The New York Times recently interviewed and photographed more than 130 of the 2.5 million service workers in NYC.

The resulting photo essay is a beautiful homage to the people who kept New York City afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, including one of ICD's very own Custodial graduates, Michael Bell.

“These 115 workers were among the more than130 people that The New York Times photographed and interviewed. They kept the city going, from Riverdale to Staten Island and from Bensonhurst to Astoria.

They were dog walkers and fitness trainers; cooks, cleaners and store clerks; and the army of people criss-crossing the city to deliver food and drink to those who spent the lockdown inside.

They were part of that delicate economic and social tapestry that connects us all.”

In the piece, The New York Times says, "If the city doesn’t sleep, it’s because hundreds of thousands of service workers who cater to any conceivable need don’t either...Service workers do the kinds of anonymous jobs that make the city run smoothly. They perform vital tasks like caring for the incapacitated or keeping public spaces clean.”

ICD could not be more proud of Michael for the dedication and perseverance he has demonstrated in his work during such difficult times.