It is staggering to think that one year ago Mary Cariola school like all schools in New York State was forced to close due to COVID. Our residences had to close their doors to visitors including parents and families. Little did anyone know that 365 days later, COVID would still be controlling many parts of our lives, both personal and professional.
Over the course of this past year I have had a unique opportunity to not only participate and lead in agency decisions but also to observe the perseverance and innovation of the entire staff of Mary Cariola Center. Sadly, I have also been witness to our country facing two very different crises; one biological that has taken the lives of well over 500,000 people and the other a crisis that has burdened the United States and citizens of color for hundreds of years.
COVID-19 came upon our shores; some say as early as November or December 2019. This global pandemic took our country mostly by surprise and separated our society not only through social distancing but labeling us as “essential or non-essential.” The virus took away jobs, family members and any sense for normality for every single one of us. We’ve now become accustomed to wearing masks, washing our hands multiple times a day and checking on-line vaccine appointment pages.
We’ve watched the racial and cultural divide magnified through the eyes of vaccinations, unemployment and economic status. No, this last year has certainly not been what we are used to. But in the middle of such unsettling times, we need to take a moment to acknowledge the work of Mary Cariola staff, students, residents and their families.
Different from any other year, we conducted COVID testing and vaccine administration, but we also had graduation, outings for our residents, catered meals and appreciation days. In other words, Mary Cariola Center just kept on going, adapting, innovating, creating and serving our students and residents.
From every corner of the agency, staff gave of themselves to make sure we kept the highest standards in service to residents and students. All departments; school, community services, finance, advancement, IT, marketing, human resources, learning and organizational development came together to ensure that our doors remained open and vital services continued. The agency excelled while accepting “the new normal.”
In our society we tend to mark milestones and anniversaries. In this year of COVID we’ve faced so many “firsts” that may change the way we behave. As I reflect on the past twelve months, I’ve learned about my own limitations, yet challenge myself to continue to better understand others and how we can build a stronger agency to continue our mission.
One thing is certain--I am amazed and filled with gratitude for all that our staff has done. We never dreamed we’d still be dealing with COVID but there is no team that I would ever want go through it with than Team Cariola.
I honor staff accomplishments and celebrate their successes. As I said many months ago, even in the darkest of days, we find sunshine in those we serve. Thank you.
