One for One
In January of 2022, we launched the One for One program in partnership with Union Community Care, asking social workers and healthcare providers to highlight preventable occurrences that weaken patient outcomes, such as missed prescription refills and no-show appointments. We recruit and train community volunteers to partner with clients – one on one – to address these non-specialized but very important needs. We don’t see a gap in local expertise, but a gap between some needs and the ability of vulnerable individuals to access the resources that are available in the county.
This need is not just something that’s been described to us by local social workers and healthcare providers. Through our work with the Lancaster Community Meal Program, LGH Nurse Family Partnership, and support of the local immigrant community, we often hear stories from individuals about how they “fell through the cracks” of the social safety net because of some small and surmountable barrier, such as a missed medical appointment, lack of access to a phone or computer, or a susceptibility to scams. Every story is unique and every person deserves thoughtful, individualized attention.
Our current referring partners for One for One Community Support Teams are Union Community Care, Penn Medicine, and Nurse Family Partnership.
If your congregation or community group would like to learn more about becoming One for One advocates, please contact us.
“I have enjoyed getting to know Maria because she is a gentle and industrious person. Where she may be invisible to the majority of my community, she represents a population of people starving for friendship, belonging, and security. Putting a face to this concept makes me more connected to her wellbeing and the wellbeing of my community. I also enjoy getting to know what her previous life was like, her customs, and norms for her culture.
“It is a mutual relationship, and has also impacted my life by growing compassion within me. I have learned more about friendship, parenting, housing, healthcare, and immigration through the eyes of someone different to me in one sense, but similar in a universal sense. I have learned that we all need companions to navigate life, whether it’s picking out a regulation car seat or just picking flowers.”
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Our current referring partners for One for One Community Support Teams are Union Community Care, Penn Medicine, and Nurse Family Partnership.