Seeds of Compassion: A Community Health Outreach Specialist’s Journey in Community Well-being

In the heart of Livingston, where community bonds run deep, my role as a Community Health
Outreach Specialist (CHOS) extends far beyond the boundaries of conventional healthcare. As
a proud AmeriCorps member of Livingston Community Health (LCH), I embark on a mission to
meet people where they are, fostering well-being through food bank outreach, community health
service promotion, and dedicated efforts to address care for those experiencing homelessness
in areas like Delhi, Livingston, and Hilmar.

One of the defining moments in my journey was the day I organized and executed my very first
Health & Resource Fair during National Health Center Week Patient Appreciation Day. This
event, hosted at Livingston Community Health’s Campus location, brought together 112 adults,
71 children, and a mosaic of organizations and local heroes that provided informational and
interactive booths. The fair was such a dynamic environment where the focus shifted
seamlessly between physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.

We also distributed 100 food boxes, which became a bridge between healthcare and
nourishment, a way to say, "Your well-being matters, and so does your next meal.”
During the Health & Resource fair, I also took charge of my booth where I facilitated a
"plant-a-seed" activity to engage participants and to remind them that, like a seed, health
requires nurturing. Each participant chose a vegetable or fruit from a variety of seeds, including
carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, and more. Additionally, they planted the seeds in a
biodegradable pot to take home. Each participant was left with a seedling and a happy face.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the LCH team, including myself, organized a Turkey and Food
Distribution community event, distributing 350 free turkeys to individuals in need. Many of these
individuals shared their appreciation to me, emphasizing the significance of being able to
include a turkey in their holiday celebrations this year.

My role as a Community Health Outreach Specialist is more than just a service—it's a personal
commitment to the well-being of our neighbors. From the memorable Health & Resource Fair to
the symbolic "plant-a-seed" activity and the heartwarming Turkey and Food Distribution event,
all of these experiences have been memorable in their own way and they have allowed me to
grow as a person and a CHOS. My journey at Livingston Community Health is a deeply
personal investment in the health and happiness of this community.