This fall, after many years of working toward our goal of geographic expansion, Lori’s Hands launched our second-ever chapter in Baltimore, Maryland. When we realized the opportunity was upon us, we believed that finding the right person to lead the chapter would be one of the most important things we’d ever do as an organization. We were thrilled to meet Tiaira Harris and knew she would bring the energy, passion, and skills needed for this creative and challenging endeavor.
Since starting a little over a month ago, Tiaira has hit the ground running, recruiting our first clients and student volunteers in Baltimore and building partnerships with local organizations. This Sunday, December 6th, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Tiaira “in person” (via Zoom) when she leads our Distance Dining in December cooking demonstration. We hope to see you there! In the meantime, you can get to know Tiaira and her vision for our work in Baltimore through our recent conversation with her. Enjoy!
LH: Tiaira, you were involved in public health long before joining Lori’s Hands. Tell us about your interest in the field and a little about the work you’ve done in the past.
Tiaira: I’ve worked in public health for the entirety of my career. I first became moved by the field during my time at University of Maryland College Park. I took an introduction to Women’s Studies class during my time as a journalism major. I found the information & concepts I was learning in the class so fascinating I changed my major almost immediately. My focus has been on merging my identity as a queer black woman with a career that matches my core values. I have been lucky to work with organizations like HIPS, Planned Parenthood, and now Lori’s Hands to provide service to my community that I deem meaningful and ethical.
LH: And we’re fortunate to have found team members like you whose values align with our organizational culture and mission. Are there any specific examples from your personal or professional life of when you’ve really seen the need for programs like Lori’s Hands? Why is our work important, from your perspective?
Tiaira: Baltimore is a small city that really operates similarly to a small town.
People who move here typically settle here and people who were born here typically stay here. People live their lives to grow old in Baltimore and the city should be in a position to better support that; socially, financially, and structurally.
There are a lot of row houses in Baltimore that can make accessibility throughout the home difficult. The transit system is not set up in a way to support individuals but especially low-income individuals or people who lack personal transportation. All this to say, a program such as Lori’s Hands has the power to make a positive impact on Baltimore residents who choose to age in place.
LH: Those are such important points — we really have a responsibility to make our communities age-friendly so that we can all benefit from intergenerational relationships. As our Senior Program Manager, you’re charged with launching and leading our new chapter in Baltimore. Tell us a little about how you’re getting started — what are the first steps to starting a chapter?
Tiaira: Baltimore thrives on transformational connections and relationships. First thing I am focused on is learning the aging in place ecosystem through rigorous fact finding. Who is here? Who has been doing the work? And how would they like to be supported in expanding upon that work? I am able to use that information and the connections gained to create a plan that is responsive to the current needs of the network while also establishing Lori’s Hands as a key support. Additionally, much of this work leads me to get deeply involved with actual residents. They are essential not just as clients but to the fact-finding as well. With their lived experience I am able to ensure we implement Lori’s Hands programming so that it is as supportive as possible for Baltimore’s residents.
LH: Are you seeing much interest in Lori’s Hands in Baltimore? Why is our work so important here?
Tiaira: YES! This sector is excited to welcome new programming and efforts. On top of that, from what I am experiencing, they are excited for young professionals to come in and hopefully stay involved in this work. So people are excited to work with me and all of the up and coming medical professionals that Lori’s Hands recruits for our programming.
LH: You have a strong background in diversity, equity and inclusion. How do you see that work overlapping with and adding strength to our Lori’s Hands programming?
Tiaira: DEI work is not about overlapping — it’s the foundation with which social justice work is primed to be most effective and impactful. Moving from that framework, DEI is the necessary element to ensure that our strategic objectives, our measurements of success, and our impact on the city as a whole is transformational. Baltimore is a Black city. To work in a Black city one needs to have a cultural competence that thrives Black learning, understanding, and modes of working. I plan to bring that level of competency to our training delivery. We are expanding to work with more BIPOC students, and we will also be focused on supporting our BIPOC residents.
LH: Beyond what you’ve told us already, what are your big dreams for Lori’s Hands? Where do you see us in 5, 10 years?
Tiaira: I imagine that Lori’s Hands will be an effective operator in the ‘no-wrong doors’ strategy that Baltimore’s aging sector is currently implementing. This means that our services will not only be useful for our clients but we will also be able to connect our clients to the variety of services offered by our partners and/or city agencies. Also, I imagine a medical workforce that is culturally competent in working both racially and across lines of age and health.
LH: Finally, what advice do you have for current students about how to approach our volunteer experience with Lori’s Hands?
Tiaira: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Right now is a very difficult time for everyone. Give yourself a lot of grace & have a lot of fun. You’re going to meet some very wonderful people.
Join us this Sunday, December 6th to “meet” Tiaira and follow along as she cooks her favorite Baltimore crab cake recipe!
