Elaine’s Story

Elaine Kim is what you might call a late bloomer. an English major, after college she worked as a marketing and sales professional with a technology company. But she didn’t feel that job took full advantage of her skills or strengths.

“I’ve always enjoyed connecting with people one-on-one,” says Elaine, who is in her 30s. At the same time, friends have pointed out she is a good listener. At church, she was drawn to older members of the congregation. One of them in particular, a 93-year old World War II veteran, “exuded the spirit and joy of a kid,” she recalls. “I was in awe of the way he lived his life—with no regrets. He ultimately passed, but his spirit stayed with me.”

By that time, Elaine had enrolled in a social work program at the University of Maryland-Baltimore. As part of her studies, last fall she began an internship at Iona where her responsibilities include providing care management, counseling and advocacy for clients. She also helps staff Iona’s Low Vision Support Group. “Elaine is very caring,” says facilitator Elly Waters. “If she senses someone needs special attention, she will call and see how they are doing.”

Working at Iona has exposed Elaine to a model of service that balances respect for self-determination with protection of vulnerable older adults. “It’s an innovative way of thinking about geriatric care,” says Elaine who is focused both on assessing a client’s risks and needs and his or her strengths, ultimately trying to find the best way to play to those strengths.

As for Iona’s strengths, Kim says the organization “never loses sight of its mission, its vision and its goal of serving the community,” she says. “They have put and continue to put every tool in place to help staff achieve these goals. It’s obvious that every person who works here, from the bottom to the top, cares about the work they are doing. This is inspiring to me as an aspiring social worker.”