MLK Day of Service 2021: VNSNY Volunteers Reach Out to Vulnerable Clients

Martin Luther King Jr. Day not only honors the life and legacy of the civil rights leader, it’s also a designated national Day of Service—a time to reflect on Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community, and to help our fellow human beings.

This year, in that spirit, VNSNY employees wrote and mailed greeting cards to selected patients, members, and clients across the organization. “Many people, particularly among our most vulnerable populations, are experiencing the holiday blues and feelings of isolation—especially during the pandemic,” says Melissa Henry, Community Relations Manager, Government Affairs. The project, initiated by VNSNY’s Anti-Racism Employee Advisory Group (AREAG) in collaboration with Community Collaborations, Volunteer Services, and others, asked VNSNY business lines and programs to curate lists of individuals most likely to benefit from the initiative.

Client privacy was also paramount. While recipient names, addresses, and language spoken were shared with volunteers, their health status, age, and personal details were not. All volunteers received detailed instructions and training on the project’s purpose, messaging, do’s and don’ts, and HIPAA/Privacy Policy. “This wasn’t about ‘You’re sick—let me send you a get-better card,’—it was much more about ‘You’re a person; let’s connect,’” says Natacha Brookshire, Clinical Review Manager, Hospice, and part of the AREAG. “Regardless of someone’s stage of illness or the age we’re in, everybody responds to warmth and love. They are all human beings. It’s also a great way to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, who was not only a man of peace but a man of warmth.” A poet, Berkshire filled her cards with inspirational words and quotes.

“I loved that I didn’t know my recipients, or whether they were 18 or 102. I was just writing to a human being,” says Cecile Hall, an occupational therapist who works in the Bronx. “I’m sure these were people from all walks of life, ethnicities, and backgrounds, which I think is so wonderful. It ties in with Dr. King’s message of all people coming together. And in this time of emails and texts, it’s so rare to get something in the mail. Opening a card and seeing a smiley face and encouraging words would brighten anybody’s day.”

“It was a very nice way for VNSNY volunteers to touch the lives of our clients, members, and patients, and make meaningful contact with another person while respecting physical distancing guidelines,” says Tom Dwyer, Senior Vice President, VNSNY CHOICE SelectHealth, whose cards focused on positive messaging for the New Year. “It was just a thoughtful, selfless initiative to make someone feel good and lift their spirits, even for just a few brief moments, during a very difficult time. And that can make a significant difference in someone’s day—and outlook.”

“I thought flowers would lift spirits and add color to someone’s day,” adds volunteer Cynthia Jay, Director, Partnership Development for SelectHealth VNSNY CHOICE, who got creative with a small children’s paint set she had at home. “I used quick brush strokes to create flowers in bouquets, vases, or standing alone. My inner Picasso was emerging with each painted card!”