Friends, families and supporters:
I’ll start with a few reminders for all of us on this fine Friday. First, please join us in celebrating our first-ever virtual Alan Silverberg Fun Day in not one, but two parts! Part one is food. Okay, good food is always fun! Our Drive-Thru BBQ featuring Char Bar's gourmet kosher dishes (check out the cleverly crafted menu) will be available from our touchless Rockville office parking lot ‘drive-thru.’ See the links for additional information.
Part two is music. Good music. Actually, great music.
Dan Binstock, the "Human Piano Jukebox," fabulous host of the 2019 JFGH Gala, and all around amazing human, will virtually serenade us with arguably the most eclectic set-list ever constructed. Whether it's your favorite movie or TV theme, your wedding song, a favorite Broadway show, or any other song you love, join us to make some requests. Or you can just sit back and watch the entertainment. This unique musical experience will connect us in a meaningful way during this time.
As to a few important updates on JFGH as we continue to navigate COVID-19, I’ll start with what we know.
We know we are healthy. The last time we had anyone receiving JFGH supports test positive for COVID-19 was May 7; and, the last time any of our staff tested positive for the virus was May 22. Nearly three months later, we count each day that passes in which we are all in good health as a gift. Among our staff, just under 8.5% have tested positive since the outset of the virus. All of our staff are so very important to JFGH and the whole of our community. We are doing everything in our power to keep all of our staff and every person we support in JFGH services safe and healthy.
As to what we don’t know, I’m afraid our unknowns are significant. When will this ‘end’? When will people go back to work or to daytime services? When will the live-in model end, and to what will it transition? When can people leave their homes? So many questions that deserve honest answers.
Both the State of Maryland and Montgomery County remain on Phase 2 (Moderate Risk) of their re-opening. Much of JFGH’s Safe Return to Work and Risk Mitigation plan is predicated on those two jurisdictions reaching their Phase 3 (High Risk) stages of re-opening. Day programs across the region remain closed, and while there are some folks who are contemplating returning to jobs in/around the community, most continue to wait and watch as circumstances continue to unfold.
What you can be absolutely sure of is that when we know, you’ll know. We are indeed in this together. JFGH, our many wonderful stakeholders, our amazing partners and this extraordinary community. All together. All pulling in the same direction.
In the meantime, thank you all once more for your support and encouragement. For next week's update, I invite you to join me on Facebook Live on Thursday, August 20, at 10am.
We got this.
David
