Flexibility During Challenging Times
We are nearly a year into the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Though we are optimistic now that things are heading in the right direction with vaccinations, the reality is that the experience has been a tremendous challenge for everyone.
Our challenges didn’t just begin with figuring out creative ways to case manage our housing clients remotely on the fly. We were also tested by the fact that ImmaCare’s Shelter was closed for renovations through November 2020 and, upon finally reopening could only offer 40 beds to ensure adequate social distancing.
This has been emotionally challenging as well. The toll this has taken on our board and leadership team as we try to find the balance of keeping staff safe and clients adequately served has been difficult. Despite our greatest efforts, the population we serve is high risk, and as such, late last week, ImmaCare identified through testing a number of COVID-19 cases. We’ve been anticipating the possibility of facing positive cases, and through working with the CT Department of Housing, Journey Home and other colleagues, we sent those who are positive to isolate safely and the rest we sent to a hotel to quarantine while we thoroughly clean our facility. Though many of us are facing COVID fatigue, we are reminded every day to stay vigilant to keep ourselves and those we serve safe, knowing our hard work will help minimize cases.
Furthermore, providing case management services while adhering to social distancing guidelines goes against our staff’s objective of offering services in a humane way. In addition to dealing with mental and physical health and substance abuse issues which for some may have heightened due to the isolation, we have the added sense of responsibility of keeping everyone safe from contracting – and spreading – COVID-19.
“Speaking from a board perspective, it’s been difficult given the social distancing guidelines that have affected our relationships with staff, clients, and fellow board members,” said Board President John Mayo. “I look forward to the day when we can physically get together again to address our challenges and goals.”
Of the many lessons-learned in this pandemic environment, the importance of flexibility is number one. We’ve learned our own ability to overcome challenges, to be resilient, to think outside of the box, and to come up with creative solutions to better serve our clients.
