just stopped by to check in on older people. So I think it is in my blood to help others and more specifically to respect and learn from our older adult population. I really value the lessons we take away from the older people in our lives. I feel my grandmother was so talented in giving me a subliminal answer to something going on in my life, but I never realized how her guidance gave me the answer until the situation was resolved.
LH: What are one or two of your favorite specific memories from being involved with Lori’s Hands?
Patrick and his wife Carrie pose for a photo at our 2019 Green Ribbon Gala
Patrick: One of my all-time favorite Lori’s Hands memories is how we blend clients, students, and supporters at events. I love hearing the clients and student stories. I could listen to them all night. At each event I thrive on hearing these heartwarming stories.
Another fond memory was when I got a call from a colleague about a client who really needed some support and I immediately reached out to Maggie to see if Lori’s Hands could help. In no time, this gentleman was set up with a pair of volunteers. My colleague expressed how tremendous this support was for her client.
LH: Tell us more about your role with Lori’s Hands today. What does your involvement entail?
Patrick: I am currently a member of the Board of Directors for Lori’s Hands and I serve as the Chapter Expansion Committee Chair. This year, we have been taking a deep dive into what it takes to open a new chapter and how we navigate the start up process. I am excited to serve on this committee because I love seeing how we are growing with lots of expansion projects happening soon.
LH: As a board member, you’re one of the people who’s making decisions about our organization’s future. What are your big dreams for Lori’s Hands? Where do you see us in 5, 10 years?
Patrick: Lori’s Hands will one day exist in every state. I am confident with the interest we have seen in what we do that we will continue to see growth and we will be able to support students, older adults, and people living with chronic illness nationwide very soon. One key element to our success will be to hire the right Executive Director to help guide us into the future.
LH: Finally, what advice do you have for current students about how to approach our volunteer experience with Lori’s Hands?
Patrick: Based on my experiences in college, I want the current student volunteers to take away the value in what they are doing and really think about their future careers. I think our students can learn just as much from our clients as they can provide support to clients. These relationships that you are establishing can be everlasting and really help shape your future.
Patrick and friends enjoying our 2019 Green Ribbon Gala.
