Message from our Executive Director - March 27
Dear Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod Colleagues and Friends,
This week brought more challenging news, as Governor Baker advised that all schools and child care facilities will remain closed through May 4th.
The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod is committed to not only service continuity for our families, but also to following recommendations from public health offices that guide us in providing those services in the safest way possible for our staff and families. As such, we will continue to offer our services remotely through May 4th, with the understanding that our reopening date may change based upon future recommendations.
Despite these challenges, I continue to be inspired by the stories of our staff stepping up and assisting our individuals remotely, creative activities that are being developed, and collaboration that is helping us through this time.
On that note, I’d like to share some notes from members of our senior staff to give you a clear picture of the hard work that is still happening at The Arc.
Wishing you well,
Mary C. Valachovic
Executive Director
Rick Johnson: Senior Director of Business Operations
The Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology Departments remain engaged to ensure our organization continues to operate in an efficient manner. Operations must continue to satisfy our organization’s billing needs, pay our valued employees, and financially respond to the needs of the individuals and families we support.
The Human Resources department is working remotely to respond to employee inquiries and are closely following developing laws and regulations around the COVID-19 situation.
Our IT Director is working to keep all employees remotely connected and able to work efficiently both with each other and with the individuals and families we support.
Kathy Baldwin: Director of Program Development
During this time, I am continuing to explore ways to strengthen The Arc's services by securing grant funding to assist with any unmet needs. I'm also concentrating on building a robust plan to assist families on the Cape through our new Falmouth location.
We are proud to be part of a diverse group of community networks that remain unified during this difficult time, sharing necessary community resources and online opportunities for individuals, our families, and our staff. So we can remain connected to our community and with one another, I will continue to work with our team to actively communicate these opportunities to you through social media, email and our website. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions during this time about current community resources or online educational opportunities, at kathyb@plymouthcapearc.org.
Beth Cincotta: Director of Marketing and Communications
Communication has been vital during this unprecedented situation. Ensuring that all of the individuals we support are aware of schedule changes, operational changes and resources that are available to them is a key piece to making sure we are still fulfilling our mission to empower and support people with disabilities and their families.
This situation has proven the important role that technology plays in that mission, and we are proud of the speed at which our organization launched remote support and continues to keep our individuals updated and engaged.
Social media and our redesigned website have served as key resources during this effort, and it’s been uplifting to see the positive interactions on those platforms among the people we serve and our community members.
Victoria Gill, Director of Program Operations
Social isolation and distancing isn’t easy, nor is experiencing such a significant upheaval to the daily routines we all find comfort in. Our dedicated staff, across all departments, have been working diligently to provide emotional support, engaging activities and the opportunity to explore a wide variety of personal interests and goals through innovative remote support options.
The response to this initiative has been overwhelmingly positive and has demonstrated the ability to reduce stress, provide routine, and build in regular and reassuring social connections otherwise lost during this period of sheltering at home.
If you haven’t yet set up opportunities for your loved one to engage in these supports, please reach out and it will be my pleasure to work with you to bring this to life. I can be reached at (774) 404-4884.