Your Stories: Working to Ensure the Well-Being of Colleagues
January 4, 2024Categories: Colleague Corner
When Mike Rogers, Mission Integration Consultant for Mercy Medical Center, learned from several managers that a number of colleagues were experiencing food insecurity, he brought the issue to me because of my role as Regional Executive Director of Community Health and Well Being. Mike knew that our department works with a variety of community partners, so we might be able to secure support for these colleagues through a food bank or other resources. Our partner, Gardening the Community, responded right away to our inquiry with an offer to provide 30 boxes of food for us to distribute. Gardening the Community has a grant to support minority farmers in our area and provides boxes of food to families who are struggling by partnering with a variety of agencies like the Caring Health Center and the Square One Childcare Center.
Once we were able to confirm the upcoming food delivery, Mike and I created a plan and designated colleagues in need were provided with "tickets" to bring to the supply room/loading dock area to exchange for a box of food. The truck arrived, we unloaded the food, and the managers or colleagues turned in their tickets to receive the food.
It was amazing to hear the words of thanks from those getting this support. One staff member said to me, in complete bewilderment at the generosity, "who is doing this?" I explained the importance of our partners and the creative solutions that are taking place all over our community. This was the last delivery of the year as the farmers are mostly done with the harvest, but we aim to join them next season to provide a more consistent supply for those in need.
Submitted by Mary Stuart, MPH, Regional Executive Director of Community Health and Well Being, Trinity Health Of New England.
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