A Letter from David Lin, CEO   

The programs and services reopened today on the main campus after being closed for a week due to Hurricane Irma.  Getting back into a normal routine helps provides reassurance that we will come back better than ever.  While this is true for our program participants, I feel it is true for the staff as well.  Seeing the bustle of activity does my heart good and makes the campus feel like home again.

 

Even though the main campus was closed, programs and supports were still being provided out in the community.  Program Managers contacted clients and their family to make sure they were prepared for the hurricane and checked in on them afterwards and to let them know when the Center was reopening.  Our Supported Employment Staff worked with area employers to find out when clients could go back to work and assure they were able to get in to work.

 

Residential staff deserve special recognition for the work they did to provide supports to our Group Home and Supported Living Residents before, during, and after the storm.  Most of the Supporting Living Clients came in to the group homes during the hurricane and were able to stay there until their Supported Living Coaches assured that their homes were safe and inhabitable.  There were a couple of generator issues after the storm.  This required the men staying at JB's Ranch to "camp out" in our board room until power was restored.  Luckily, this was only for one night.  The generator at Amy's House had an issue overheating and they had a "slumber party" at Babbette Wolff Residence.  The residents and staff took all of this in stride and made the best of their situation. 

 

I am proud of the dedication of our staff who came in before the storm to prepare the campus and group homes.  After the hurricane, staff came in to pick up debris and prepare the campus for the clients to return.  Seeing staff from all programs and administration working side by side has been a rewarding experience.  I think we can all skip a trip to the gym or the sauna this week!

 

Even now, some of the clients and staff are without electricity.  However, things seem to look a little bit brighter just by everyone being here.  There is a lot to be thankful for - not the least of which is to be associated with such great people and a great organization.  We all become stronger when we go through tough times together.  

 

Best Regards,

David Lin, CEO