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At LESC, our commitment to the communities we serve is unwavering. Day in and day out, we strive to provide vital support and resources to individuals seeking mental health and addiction services in New York City. While many may recognize the faces on the front lines, the strength and stability of our organization are deeply rooted in the dedication of individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Today, we’re taking time to introduce you to one of those incredible people: Elizabeth Tirado, our Executive Assistant Project Coordinator. Through her 20+ years of devoted service, Elizabeth has become an indispensable pillar, ensuring our treatment programs are safe, functional, and welcoming for everyone who walks through our doors.
To truly understand Elizabeth’s impact, it’s essential to look beyond her title. Valerie Walters, President and CEO at LESC, provides clarity: “Elizabeth’s role at LESC is to make sure that we comply with terms of the facility, the mechanics, and everything else.” This encompasses a vast array of responsibilities, from coordinating with the maintenance team and external contractors, to meticulously addressing building violations and ensuring regulatory compliance.
For Elizabeth, a typical day involves a dynamic mix of problem solving and proactive management. “My day-to-day is answering phone calls, getting complaints, resolving those, or addressing them with contractors or our facility director,” she shares. This often means navigating complex issues across all of our inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, which include LESC Su Casa Residential Treatment Center, 46 East Broadway, 80 Maiden Lane, and 62 East Broadway. That’s a significant undertaking, showcasing the breadth of her responsibility.
Elizabeth’s work is fundamental to the smooth operation of LESC. As Valerie Walters aptly puts it, “Her role is vital to the organization. For example, in the summer, many of our buildings experienced issues with the air conditioning. She has to get the people to come in to service it. Without air conditioning in the summer, we can’t function. So, she has to make sure that’s working as quickly as possible.”
This extends beyond just comfort. Compliance with safety regulations is paramount in the work we do, and Elizabeth is at the forefront of this effort. “If HPD (Housing Preservation and Development) comes in and finds a violation because something isn’t done within a specific timeframe,” Elizabeth explains, “we have to act quickly. I’ll delegate the work to our maintenance staff, ensuring it’s completed on time. Then, I handle all the paperwork – correcting it, getting it notarized, and sending it off to HPD for their review.” This meticulous attention to detail ensures we maintain safe and habitable environments for those we serve.
What drives such unwavering commitment? For Elizabeth, it’s a deep-seated belief in our mission. “When I came here, it was like a ‘wow’ moment; I found my place where I can help people,” she reflects. This sense of purpose fuels her strong work ethic, a quality that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Valerie Walters affirms, “I think of Liz like a liquid,” implying her adaptability and seamless integration into the essential functions of LESC.
Elizabeth’s dedication extends far beyond the typical 9-to-5. “I’m constantly on my phone. I work weekends and nights if I have to, even when I’m sick or on vacation,” she shares. “That’s just me. My phone is like my bible; I’m constantly reading it, going through, and answering emails.” This level of commitment ensures that issues are addressed promptly, minimizing disruptions to our services and the well-being of those we support.
The impact of Elizabeth’s work directly benefits the individuals who rely on LESC’s mental health and addiction services. A well-maintained facility provides more than just shelter; it fosters a sense of dignity and respect. When our spaces are clean, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, it sends a powerful message to those seeking our help: you matter.
Elizabeth shares a moment of particular pride that underscores this: “When we had to move our facility from one site to another, it was constant planning, working with architects to get the new facility in place for our directors, executives, and the team players on the floor. We built everything from scratch.” She considers it one of their biggest accomplishments. “It was hard, but it brought satisfaction, like, ‘Wow, we did this, and it looks great. Everybody was happy.'” This dedication to creating positive and functional environments directly translates to a better experience for everyone connected to LESC.
Valerie Walters echoes this sentiment: “She has to make sure that the interior of the building is attractive and comfortable enough for people to want to sit down in the building and work. You don’t want to work in a dirty building. So, she has to make sure all of that is taken care of.” By ensuring our facilities are in outstanding condition, Elizabeth helps create a welcoming atmosphere conducive to healing, growth, and the delivery of crucial support services.
Even after so many years, Elizabeth’s passion for LESC remains strong. “I see myself still with the company until I eventually retire – I’ll stay here as long as I can. As long as they’ll have me, I’ll be here.” This dedication provides a stable foundation for our organization and the community we serve.
LESC’s enduring presence as a cornerstone of support in New York City is not solely built on grand initiatives or headline-grabbing programs. It is the consistent, often unseen, efforts of dedicated individuals like Elizabeth Tirado that truly make our work possible. Their commitment to excellence, their steady work ethic, and their deep-seated belief in our mission are the threads that weave together our success. Without these amazing people behind the scenes, diligently keeping things running and moving forward, LESC could not be the steadfast resource that our community has come to rely on for decades.
We invite you to become a part of LESC’s mission and help us continue to make a difference in the lives of countless individuals.
Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more supportive community for all.
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Recovery is a process. That’s why the programs at LESC are not time-sensitive, they’re goal-sensitive. We work to address the individual needs of clients at every level, so they can become productive citizens in the communities where they live.
A healthier, more fulfilling life can be yours. Call or email us now to arrange a screening interview. A trained intake counselor is waiting to help you begin the admissions process.
Call: (347) 538-2632
Or email us at: info@lesc.org
We’re committed to nurturing resilient recovery through a program of treatment, supportive housing, education, and energized community engagement. Discover the relationships, the resources, and the safe and sound support system to begin your journey.
