BUFFALO — For longtime CSEA activist Lovette Mootry, helping others has always come naturally.
This year, her hard work and dedication to improving conditions for workers at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center and throughout the state Office of Mental Health (OMH) were recognized when she received the Danny Donohue Leadership Award for State Government.
Mootry, who serves as president, CSEA’s Buffalo Psychiatric Center Local, 2nd vice president of the Western Region and chair of the Statewide OMH Labor-Management Committee, said the honor came as a complete surprise.
“I was shocked, elated and very appreciative once it settled in,” said Mootry. “Being in a union leadership role is often a thankless job, so it was nice to be recognized.”
For more than 24 years, Mootry has dedicated her career to serving OMH’s patients and supporting the workforce that cares for them.
“I have a love for the residents and the people I work with,” said Mootry. “I’ve seen people grow up in the system. I want it to be a safer place for the entire community.”
Her leadership has resulted in meaningful improvements across OMH facilities statewide. Working closely with management, Mootry helped establish alternative work schedules for mental health therapy aides, a change that has reduced burnout and turnover while improving morale.
“When you have 64 therapy aides when there should be over 100, people get burnt out,” said Mootry. “The new schedule gives them three to four days off every other week and caps [overtime] mandations at 16 hours. It gives workers the break they need to keep coming back.”
Mootry said teamwork is at the core of her success. She credits her local executive board and stewards for helping her balance the many responsibilities of her union roles.
“I train my team to always be ready,” said Mootry. “If something happens to me, they know what to do.”
Her commitment to labor runs deep in her family. Mootry’s father, CSEA Western Region Director Robert Mootry Jr., also served as local president at Buffalo Psychiatric Center, and her grandmother was an active CSEA member.
“My father always said no one is going to give you anything – you’ve got to work for what you want,” said Mootry. “Looking back, I realize I was being prepped for union work without even knowing it.”
Mootry said her proudest moment so far has been receiving this award, especially with her grandmother there to see it.
“Not everyone can do this type of work, and not everyone cares enough,” said Mootry. “It feels good to know that I’m making positive changes.”
She encourages newer members and young activists to stay engaged and never stop learning.
“It won’t always be easy, and there aren’t a lot of thank-yous in this line of work,” said Mootry. “Yelling isn’t the answer. You must be open to hearing other ideas, take advantage of the trainings and be consistent. Speak up and ask questions.”
Her father summed up her achievement best:
“A job well done,” said Robert Mootry Jr. “You work hard for what you want, and when you walk away, make sure you’re bringing someone up behind you.”
— Sara McNicholas