Meet Shanae Brock of Carolyn’s Loving Hands

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanae Brock.

Hi Shanae, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Shanae Brock and I was born and raised in the heart of Baltimore City (Latrobe Projects). My grandmother Carolyn Hodges was my everything.

When I was born she brought me home from the hospital and raised me and my siblings as her own. I am the oldest of 5 on my maternal side. My grandmother gave her entire life to take care of my siblings and me.

We had faced alot of adversity such as poverty, being dirt poor, donated clothing, etc. But my grandmother didn’t give up. She reached out to as many resources as she could to try and give us a better life. My grandmother became ill around 2013 but was in denial. She was a retired secretary for District Court. In 2015 she was diagnosed with Dementia, COPD, Alzheimer’s, and Depression.

My soulmate as I call her was in trouble so I went and got her. I broke the lease on my apt, ended her lease, and I found us a three-bedroom townhouse because I have two kids of my own. I took her to all her doctor’s appointments, took care of her, bathed care, and met her every need. Her health began to decline and she was placed on 24-hour oxygen. She was ambulatory but she couldn’t go without her oxygen machine.

So I knew it was time to move because she could no longer do steps. I begin to work a lot of overtime. I saved every penny and in May of 2019, I brought a house designed just for her. Everything was on one floor and she could get around better. On the day of move-in, I brought her and the kids to the house. They asked, “Who house is this?” I told them it was there. My grandmother looked at me and said “Mama how can you afford this?”

(Mama is a nickname for me”) She was always worried about me. I told her “I got this ma” I kissed her forehead and took her into the new home. She was so happy. We enjoyed the house together for two years. I worked in the corrections field and wasn’t appreciated and I wanted to spend more time with my family so I decided to open a business. I wanted something to show my granny how much I appreciated her and all she has done. So I created Carolyn’s Loving Hands Assisted Living LLC on 11/2020.

I attended all the classes, got my CMT, and then had to search for a place. I was blessed to have to meet Rafael who was renting a property in East Baltimore and who was willing to give me a chance. I received the keys to the property on December 28, 2020. I came home, ran to mommy and showed her the keys, and told her we did it! She was so happy and proud of me. She laid her head on my shoulders and said you know how much I love you right? I said yes ma what’s wrong she said nothing just tired from Saturday.

I had to do mandatory overtime on Christmas Day. I cook every Christmas. So because I had to work on Christmas, I cooked a big meal on 12/26. I made all her favorites mac and chez, yams, collard greens, fried chicken, homemade cornbread stuffing a bunch more. I invited all my siblings and a few friends and we had so much fun. Mommy was dancing and singing. She had a ball. The next day mommy seemed tired and not well. She was slowly leaving me. I called her neurologist and she was preparing me for her transition.

This was when COVID was big so we elected to have her remain home and I would be trained by the hospice to administer care. Mommy lost all bodily functions. She could blink her eyes and squeeze my hand. I was a wreck. I was losing my best friend, my soulmate, my everything. I sat next to them on the bed and held her hand and said “ma I know you are tired and if you are ready to go home (heaven) I understand. I will miss you so much but I know your pain. Mommy squeezed my hand to let me know she heard me.

I notified my siblings and her daughter (my biological mother) and they all came to the house. On December 30, 2020, my baby took her last breath as I was holding her hand. I lost my soulmate that evening. This by far has been the hardest thing I have ever had to endure. What do I do without my other half? I went through a period of trying to understand and digest that mommy was gone. I started to pour into my business so she could look down and be proud of me.

Carolyns Loving Hands Assisted Living LLC transitioned to Carolyn’s Loving Hands LLC which offers Supportive Housing to low-income residents who need assistance but not as much as assisted living. My business is dedicated to my granny. I wanted to love the elderly, the mental health population who hasn’t experienced the love I had from my granny. Running my business fills a void.

I am able to provide shelter to people who are experiencing homelessness. I pray she is looking down proud of the woman I am growing into.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been easy. I had to work a lot of overtime to acquire the money to start the business. Taking the necessary classes and certifications to become licensed. Then a year into being in assisted living with no clients I transitioned to Supportive Housing due to limited resources for assisted living.

I had to manage working full time, providing care for my granny and my two small children. I have had to find extended daycares to watch my children so I could work to take care of everything. I have had long nights, lots and lots of tears, and hardwork. Also growing up in Baltimore City isn’t a walk in the park.

I grew up in the poorest conditions. My grandmother was taking care of 5 mental health, trauma children, and struggling. Both of my parents suffer from addiction so my granny laid the foundation for me to be the woman I am today. Because of her Carolyn’s Loving Hands LLC exists.

We’ve been impressed with Carolyn’s Loving Hands LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We operate in East Baltimore City. We offer Supportive housing to the most vulnerable population which consists of low-income clients. My program offers three meals, snacks, beverages, and assistance with transportation to and from doctor’s appointments.

Assisting them with obtaining services such as mental health services, PRP Programming, and MTA Mobility. All supportive services are to assist the client in maintaining their independence. We also offer activities at the facility such as outings, paint night, and other social activities to encourage independence in a home-like atmosphere.

Carolyn’s Loving Hands is dedicated to supporting our clients in their independence.

What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To follow your heart. Understand that you can want to help someone but in the end, it’s up to them to want the help. Research and plan. Set small realistic goals.

Contact Info:

• Email: Carolynslovinghands@gmail.com
• Instagram: @Carolyns Loving Hands
• Other: Google Maps: Carolyn’s Loving Hands LLC