Rochester Social Worker Danielle Ashton Supports People in Crisis

Rochester's Social Worker Navigates Diverse Challenges to Offer Crucial Support


Photo credit: Member Provided Photo

In Rochester, New York, social worker Danielle Ashton begins each day unsure of her destination or whom she will assist. Her role could take her beneath bridges, to city streets, or into homes, as she serves as a member of the Person In Crisis (PIC) team. Despite the unpredictability, Ashton’s mission remains steadfast: “To help people.”

Since its inception in 2021 by the City of Rochester, the PIC team has been on the front lines, offering assistance to those experiencing non-violent mental health emergencies. As part of this growing team, Ashton, an AFSCME Local 1635 member (Council 66), thrives on the variety of her work. “No day is the same,” she remarks, and she embraces this aspect wholeheartedly.

Ashton and her colleagues respond to a range of situations, from supporting individuals with suicidal or homicidal thoughts to conducting welfare checks and aiding unhoused individuals. “The goal is to support the person in crisis,” Ashton explains.

Calls routed through Rochester’s 911 system or the 211 Lifeline for crisis intervention deploy Ashton and her PIC team members alongside other first responders. In each scenario, Ashton, equipped with her social work skills, evaluates and addresses the needs of those she encounters.

Whether it involves offering a listening ear, providing life-saving medication, or distributing essential items like food and clothing to the homeless, Ashton adapts to meet people “where they are.”

Safety is a constant concern, and while the PIC team collaborates with law enforcement when necessary, Ashton notes that her plainclothes presence often helps to calm tense situations. “People’s response to a social worker is different than an officer in situations where they may have had past experiences that were not good,” she observes.

As the PIC team continues to expand four years after its establishment, Ashton anticipates more specialized services tailored to the community’s needs. She reflects on the impact of their work, stating, “When you sit and think about [what we do], our team is pretty amazing. Some things are mind blowing.”

Personally, Ashton’s dedication to her work is profound, driven by her experiences with loss and the support she received in difficult times. “I’m passionate about my work,” she shares. “I have lost a loved one to suicide. I lost a brother to gun violence. There’s so many things that have impacted me in which other people have shown up for me. To be on the other end, to be that listening ear, is awesome.”