A former nurse and current student at Allegany College of Maryland, Lakeal shares, “My purpose is to be present for people in whatever stage in life and do whatever comes naturally for me to make lives better.”
Lakeal is living out that purpose as VMC with Allegany College of Maryland, which, in partnership with Garrett College and Frostburg State University, is founding a Volunteer Center to serve Western Maryland. To support these founding efforts, Lakeal is recruiting community volunteers to serve with several Allegany and Garrett County agencies. These community volunteers engage in stewardship of public land, read to kindergarten students, participate with local food drives and maintain community gardens.
About her year of service, Lakeal shares, “I hope to gain more community relationships and help create a lasting program that will be around long after I have served.”
Volunteer Maryland 
Lakeal is a wonderful and caring AmeriCorps member!