Lorraine

More than Medicine: A Nurse’s Approach to Healing and Hope

When Lorraine Haywood, RN, meets with a client, her joy and energy are unmistakable. That spark, combined with deep empathy and decades of outreach experience, helps her break through barriers and earn trust—even from those most hesitant to engage.

As Project Renewal’s psychiatric nurse care manager, Lorraine helps New Yorkers living in shelters connect with mental health providers, which supports their wellbeing, independence, and path to permanent housing.

Her days are spent on the move, meeting clients wherever they are. Drawing on her nursing background, she assesses psychiatric needs, coordinates care, and manages medications. But just as importantly, Lorraine understands clients’ walks of life, which allows her to connect with them in ways that go far beyond medicine. Her approach is to begin with something as simple as “Hi, how are you?” and often trust grows from there.

Whether it’s sharing gospel oldies, chatting about boxing legends, or offering a bit of humor, Lorraine finds a way to relate. “I spend a lot of time with clients. What I enjoy most is that I’m able to be me and the clients are able to be them. Sometimes it’s not just medicine that heals a person. It’s sitting down, talking with them, understanding them, and letting them take control.”

For her, success isn’t only about big milestones. It can be as small as someone gaining the courage to attend their first medical appointment. “I can’t save the world, but if I can just give you that little inch of confidence, that’s my reward.”

Thanks to the generous support of Trinity Church NYC, Project Renewal’s nurse care manager role continues to make a difference in the lives of our clients. We are deeply grateful for their partnership.