Client storytelling is a staple of the nonprofit business model, ever present in advocacy, clinic tours, fundraising—and news articles like the one you are reading right now.
11.08.16
ROCK YOUR SOCKS! ROCK YOUR SOCKS! ROCK YOUR SOCKS! The crowd of 250 runners and volunteers joined in on the chant as President & CEO, Kevin Lindamood, reminded everyone gathered by Lake Montebello that homelessness is not permanent.
Kicking off the third annual Rock Your Socks to Health & Home 5K on Saturday, November 5, Kevin told the story of a former client, Earnest.
“After years of homelessness, Earnest—a man most folks had given up on—secured housing. From that point on, he walked four miles every day around this very lake, reaching his goal weight of less than 200 pounds. To the astonishment of everyone around him, Earnest lived in his own home for the last eight years of his life. Housing is health care! And as I run around the lake today, I’ll be thinking of Earnest.”
The beautiful blue skies, pumping music and raucous comradery made for a morning that left everyone at the Rock Your Socks 5K smiling. And the best part? Participants raised more than $43,000—funding that directly helps our neighbors move toward health and a safe place to call home.
Take a look at photos from the day here. And please note—drumroll, please—the winner of the event: our own Dr. Tyler Gray, medical director of our West Baltimore clinic, who won the race in a neat 17-minutes-and-change.
Finally, we extend special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Allegis, and Brown Advisory, Baltimore Marriot Waterfront and our in-kind sponsors, Acac-Timonium, Lily Trotters, TATA Global Beverages, Motive Pure and HEX.
Client storytelling is a staple of the nonprofit business model, ever present in advocacy, clinic tours, fundraising—and news articles like the one you are reading right now.
The Trans Rights Advocacy Coalition (TRAC) has been the driving force in championing trans rights policy changes in Maryland. Due to stigma and structural discrimination, transgender people—particularly transgender people of color—experience high rates of homelessness. Following the implementation of the Trans Health Equity Act in January, we talked with TRAC leadership about their work and community.
Since starting in January 2022, REI Health Specialist Arie Hayre-Somuah, LMSW, MPH has worked with our clinical teams to identify health disparities and move us closer to health equity. This year, she is turning her focus to the topic of health literacy.
We are delighted to announce the promotion of Hanna Mast from Senior Communications Manager to Director of Communications. Get to know more about her work in the Q&A below!