Sweet Vegan’s Unsung Heroes - Woodhull Hospital

MEET JESSICA AROCHO AND HER STORY

HER MISSION AS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

during this crisis of the pandemic, arocho’s compassion for her co-workers and the community has really shined through, and with great impact.

One of her new goals as director of community affairs was to create a safe space for the staff and ensure that everyone feels cared for during this extremely difficult time, but arocho has gone above and beyond.

“United, we stand. Divided, we fall.”
— a favorite Arocho quote

Growing up only 7 blocks away from Woodhull Hospital, Arocho knew she would one day work at Woodhull. What she couldn’t have imagined, with the start of her job on January 27, 2020 as Director of Community Affairs, was how this position would transform almost overnight! Learning through this crisis, she went from being the community liaison to doing worldwide community outreach for the hospital. To support 3,700 employees, Arocho was challenged to obtain food, equipment, and PPE donations.

The hospital received 1000 community based restaurant meals the first week, 2,500 by the end of the second week, and an astounding 2,700 meals, the third week. Through Arocho’s endeavors, generous donations of water, snacks, meals, and PPE protection came forth… and like that, a family was built through community support.

a full heart…

“during this pandemic, it truly makes a world of a difference to have the support of family”, shares Arocho.

arocho is a mother of 2 daughters, Brianna (23) and Rikki (15). her mother, carmen, who is disabled also lives them and requires round-the-clock care.