Lamond Daniels, LCSW, MPA, is Chief of Community Services for the City of Norwalk, CT. In this role, he oversees city departments that directly affect the social well-being and health of Norwalk residents, including Early Childhood, Health, Human Relations & Fair Rent, Library, and Youth Services. With degrees in social work and public administration, previous roles in philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, neighborhood initiatives, and social work, and a deep spirit of gratitude and generosity, Lamond is well-equipped to help Norwalk navigate these challenging times. Read on for Lamondâs insights on what it takes to ensure that communities are able to thrive.
LD: Iâve been a social worker in very marginalized communities. COVID-19 has shown me that these are serious timesâunlike any Iâve seen in the past. So many families are struggling to meet even their basic needs, like food, clothing, and housing. And the data in Norwalk show communities of color are far more impacted by COVID-19. When we help Black kids and families, we help all kids and families. When Black lives matter, all lives matter. Itâs not an âus vs. themâ situation. Weâve got work to do, and COVID-19 has shown us our pain points. But we as city government canât do it alone. We need to work with our community partners.
I do believe thereâs a light at the end of the tunnel. If we can come together strategically as a community, city, or even as a country, there are opportunities to be transformational. My role is new, and my department is new. My first task was to introduce myself to the nonprofit community through a listening tour. So when COVID-19 hit Norwalk, I had already built those important relationships. I invited community partners to join me for a conference call, and over 100 people participated!
Since that initial call, weâve continued to connect regularly to talk about whatâs happening and how weâll respond. And now weâre starting to explore what else we can do together. Weâre not just addressing urgent needsâweâre also thinking about the underlying systems and structures that got us here. Weâre working collectively and making decisions based on data. COVID-19 has strengthened our work and made it more collaborative.
I was a nonprofit executive years ago, and I know how hard it can be just to focus on the here and now. Coordination emerged as a common need during my listening tour with community partners. As a result, my department serves as a thought partner, convener, and coordinator.
Weâre now addressing a number of systems issues such as food access. Norwalk has a strong middle class, but we still have significant pockets of deep poverty. Many children who are eligible for SNAP benefits werenât using the services, and now we know why: we have a large community of people who donât have documentation. So the city has helped educate the nonprofit community about eligibility, and together weâve created systems changes that help break down barriers to access.
When and where government should play a role looks different from city to city. Iâm a social worker at heart. Thatâs my core. But in my current role, most of the budget comes from taxpayers, and they have a right to determine how that money is spent. I have to rally support to bring people along.
Iâve learned that you canât do it alone. You really need to build partnerships. From Social Work 101, I learned that you need to meet clients where they are. In this case, itâs about meeting elected officials where they are. If I can spend time understanding their experience, theyâll spend time understanding mine. While the city was thriving economically, we wanted to be sure that residents, too, are thrivingâeconomically, socially, physically, and mentally. My role is to help lift the voices of those who are most marginalized in our city.
Every experience has given me an opportunity to build my toolbox to further help communities. Working in national philanthropy, I visited dozens of communities across the country. I observed what good can happen when the community identifies whatâs important to them. I am very sensitive to community voices and how engaged they are in our cityâs discussions and decisions. I never underestimate the power of people. Administrators and executive leaders like me need to leave our offices and walk through the communities we serve. Thatâs so important, and I never want to lose that part. It gives me energy and validates when weâre doing the right thing.
I love what I do! Itâs in my bones. When you see me, you see my third grade teacher, Miss Kaye. You see my high school drama teacher, Miss Perry. And you see my spiritual leader, Pastor Cynthia Gee West. So many people have helped me. The legacy I would love to leave my kids is the importance of service. Even if you donât think you have anything to offer, sometimes a smile can go a long wayâespecially in these times.
Janet Jacksonâs Say You Do album. I was in middle school, and I was obsessed with her.
Thanks, Lamond, for your inspiration and commitment to health and equity in Norwalk and beyond!