Lydia Deloney- A Conversation
Lydia has been a Network Coordinator at Union Capital for about two years now, and has served her community for even longer!
Before coming to UC, Lydia was deeply involved in her community and always enthusiastic about helping others, which ultimately led her to UC. Since her time here, she’s been inspired to open her own club, “The Renewal Project” for domestic violence survivors, while leaving space to work through trauma as well. Her goal for this club is to reach everyone who needs this kind of space, she explained that nowadays it’s difficult to find a resource for domestic violence survivors. A phrase that stood out during the interview that she said was, “If I eat, we’re all going to eat.” That says a lot about the work she does for her community and about her as a person: generous and thoughtful. While Lydia is still learning about the world around her, she continues to share her knowledge with others. She is demonstrating what a good community is all about!
For one Boston community leader, helping others heal from trauma isn’t just a mission; it’s deeply personal. After experiencing domestic violence herself, Lydia knew how difficult it could be to find a safe space to talk, process trauma, and connect with others who understood. “It’s hard to find a space for that,” she said. Instead of waiting for that space to exist, she decided to create one.
Today, she is working to establish what she calls the Renewal Project: a program designed to support survivors of domestic violence while also addressing trauma and post-traumatic stress. The project is still in its early stages, but the vision is clear: a place where survivors can connect, reflect, and grow together.
At the center of the program are two curricula she developed herself, one for adults and one for teens. Each runs for eight to ten weeks and focuses on journaling, conversation, and building connections among participants.
The idea is that healing and growth should be shared, with participants supporting one another while building a network of resources and relationships that lasts beyond the program itself. Her willingness to be open about her own experiences plays a key role in creating that environment. She says she doesn’t mind being vulnerable and sharing her story if it helps others feel safe enough to share theirs.
Her work in the community didn’t begin with the Renewal Project. She had already been deeply involved in local efforts when she first connected with UC in 2016. Because of her leadership and community presence, the organization recognized her work and invited her to get involved.
Today, she serves as a Network Coordinator with UC Boston, a role she has held for about two years. In that position, she helps organize neighborhood networking events, coordinates table talks, and volunteers her time supporting partner organizations. Much of her work involves bringing people together and making sure residents know about the resources available to them.
