To the Pathlight Community
We understand that the news about COVID-19 is challenging and ever-changing. Trying to decipher what is best for you, your family and the individuals and families we support can be hard and anxiety producing. We are working very closely with each other, other providers, our trade organizations and state funders to navigate and come up with action plans. This unprecedented situation is more than one person, family or provider can solve. As we work together, we have the best chance of limiting the spread and impact of this virus.
Here at Pathlight (including Autism Connections, Whole Children, Milestones and Family Empowerment) we have been responding to the COVID-19 pandemic for several weeks and we continue to actively assess the situation and respond according to the current and anticipated situation. The Pathlight Executive Leadership Team is meeting regularly to evaluate credible information, work with our funders, and implement strategies to support the Pathlight community.
Below is a current report on our situation. We will update this as needed.
Program Locations and Offices
Offices
In an effort to protect the individuals we serve and the staff who care for them, we are practicing social distancing by minimizing the number of people in our worksites and our in-person interactions with co-workers. We are working to arrange for as many staff as possible to work remotely.
All of our sites (offices and residences) are closed to visitors and our offices will have minimal staff and services available. By doing this, we limit the number of potential contacts between people and therefore the opportunities for spread. This also allows the leadership team to focus our efforts on doing everything we can to support and protect the essential staff that we count on to come into work and provide critical services for the people we serve.
At this time our offices are not closed. Critical functions such as health and safety trainings and rep payee processing functions will continue. We will continue to be here for staff, care providers and families via phone and email. If you need to visit an office that you don’t normally work in, please call ahead or talk with your supervisor about making other arrangements.
Residential
All Residential homes are checking temperatures of staff when they report to work and sending people home if their temperature is 100.3 per current CDC recommendation. We are restricting visitors to our homes and are setting up webcams in homes to help families stay in touch.
Family Services
Family Services are curtailing physical home visits unless approved by management for a specific situation. They will be calling and video conferencing with families, care providers and individuals on a regular basis.
Whole Children/Milestones enrichment classes
Our regular spring session has been cancelled but we are offering free virtual classes. Please check our website (www.wholechildren.org) and scroll down to the calendar to see a full list of classes and how to connect. These classes are running through Saturday, June 27.
Milestones Day Program, Inclusive Community Center
The Milestone Community Based Day in-person programming is closed until the Department of Developmental Services gives us the okay to reopen. Teachers are running weekly classes, including Men's Group, Art, and Music with Milestones members via teleconferencing. Staff is also conducting 1:1 check-ins weekly with each Milestones member.
