Behind the Scenes: What I didn’t Expect to Learn at Access Alliance

_{September 25, 2025
By Adrianna Welshman, Summer Placement Student, Access Alliance}

When I first started my placement at Access Alliance, I came in with the classic undergrad social work mindset: I knew I wanted to support people, I wanted to be present in the community, learn more about programs, and connect with folks who walk through our doors. I pictured myself co-facilitating programs, chatting with clients, jumping in where I was needed – basically, being out there in the action. Bottom line, I knew I was ready to connect. Ready to learn. Ready to do.

What I didn’t realize was how much of that “doing” happens long before anyone ever walks into a room. Before the first hello. Before the program even begins.

I used to think, and I am sure many also associate care with the visible moments – meaning the face-to-face conversations, group programming sessions, a quick check-in or crisis responses. And while this is true, and those moments matter deeply and are very important, I have learned that just as much – sometimes the most critical care – happens quietly, or what I liked calling behind the scenes.

It’s in the planning meetings, the resource hunting, the research collection and analysis, the needs assessments. In weighing the ethics and logistics of different types of gatherings. In the monthly all staff meetings. In the flyer designs and monthly cybersecurity training that keeps client and organizations information safe. It’s in the endless email threads, the “Did we think about this?” pauses, and the conversations about making something truly inclusive, trauma-informed, and accessible – not just assuming it already is.

I remember one meeting that was scheduled to be about 45 minutes. Over an hour later, we were still knee-deep in discussion about improving quality of care for LGBTQ2S+ patients – specifically regarding patients who don’t identify with socially constructed gender identities. We unpacked intake forms, language, and how to prevent misgendering in our systems. Some barriers were beyond our direct control, for example an EMS platform an organization is required to use, which has built in limitations.

But instead of shrugging or sweeping it under the rug, the question was always: How do we work around this? What can we put in place here, in our space, to make the experience safer and more affirming? That meeting showed me that inclusivity and implementation of adequate care is not a one-time checklist. It is an ongoing practice, often built in rooms (and Teams meeting rooms) the most people will never see.  

One of my own projects was updating and re-imagining the community resource boards. On paper, it sounded simple: print some pamphlets, staple some stuff, make it look nice and inviting. But the moment I stood in front of an empty board with a stack of resources, I realized this is not like décor. It is about decisions, real decisions that have a chance to impact someone, support this individual. I found myself forced to ask myself some meaningful questions like:

• What information would actually help someone and be useful to them right now?
• Where will their eyes naturally land when they are waiting to be seen by a doctor/nurse or on their way to meet with a health coach? And;
• How much time do people have to take in this information – and how to I respect that?

These were not just design questions. They were care questions. And these questions didn’t just help me make a better board. They made me a more thoughtful student and future practitioner.

Access Alliance is more than a service provider – it is a living system of interconnected roles, voices, creativity, and efforts that keep it running. Seeing those systems in action redefined community care for me. It’s not just about showing up when someone asks for help, it is about building something reliable and having support systems in place for folks so that support is available when they are ready.

As a student, it is sometimes ingrained into our learning to measure our impact by what we do directly. But my biggest takeaway is that social work isn’t always loud or visible. Sometimes it’s spreadsheets, or putting up flyers. Sometimes it is showing up early so the room feels safe and welcoming.

And all of that matters.

So, if you are like me and are heading into a placement, or you are someone who is starting a new role (anywhere!), pay attention to what’s happening in the background. Sometimes the unseen work might just teach you the most.