Collaborating to Make it Happen

Jaqueline Soriano

Social Worker, The Bowery Mission

Collaborative Teamwork: Whenever we’re faced with a crisis, we listen and then we act so the response is immediate. For example, if a staff member notices someone has COVID-19 symptoms, they tell the clinical team so we can immediately initiate testing and contact tracing. We had to work really closely across teams anytime someone tested positive. That was a new challenge, but I also got to see the team collaborate together really well to make it happen.

Working Long Hours: We worked some late nights, but our leadership was with us. It made me respect them a lot, because they had such a positive perspective in a challenging time. I was impressed and I also felt covered. It's so much easier to work in a stressful environment when you have respect for one another and can lock arms in those intense moments.

A Moment of Hope: Sometimes, when Chef Pedro saw us lingering around looking weary, he would surprise us with plates of food! One time he brought us sandwiches in this really difficult moment and we were almost in tears. We all take care of each other, and that’s a really special thing.

Keeping Spirits Up: I think another way we persevere is through laughter. Here at the Tribeca Campus, we laugh and joke a lot and that livens up our spirit. We work so well together, because we respect each other's opinion. But we also find time, even in the stress, to laugh.