When the COVID-19 pandemic began, one of the first things to go was large gatherings. IDignity’s monthly Identification Clinics, something we’ve done since the mission was founded, had to be put on hold in order to protect the health and safety of our clients, volunteers and staff.
As the crisis continued, IDignity decided we needed to find a new way to serve. One important detail in that endeavor was finding somewhere to serve our clients. Thankfully, there was a space on Trinity Downtown’s property that was perfect for us.
This small building is right next to our offices. It has a bathroom, three offices, and a main room that is just the right size for us to hold small weekly events.
After we signed the lease, IDignity volunteers made quick work of sprucing up the place and preparing it for use. The facility was washed and sanitized, walls were painted, new soil and greenery were planted out front, and social-distancing service stations complete with plexiglass barriers are being installed. One important step was giving the new service space a name.
Jackie Dowd, along with other volunteers and staff, at Client Care Day – August 2016
IDignity’s founding attorney, Jackie Dowd, who passed away in Fall of 2019, always loved that little building. Back when we held Client Care Days in that building, Jackie always appreciated how close it was to the main office, she enjoyed the laid-back setting that made our clients feel comfortable, and she cherished the relationships she cultivated there with clients and volunteers.
So, to honor her legacy and include her in this next chapter of IDignity’s mission, we’ve decided to call the little building located at 425 N Magnolia Ave., “Jackie’s Place.”
