From offering a woman experiencing homelessness a bottle of nail polish and a handful of chocolate to making and delivering sandwiches and hygiene kits to Albuquerque’s homeless community, Nicky Singh says the simplest acts of kindness can sometimes have the biggest impact.
“My hope is to make a positive impact in the lives of the women I interact with regardless of how small it may be,” Singh says. “It’s so gratifying to support a cause you are passionate about.”
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico recently announced Nicky Singh as the 2023 Volunteer of Year. Each year, BCBSNM honors an exemplary employee who makes a difference in their community through outstanding volunteer efforts. BCBSNM employees are considered for this recognition by peer or self-nomination and undergo an anonymous review process for selection.
Making a difference in the lives of vulnerable women
Singh, a care coordinator for Blue Cross Community Centennial, has volunteered for most of her adult life, but recently started volunteering with Street Safe NM and ASUR Street Outreach. Both organizations advocate for women experiencing homelessness, many of whom are victims of violence.
She saw the call for volunteers online earlier this year and felt a strong urge to help in any way she could. When she began doing street outreach on Friday afternoons, she was nervous. But after the first time, she felt motivated to continue.
“What I most enjoy are the interactions and connections I make during outreach,” Singh says. “While not all interactions are happy ones, each one is a learning opportunity which allows me to be more prepared for the next.”
Leaving a legacy of compassion
When engaged in street outreach, Singh often interacts with the Healthcare for the Homeless mobile unit and unhoused individuals who are seeking health care support and resources. Because of her experience as a care coordinator, Singh easily connects individuals with health information and resources they need.
Singh says she’s motivated to volunteer by her desire to leave behind a legacy of compassion for others. “Volunteering is important because it helps me stay connected to my community and it gives me purpose.”
As part of her Volunteer of the Year recognition, BCBSNM is donating $1,000 to A Light in the Night Community Outreach, a nonprofit seeking to improve the health, safety and well-being of the men, women and children of Albuquerque’s homeless community.
“We want to thank Nicky for serving as a role model to her coworkers and for making a positive difference in our community,” says Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president. “Her kind, giving spirit has helped many people live brighter and more comfortable lives.”
