Mark Lally, Social Worker for Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank
Month of Gratitude, Day 5
Mark Lally, Social Worker for Pike Market Senior Center & Food Bank
Mark Lally (left of photo) has his dream job – he’s been with the Pike Market Senior Center for 17 years as a social worker, and sees no sign of stopping.
“When I walk in, I have like 10 clients out the door waiting for me!” laughs Mark. “I love working here because I love the population that comes in and being able to assist them.”
Mark is fluent in Spanish and puts this skill to good use helping take care of the Spanish-speaking population that comes in for help. His main goal is to help seniors find affordable food and housing, and to act as translator to other services in the city.
Mark frequently utilizes the Market Community Safety Net to help his clients secure funds to pay rent and housing costs. He especially appreciates the Pike Bucks program, where clients are given vouchers to purchase fresh food at the Market.
“For my clients, many of whom aren’t eligible for food stamps or public benefits, the Pike Bucks program is the only time they can actually pick what they want to eat. They usually are dependent on shelters and centers like ours.” says Mark.
We’re glad we can bolster Mark’s work, along with all of the staff at the Pike Market Senior Center, to nourish, house and sustain the senior community around the Market. We are SO GRATEFUL to Mark for his incredible work for the Senior Center!