July News & Highlights
We are so excited to have figured out a way for the folks in the three residential homes to have safe, socially distanced visits with their guardians and loved ones! It has been hard on both the consumers and their families to go months without visits on our campus, but it was important that we take the time to sort out a visitation system that keeps all consumers, visitors, and Irene Wortham Center staff safe.
Family members and guardians who live close enough can schedule a time to visit their loved ones on campus. Emily and her Mom had a wonderful and long-awaited visit and, though masks make it tricky to see, there were lots of smiles!
For those who can't make it to campus as easily, Zoom is a great alternative! Seeing and talking to family members brings a lot of happiness to the consumers and lets them know that, though many things have changed, family is still there.
The 20th Annual Golf Tournament is only three weeks away!
There are a few spots left for teams and hole sponsors to join us at Mount Mitchell Golf Club on Friday, August 21st. Click here or call Sydney at 828-274-6053 to register. Thanks to First Bank and Roost Home Watch, we're having a special hole-in-one contest: $100,000 50/50 split on hole #2!
We couldn't do what we do without our wonderful employees!
June Employee of the Month: Brad!
Wonderful interactions with consumers and staff and a willingness to always lend a helping hand are just a couple reasons why Brad was recognized by peers as a huge asset to IWC! Brad is pictured here with Lauren, a resident at Dogwood.
July Employee of the Month: Blake!
Blake has stepped up and helped out a bunch. Training staff, picking up extra hours, and always having a positive attitude are some of her wonderful contributions to the IWC community. Blake is pictured here with Nathan, a resident at Rose Street.
We are excited to announce a new partnership with Lenoir Rhyne University! This opportunity provides all IWC employees with tuition discounts in any of the university's programs. We're grateful for the support from Lenoir Rhyne and always looking for ways to continue supporting our staff who want to pursue further education.
Per the Governor's decision, the Early Learning Center began re-enrolling children who had been staying home. Social distancing is enforced and all staff and children over the age of 2 are required to wear a mask. The safety requirements may create a confusing new learning environment for children, especially because facial cues are so important in social-emotional learning. The behavioral therapists from Carolina Pediatrics are having Zoom meetings with all of the families prior to the child's first week back at school to address any questions or concerns about learning and development with masks and social distancing. Families will also have the opportunity for Zoom meetings with the therapists throughout the year to ensure the transition is going smoothly and address any needs as they arise.
Your donation today will help disadvantaged children and adults in Buncombe County live happier and fuller lives.
Thank you to all of the donors, organizations, and community partners who have supported us during this challenging time. Contributions of PPE and funding to address COVID-19 related needs as they arise have enabled us to continue providing essential services in a safe manner.