Social Worker-Medical Case Manager Safwat Sharobeem, BSW, CSW, CDP, has witnessed a lot of miracles during his two decades serving Broadway House residents with HIV/AIDS: “Some residents’ families brought them here to die 10 years ago—but today, they are still with us. Broadway House gives life to a lot of people.”

Born in Cairo, Egypt, Mr. Sharobeem gravitated toward a career in social work at an early age. As a middle schooler in Egypt, he volunteered with his church at an orphanage and a welfare agency. The social workers he encountered as a youngster inspired him to pursue a career helping others.

After arriving in Brooklyn in 1980, Mr. Sharobeem was happy that all of his educational credits from Egypt transferred to the United States, paving the way for him to become a Licensed Social Worker and re-launch his career here. It was the height of the AIDS epidemic in New York City and Mr. Sharobeem felt called to help: “There were only five case managers for all five boroughs at the time. I had no experience working in the U.S., so I needed them—and they needed me.”

Moving to New Jersey, Mr. Sharobeem continued working with the AIDS population at Trinitas/St. Elizabeth Hospital, first as a Social Worker and Case Manager, and then as Department Coordinator with a community initiative in Elizabeth and Union County. After meeting two Broadway House employees—Director of Social Services Gloria Horton, BA, CSW, CDP, CDVC, and Damary Lugo, Administrative Support—at professional events, he decided to accept a position at Broadway House 20 years ago.

A widower who raised his three children alone, Mr. Sharobeem values his colleagues and their dedication to our residents. “The Social Services team at Broadway House is a blessing,” he explains. “We understand each other and work well together. It’s all for our residents, who keep me coming back here every day. It’s very gratifying to reconnect some residents with their families and see them get back on their feet. One former resident even came back and volunteered after he was discharged.”

Mr. Sharobeem continued: “Without Broadway House, many of our residents would not be alive and achieving milestones in their lives. The fact that they’re still here with us makes me feel like I am doing something right.”