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When the mask mandate was finally lifted in YAI residences in April, it was the first time in three years that residents and staff could see each other's smiles. In Brooklyn, it was a cause for celebration and the start of the smile campaign.
Led by Leanne McQueen, Senior Program Director in Brooklyn, the campaign aims to capture the smiles of both staff and residents in the region through photos.
“Not being able to see people’s smiles for so long was difficult. When the mask mandate was in place, the people we support had a hard time communicating with staff because they were so used to seeing their whole faces,” said McQueen. “A huge part of how they communicate is through a smile and when that went away, it was a scary time.”
“When I see the staff smile, it makes me feel good and puts me in a good mood, said Steven Kramer, a resident at a Brooklyn residence.
Laquane Suarez, another resident, agreed. “Seeing staffs' smiles after all this time means we made it.”
The campaign also seeks to recognize staff for all of the hard work they put in during the pandemic.
“We wanted to recognize staff for the amazing job they have done keeping people safe, working through a challenging time, and coming out with a smile,” said McQueen.