September 12, 2020
Dear Abilities family and friends,
I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones well.
Recently we received notification from DDD that we are now able to “begin” reopening critical center-based programs, at reduced capacity. I think I can speak on behalf of our entire Abilities team that we are SUPER excited to reopen our doors! It has been nearly six months since we have been able to see those we are privileged to serve at our facilities! Please note, we have not received “official” word from DVR for our Workshop, but we are planning to keep all programs in sync regarding reopening.
There are DDD requirements that need to be met prior to opening which can be found here:
https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/documents/covid19-congregate-day-program-reopening-requirements.pdf. This document also includes links to associated required forms. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to review this documentation. We have reviewed DDD’s guidelines with our own, and have made a few minor adjustments. Our full guidelines, which have been approved by our local health department, will be posted to the COVID-19 page on our website, along with this letter. Also, we will release abbreviated guidelines early next week, so that individuals and caregivers understand what will be required prior to returning.
We are targeting the date of Monday, 9/28/20, to begin reopening programs, which hopefully will provide us with the time needed to meet with every individual we serve, and their caregiver or guardian, and complete their risk assessment tool. Some may choose to remain remotely served, some have anxiously awaited our reopening and others may desire a hybrid of support services. Once their plan is determined, we then move to logistics for both program schedules and transportation. Understandably, we will have limited transportation services, and DDD has recommended self-transporting by both families and residential providers as needed.
Remember that changes associated with this COVID-19 pandemic have been occurring on a daily basis, so please stay tuned. As we work through the preparation to reopen over the next few weeks, we know that guidance from the CDC or state may change. We will adapt accordingly, as we have since March 2020. Please stay connected to your program supervisors, our website and social media. As always, you may contact us at
info@abilitiesnw.com or 908-689-1118 at any time with questions or to seek updates.
Now, time for some well-deserved “shout-outs!"
- Thank you again to our Return to Program team and Agency RN, Heather Tucker, who did a phenomenal job ensuring every area of service was covered in our plan and procedures, and for providing the required staff training in preparation for reopening. DVR advised our plan was the most comprehensive and impressive of all those submitted. Outstanding!
- Thank you to staff who have embraced our new world of services, understanding that we must adapt to serve those in the setting of their choice so they continue to receive training and other critical supports during this pandemic.
- Thank you to our families who have offered such beautiful testimonials acknowledging and appreciating our team members who have gone above and beyond to connect with their loved ones.
- Bravo to our PossAbilities Thrift Boutique team who exceeded their sales goal during the month of August! Great job!
- And last, but by no means least, please join me in congratulating our DSP Hero – Normand Harnois, Employment Specialist from our Employment Pathways division! Norm will be honored on Friday, 9/18/20 through the NJACP DSP Heroes Recognition program. The video from this program will be shared for all to view. While it is always difficult to acknowledge just one of our amazing team members, Norm has not missed a beat during this crisis, ensuring individuals at their job sites throughout the community continued to receive direct services, keeping their jobs secure. Thank you, Norm! You have contributed more than you may know to the success, health and independence for those you support!! CONGRATULATIONS!
There is strength in unity and I am blessed to be part of this Abilities “family” working together toward a common goal – exceptional services and continued success for individuals with different abilities. Thank you for your advocacy, support and unwavering commitment to our mission!
Stay strong, be safe and be well,
Best regards,
