Black History Month: Marlene Morris
This Black History Month, we’re commemorating the work of Black leaders in food and housing access at CHiPS and beyond. This week: meet our Director of Case Management, Marlene Morris. Marlene started at CHiPS last summer in a brand new role designed to expand the social services we provide and connect our guests and residents to.
Since she was a child, Marlene has always known that she wanted to work in social services. “I’ve always had an old spirit,” Marlene said. “In high school, I was the youngest member of my block association. I volunteered at a nursing home. Even when I was young, what I liked best was to sit around with old ladies and talk about our community, the issues we were facing and what we could do about them.”
Marlene came to CHiPS from working in child welfare. “I wanted to try my hand in a different environment. Something grassroots and volunteer-based,” she said. “I really appreciate the fact that volunteers really drive so much of our work. There are so many people that are involved who are so driven by, and care about, the work that we do.”
As the Director of Case Management, Marlene provides direct support to many of our guests and residents. “I really enjoy talking to our guests and engaging with our moms in a way that feels light and collaborative. None of what we are doing is mandated or punitive, and that allows for a lot of mutual respect and good will. And a real sense of community, especially among the moms.”
“The majority of the people we serve are black and brown, so it’s important that we think about how race shapes our engagement and interactions with guests and residents. Our guests need to know that we care beyond just serving a meal. The meal might be what brings people in, but we care about them as whole people, and an understanding of all of the things that might affect the populations we serve is essential to that,” Marlene said. “For me, Black History Month is every day. We encounter contributions of Black people in the U.S. in our culture all year round. But it is also a particular moment and opportunity to be conscious of how history is told and how that shapes future generations. Especially right now, when there are people trying to erase history or change the way it is told, Black History Month solidifies the intention to share our story and contributions.”
At CHiPS, we’re so grateful for Marlene and all that she does. Her onboarding at CHiPS marked a renewed org-wide dedication to service and justice. We are committed to expanding our social services and showing up for our guests and residents beyond a meal and a place to stay.