Lori's Hands, Inc.

Students from Western Michigan University’s ENGL 4970 - Grant Writing course visited Lori’s Hands at the Ypsilanti Senior Center for an immersive day of learning. They connected with older adults through interviews and a group collage, gaining insights to write grants for our Metro Detroit programming! Photo Credit: Western Michigan University

Thank you to the partners of Exhale – The Family Caregiver Initiative! Lori's Hands is excited to partner with Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit to launch an innovative caregiver respite program to support caregivers of older adults with cancer in Wayne County, MI. Lori’s Hands is one of 50 organizations in Southeast Michigan that has developed a unique program to increase access to respite services and enhance families’ well-being. We are proud to support our Metro Detroit region’s caregivers. Read more about our project with Gilda’s Club and the other innovative ideas at ExhaleForCaregivers.org.

Highlighting the Lori's Hands 2023-2024 Scholarship Recipients Next in our scholarship series is Sai Chandan Reddy, a first-year medical student at Johns Hopkins University and a remarkable volunteer from our Baltimore chapter. Sai’s journey with his client, James, has been a powerful lesson in persistence, empathy, and courage as he transitions into the medical field. His dedication to Lori’s Hands and the impact he’s made on those around him make him a deserving recipient of our Baltimore scholarship. Listen to Sai’s inspiring stories and the challenges he’s overcome!

Highlighting the Lori's Hands 2023-2024 Scholarship Recipients Our scholarship series continues with Zoe Lehtonen, a Medical Diagnostics student at the University of Delaware and a devoted volunteer in our Newark chapter. Zoe’s unwavering commitment, kindness, and hard work have earned her the Lori’s Hands scholarship for Newark. Her bond with her client, Regina, has been a source of inspiration and growth. Listen to Zoe reflect on her experiences and the meaningful connections she’s built with Lori’s Hands!

Student volunteers Rose and Danielle have formed a close bond with their client Velia. She appreciates everything they do for her and how they make her feel. Velia shares, “I trust those girls with everything; they are just so trustworthy. It’s so wonderful that even with their busy schedules, my volunteers find time to visit me!”

It's wonderful to see how grateful our clients' caregivers are for Lori’s Hands student volunteers. Consistent social interaction from volunteers boosts clients' mood and quality of life, positively impacting caregivers who see their clients' improved stamina and interactions. We love hearing how much caregivers appreciate Lori’s Hands!

Highlighting the Lori's Hands 2023-2024 Scholarship Recipients We're proud to introduce Akhil Paleru, a Public Health student at the University of Michigan and a dedicated volunteer in our Metro Detroit chapter. Akhil’s involvement with Lori’s Hands, especially his work with his client Ann, has been incredibly impactful. Through his experiences, Akhil has gained valuable insights into living with chronic illness and a deeper understanding of the medical field. Listen to hear Akhil share his inspiring journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Every Lori’s Hands visit is unique. Some clients prefer routine tasks, while others decide on the spot. Each student volunteer has different learning goals, adding to the diverse experiences. Beyond household chores, clients and volunteers cherish social time, sharing stories, and connecting across generations. Take advantage of the valuable moments spent together!

At Lori's Hands, our student volunteers go above and beyond to ensure our clients feel supported, comfortable, and loved. Volunteering is more than just helping with physical tasks; it's about staying engaged, communicating effectively, and practicing patience. We love hearing how much our clients appreciate the kindness and compassion of our dedicated volunteers.

Dependability is one of our core values at Lori’s Hands. Our reliable services ensure that clients can count on our student volunteers for support, whether it’s assisting with tasks or simply having a weekly catch-up chat. When clients know they can trust their volunteers, it fosters a deeper connection and significantly reduces stress. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and dependability our students bring to Lori’s Hands!