Idy Lee welcomes every person with kindness, remembers names, and believes that even a small conversation can make someone feel seen.
Looking back, what first drew you to work at SRCHC, and what made you feel it was the right place for you?
It’s funny now that I think about it. Like anyone applying for a job, I looked at the website. The first thing that caught my attention was the artwork on the third floor. It reminded me of elementary school art class. Later I found out the paintings were created by local elementary school students in 1991. I loved that SRCHC chose to celebrate the community. Sometimes I wonder where those kids are now.
As one of the first people clients meet when they walk through the door, what’s the most meaningful part of welcoming people each day?
I used to work at Starbucks, where greeting everyone was part of the job, so saying hello came naturally. But here, you start seeing the same people again and again. You learn their names, ask about their weekend, meet their kids or parents, and build real relationships. I even started learning a little Spanish so one couple would feel more welcome. Nothing beats seeing someone smile because they feel included.
Over the years, you’ve built relationships with many clients. Is there something those connections have taught you about community, compassion, or the importance of feeling seen?
A new client once told me they had been refused care by their previous doctor because they were queer. We talked while they waited for their cab, and before they left, they said it felt nice to talk to someone again. That really stayed with me. Sometimes we don’t realize how much a simple conversation can mean. Everyone deserves to feel heard.
Every role brings opportunities to grow. What’s something you’ve learned during your time at SRCHC that has stayed with you — professionally or personally?
Life is fleeting. Sometimes we see someone every week, and then one day they stop coming. Later we learn they’ve passed away. It’s a reminder to cherish the present and the people around you.
What does being part of the SRCHC community mean to you, and what makes it different from other places you’ve worked or experienced?
What makes SRCHC different is that people can get the care they need, even if they don’t have insurance. Too often, people without OHIP are turned away from other care providers or worry about expensive hospital bills. Here, everyone is treated with dignity and deserves care.
As SRCHC celebrates 50 years and looks toward the future, the theme is “Dreaming Forward.” When you imagine the next 50 years, what do you hope SRCHC continues to mean for the people and communities it serves?
I hope SRCHC keeps its vibrancy. I’ve heard stories about when the lobby was a place where people gathered, socialized, celebrated, and built community. I hope that feeling continues to grow.
I felt a glimpse of it during our Pride celebration this year. The rain brought everyone inside, and at first, it felt quiet. Then I started playing music, people came together, and I spent the afternoon making cotton candy and welcoming everyone through the doors. Seeing people smile reminded me what this place is all about.