Saluting Local Heroes of The Associated: Ellen Carter Cooper

May 28, 2021 The Associated

The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded we all make sacrifices. We’ve worn masks, social distanced, postponed simchas and in too many cases, endured unthinkable tragedy.

Despite these hardships, some have looked beyond their personal challenges to help others who are struggling. We’re proud to say that a few of these brave and generous individuals reside in our own Jewish community.

From preparing hundreds of grilled cheese sandwiches to phoning neighbors in order to combat loneliness to helping survivors of domestic violence to making sure our youngest community members can go to school — these are a few local heroes who give us something to kvell about.

The Associated salutes these individuals who have been involved with our Associated system for their dedication and commitment this past year.

Making phone calls to community members is the way Ellen Carter Cooper of Fallstaff has supported others during the pandemic.

Cooper, 82, has developed strong relationships with the women she has met through her involvement with CHAI‘s Northwest Neighborhood Connections (NNC) program, a “members-helping-members village” in Northwest Baltimore.

“I have six ladies I call weekly,” says Cooper. “I think it helps me more than it helps them. It brightens my day and I enjoy listening to people’s stories. One of the women is 90 years old and a former teacher,” she says. “We talk about teaching techniques and students we remember.”

Cooper says the experience has taught her that “people are all the same. They have the same needs. I think [the phone calls] are important during the pandemic. A lot of people live alone; they don’t see people, and some don’t feel well enough to pick up the phone themselves. It lets them know another human being in the universe is having the same experience.”