January 8, 2021
Dear Abilities family and friends,
I hope each of you had a wonderful, peaceful holiday season with your loved ones. With the rise in COVID-19 cases since last fall, it was certainly a quiet holiday, but one that hopefully kept you safe and healthy. We ended the year as a beneficiary of an amazing virtual event, the Rossi Festival of Trees, featuring our awesome Rockstars choir! The outpouring of support was tremendous, raising $47,000 for both Abilities and DASACC! We are truly grateful to Ed and Patti Sue Rossi and the entire Rossi Auto Group family for their passionate efforts to support our local community in need.
This first week in January, DDD announced that our Day Programs will not be reopening on 1/19/21, as originally shared last November. At this point they do not have a reopening date, but will do their best to give us a two-week notice so that our Abilities team is prepared, and those attending are as well. We will follow their guidelines from last fall, with the possible exception of return assessments. More to come. In the meantime, please know that we are here to provide services and support for you virtually, at your home or in the community. If you are not participating, and are seeking some level of support, please send an email to info@abilitiesnw.com and we will respond as soon as possible. It is always our goal to ensure you stay on track with yours.
We enter 2021 with cautious optimism, as the COVID-19 vaccines become available through a phased approach by the Department of Health (DOH). Here in NJ, phase 1A/1B vaccinations are currently open for healthcare personnel, including DSPs, and emergency responders. Our agency nurse, Heather Tucker, BSN, RN, developed an excellent educational presentation on the vaccines for our staff, which also offered an opportunity for Q&A. Some members of our team have already registered for the vaccine, or even received their first dose. If any of our consumers/families are interested in a presentation from Heather, please let us know by emailing info@abilitiesnw.com with best days/times. Once interest is gauged, we will respond accordingly.
For those we serve at home and/or with family, DDD is attempting to get clarity from DOH on what vaccine phase applies to you, and how you can receive it in the most convenient, efficient manner. We will keep you posted! The COVID-19 page of our website is up to date with latest information regarding the general vaccination process. You may also visit: https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine.
Since my last communication on our day program closure in November, our DSPs have been working hard providing supports, our workshop has remained open, busy with contracts and training, and our Social Enterprises continue to serve our community in many ways:
PrintAbilities – We are expanding downtown, where you will also find our supported employment team very soon, at 58 E Washington Ave, Washington! Stop by and check us out or call 908-689-0612 for your apparel printing needs.
PossAbilities Thrift Boutiques – Due to an increased need by the community, we are expanding operations at our 1224 S Main St, Phillipsburg location. Be sure to stop by for our Open House on 1/16/21 from 10:00AM-4:00PM! Be sure to check out specials for both locations here at www.possabilitiesthrift.com or call 908-878-6887 for more information.
While 2020 brought us so many unprecedented challenges, it didn’t stop us from recognizing and celebrating our amazing team. Congratulations to Nina Denysenko, who achieved her 40-year milestone of service with Abilities! Nina is our Facility Case Management Supervisor and Certified Vocational Evaluator. She has assisted countless individuals in achieving their vocational goals over these 40 years. We applaud and thank her for her steadfast dedication and commitment to our mission!
This pandemic has taught us many things, including the fact that we cannot, and should not, be alone through extreme negative life and health circumstances. We would not be able to move forward without each other, and our community of supporters. A special note of sincerest gratitude to our donors for contributing to www.PossAbilitiescampaign.org. You are ensuring our exceptional services continue for those we serve now, and those seeking support in the future.
The strength and perseverance of our entire Abilities family, and community, truly reflects that we will not be defeated, and our mission will grow even stronger over the months to come.
May you have a year full of hope and good health!
Best regards,
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Cynthia B. Wildermuth, CEO |
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