A few days before Christmas, Louise Nine (Ann Shalof, CEO) and a fellow elf (Pearl Chin, Director of Finance and Administration) surprised staff and tenants when they visited every NCS site to deliver treats and spread holiday cheer!
Since we weren’t able to gather for a large community celebration, we planned socially distanced festivities, including each Louis Nine House resident ordering from our special holiday menu for a personal grab-and-go meal.
Even with efforts by NCS staff to brighten the holidays, some residents struggled. Options Vocational Specialist Elaine Gorsline shared that several tenants expressed feelings of loneliness and stress. “We provided them with a safe space to explore their talents and provided advice... on the importance of self-care, self-worth, and mental health.”
The holidays this year came with some challenges for all of us. But NCS’s staff worked hard to engage our residents and make sure that everyone had a festive time.