Second Update to State of Emergency and Coronavirus Pandemic

I want first to take this opportunity to thank the Thrive staff! These are unchartered waters for all, and we couldn’t manage without their unbelievable dedication and commitment. The Residential Team has been incredible in alleviating the anxiety of our clients, while also doing everything in their power to ensure client safety and health. Our Family Support, Individual Support, and Youth & Adult experiences staff have been working hard to create ways to keep our participants engaged. We also commend them for providing support and engagement where needed in the homes. Thank you all for putting our clients first, you are what makes Thrive so special.

Here is an update following our previous email sent on March 12 regarding Thrive Support & Advocacy’s efforts in response to the state of emergency and the coronavirus pandemic.

Residential Efforts

• As of Tuesday, March 16, residents of Thrive Support & Advocacy’s community homes will no longer be attending their day programs.
• As we continue to monitor the health and well-being of our residents and staff, we remind all families that ONLY ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEES ARE PERMITTED IN THE RESIDENCES in order to minimize risk. We appreciate your respect and cooperation with this requirement.
• Thrive’s residential staff is continuing with stringent personal hygiene practices as well as essential cleaning protocols to ensure the safety of all. Each house is well stocked with critical supplies: cleaning products, toilet paper, paper towels, food, personal care items, etc. Supplies are either picked up or delivered as needed.
• Thrive clinicians will be offering extra supports for residents and visiting homes regularly to evaluate and assist as needed.

If you would like to connect with your family members, please keep in touch via phone, texting, calling, or video calls. If you have any questions regarding your loved one, feel free to reach out to the appropriate program director:

• Fairmont Hill: James Fairbanks, Program Director, jfairbanks@icanthrive.org/
• Liberty: Melissa Kapulka, Program Director, mkapulka@icanthrive.org/
• Pleasant Street: Michelle Lariviere, Program Director, mlariviere@icanthrive.org/
• Sunset Circle: Sussie Aikins, Program Director, saikins@icanthrive.org/

Family and Individual Support Efforts

• Respite for both family and individual support continues but on a limited basis for essential trips only.
• Those living in the community are continuing to be monitored by staff via phone calls and essential home visits.
• Thrive’s family support center continues to be open for emergency visits by appointment only.

David Meisse, dmeisse@icanthrive.org/

Youth and Adult Social/Recreation Efforts

• Thrive social and recreational experiences are canceled through the end of March. We will re-evaluate at that point and communicate any changes.
• Youth staff is looking into continuing some social groups via teleconferencing. We will update the youth participants on that front as we determine a course of action.

Adult Social/Recreation: Jim Karami, jkarami@icanthrive.org/
Youth Social/Recreation: Caitlin Devaney-Fortwengler, cdfortwengler@icanthrive.org/

Sincerely,
Denise Vojackova-Karami
VP Developmental Services
Thrive Support & Advocacy