This is the first in a series that highlights the work of those who stepped up to help others during the difficult days of 2020.
Norwich Retired social worker Debra Hartley likes to do the “silly things” so that the agencies she volunteers for can handle the big problems.
When the pandemic hit, Hartley, now 69, was stuck home like most people. She called Norwich Human Services Director Lee-Ann Gomes.
“Do you need
anything!?” Hartley recalled of the message she left. “I gotta get out of here!”
Gomes sure did need help. Norwich Human Services has been hit with repeated budget cuts, and for 10 years has not had a receptionist to answer phones. Before COVID-19 hit, the office was using a service that trains seniors for new jobs. But that ceased in March.