“I wish I could do more,” is the immediate answer and overall vibe Officer Maria Owens gives when asked about her biggest challenge as coordinator of Legacy of Hope’s ongoing grocery delivery program with the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD). “Every time I leave, it’s just like I wish I could do more…when I hear that a patient has lost her job and then her insurance because she was too sick to work. It gets overwhelming.” Owens’ sentiment is somewhat ironic considering the sheer volume of deliveries she manages and the impact they make. Legacy of Hope delivers groceries to more than 2,900 Philadelphia cancer patients and their families, providing 500,000 meals annually. Owens and her team at the PPD’s Community Relations Division make more than 95% of those deliveries. Those are big numbers whose meaning is not lost on Owens, who feels the weight of the individual struggles behind each delivery.
Owens emphasizes her officer’s commitment to the program. “They’re on top of things! They start messaging me to make sure deliveries are happening if they don’t receive delivery details by a given time. Some of them tell people they can’t do anything on Tuesday mornings because they’re doing Legacy of Hope grocery deliveries. They absolutely love it, because the work brings a sense of gratitude and appreciation for life.”
Owens’ team members may be fully committed to the program but her empathy and compassion make her an exemplary leader. Recently, while on vacation, Owens learned that a district wasn’t able to deliver the groceries to Legacy’s patients; since she was able to, she came to work and made sure that the deliveries were complete. That experience impacted her “At first I just wanted to lay in bed, but I went in and I did the deliveries. The man I delivered to that day had me in my car crying my eyes out afterward. It made me realize, you know what?!? For someone who didn’t even want to get up this morning, I have the chance to continue to get up every day. I don’t know how to put it into words, but I was so thankful for that day. It felt like I was meant to meet this man, to have a little bit more appreciation for life.”
Owens is very matter-of-fact humble about going above and beyond, because she knows the huge impact this program has not only on the patients and their families, but the community and City at large. Her actions speak volumes about her compassion and investment in the program. “It’s all about community. Cancer affects everyone. For the [police] department it allows the patients and the community to see that we care about more than just arresting people. We actually want to help people. The deliveries help to bring us together, foster solidarity, and an appreciation for life, gratitude, love, care, and support.”
Toward that end, Owens says she makes sure she tells everyone about Legacy of Hope. In fact, the grocery delivery program was one of the first things she mentioned in a recent meeting with the [newly elected] Mayor’s office. “I wanted them to be aware that we do this, not just because it looks good, but because it is so impactful. Our officers are fully committed to this work; they realize it’s a way to connect with the community on a deeper level.” She pauses to reflect, “…That interaction where you have somebody who’s fighting the fight of their life and doesn’t have means or whatever, there’s magic that happens when you hand them the groceries.” Those essence-of-humanity moments are sorely lacking in our world these days, and Owens’ team takes pride in creating them week in, and week out, all year long.
“This work is so important, because these people are in true need, because they’re too sick in bed from chemo or can’t work to provide for themselves because of the disease. I think every time I’ve done the deliveries myself, I try to outsource it as much as possible because I am such an empath. Every time I’ve done it, I’ve gotten in my car and I’m just crying my eyes out.
Owens and her team are awed by the gratitude they receive after handing off the groceries “I’ve had people thank me over and over and I’m like, no, don’t thank me. Thank you! Thank you for letting me do this!” That response sums up Owens’ genuine dedication to this vital community work.
When asked if she has a favorite quote or a mantra that helps get her through challenging times, Officer Owens leans forward, extends her arms so that her hands are facing up, her wrists next to each other, exposing script tattoos “Stay Strong.” She had them oriented that way as a reminder, and it seems to be working. She keeps pushing through, despite occasionally feeling overwhelmed by her desire to do more, which stems not from inadequacy, but from her genuine drive to make a difference, even when already giving so much. And that kind of leadership and commitment is much more than enough.