OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAGreetings Diaper Bankers!

My name is Lisa Oksala, and I am excited to introduce myself as the new Program Associate.

I come from the disability field, and I have worked at the federal programming and local casework levels. What I have always found most gratifying are the opportunities to work directly with individuals and families, in situations where a simple solution brought about real change where it was needed. For the past five years, I’ve been intimately familiar with the importance of a good supply of clean diapers, as I’ve been raising two daughters full time! That’s why I am so exited to be working for the DC Diaper Bank. Like many of you, I have watched and participated as the Diaper Bank has grown over the last four and a half years, and I am in awe of the impact a supply of diapers has on a family. I am in awe of how diapers allow our partner organizations to really reach families in need.

But in the last few weeks, as I began my work here, I discovered something else. As soon as I describe the mission of the Diaper Bank, people are on board, ready to jump in and help. Offers of time and donations are the most frequent responses. Many of us can understand the need on a personal level, and through the Diaper Bank can contribute that simple solution that brings about real change, right where it’s needed. The impact this organization has on anyone who comes into contact is powerful, and who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

I am looking forward to getting to know this amazing Diaper Bank community and helping it grow bigger and stronger!

Lisa Oksala

loksala@dcdiaperbank.org