LYNN — Lynn Community Health Center nurse practitioner Gargi Cooper received the 2022 Beacon of Hope Award from the Lynn Continuum of Care last week.
Lynn Continuum of Care — a coalition of nonprofit organizations working together to end homelessness and housing insecurity in the city — gives the Beacon of Hope Award to someone whose work embodies their mission of ending homelessness, doing more than what is required to make a visible difference in people’s lives, and always demonstrating dignity and respect when engaging with people.
Laura Gallant, a member of both the Lynn CoC and LCHC boards, said that Cooper is a perfect choice for the award because she exemplifies the values it represents and embodies CoC’s mission by always thinking of creative ways to find homes and services for people who are homeless.
“She goes above and beyond by tackling policy change, program development, and adopting nationwide best practices on a local level,” Gallant said. “She demonstrates dignity and respect by treating her patients without judgment and allowing for second chances, and engages patients by truly listening and responding with skill and practical kindness. She has played a vital role in improving services to our community’s most vulnerable members.”
Cooper is the medical director for the Deborah Smith Walsh Recuperative Care Center at LCHC, and has been on the CoC board of directors for four years.
The center provides short-term residential care to people who are homeless and sick, giving much-needed care at a critical time in rehabilitation and an alternative to trying to recuperate on the streets.
The center staff — through their outreach program and partnerships with Lynn CoC members — identifies clients who need care and have a history of multiple emergency department visits. The center then provides services to support medically and psychiatrically complex homeless adults by coordinating medical care, short-term residential care, and other services.
Cooper thanked the Lynn CoC for honoring her with this award, saying the work she does is not possible without the dedication and hard work of her team members and the leadership, vision, and support of the LCHC Chief Medical Officer and CEO, Kiame Mahaniah.
“Our community relationships have been invaluable to help problem solve and advocate for our most resilient populations in the city of Lynn,” Cooper said. “I am so appreciative of this recognition and grateful for the support of Continuum and my fellow agencies showing up daily and doing this really challenging but rewarding work.”
Allysha Dunnigan can be reached at [email protected].
