JFGH Friends, Families and Supporters:
Today begins a new month. It’s hard to fathom that just two months ago, the experience of the novel coronavirus pandemic became personal for us. A person we support was potentially exposed
on 28 February
to one of the first known people in Montgomery County infected with the COVID-19 virus. Thankfully, the person we support, as it turned out, was not exposed and not at risk. Now, as we enter May, we reflect on what we’ve learned and the challenges of these last two months, while looking ahead to challenges still to come. One thing is clear—we will navigate May and beyond with great care and attention, with resolve and courage, and with continued commitment to every detail to protect and preserve the health, safety and wellbeing of the people we support, our direct support professionals (DSPs) and all of our JFGH staff.
Rather than share an extensive written message this week, I invite you to visit our
Facebook page
to listen to the
Facebook Live video
posted just yesterday for
our update. In this
video
, I address the recovery status of individuals we support and our staff who have tested positive for COVID-19; personal protective equipment (PPE); our new, essentially live-in staffing model; and thoughts on the future.
A bit of good news to share with you that isn’t part of the Facebook Live message is that JFGH was approved for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan through Congressional Bank and the Small Business Administration. Made available through the CARES Act by the US Congress, these PPP loans are forgivable for companies who use the funds to keep their staff. JFGH has not furloughed or let any of our staff go—in fact, this crisis reminds us of the incalculable value of our DSPs and all our staff who together, make JFGH a magical place. It has been and remains our absolute commitment to keep our every one of our staff members so that we can continue to do our essential work through this global pandemic.
Have you heard that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has designated tomorrow, May 2, as Health Care Heroes Day? Our DSPs are the backbone of this organization, and we are so grateful for their kindness, selflessness and dedication, heroes by any definition. I can’t possibly be more proud and honored to be their colleague. Will you join me in offering your thanks to these warriors? A quick note, an e-mail or a text; a phone call—whatever means of showing our thanks are excellent options. And, it will mean so much to so many.
From all of us at JFGH, we wish you good health. Stay well. Stay home.
#givingtuesdaynow
#spreadthegood
David
David Ervin, JFGH CEO, dervin@jfgh.org
