FrontLiner Profiles: Laura Desmond

“Everyone benefits from FrontLine’s ability to end homelessness, promote mental wellness, and help adults and children overcome trauma.  They give me hope.”

Laura Desmond is the co-founder of the Acacia Foundation; a donor for 18 years; and a volunteer Camp Bridges Buddy and a Twinkle Shop Elf.

Why do you care about this work?

FrontLine fills a significant need in that its incredible team goes into unimaginably difficult places to reach out to members of our community when they are most vulnerable – at their lowest point, at their deepest crisis.  I care deeply about this work, the people who work for FrontLine, and the clients they serve because I believe in humanity – that every person matters.

Which volunteer opportunities have you been involved with? 

Last year, I was a Camp Bridges buddy for the first time and was so impressed with the resilience that these children show in the face of losing a parent. It was a very rewarding day. I encourage others to come out and join the fun! I’ve also been a Twinkle Shop volunteer who sorted gifts to brighten the holidays for families overcoming homelessness and other traumas.

What do people often misunderstand or not know about FrontLine?

FrontLine is an agency that many have never heard of, and yet we all benefit from our most in-need residents being cared for. When you hear about homelessness and other crises across the country, I hope people appreciate that we have an agency here with a comprehensive approach to addressing these issues. Clevelanders may not know who is behind the scenes, managing suicide hotlines, housing those experiencing homelessness, treating clients in its behavioral health clinic, and partnering with law enforcement to provide care response to those experiencing trauma or crisis. FrontLine does all that and more.

What is a FrontLine memory that sticks with you? 

I remember seeing the 2021 annual report, which showed photographs of FrontLiners going under bridges and into makeshift tents to build trust with people in the most dire circumstances. These were areas not meant for human habitation. The ability of FrontLiners to coax people out to receive mental health services and a better place to live is truly remarkable.

What is a hobby, interest, or routine you have that is not related to work? 

I am a huge Guardians fan. I take my son to a half-dozen games at Progressive Field, and we make a point to watch or listen to as many games as we can.

FrontLiner Profiles reflect the views of the person interviewed.  
They do not necessarily reflect the view of FrontLine Service.