March 19th

COVID-19 Update from Northeast Arc:

Dear Northeast Arc Family,

Over the past few weeks, there have been significant developments in the global, national, and local responses to the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).  Here at Northeast Arc, everything we do is in an effort to create a more supportive and inclusive world for people with disabilities, and that will never change. During times such as these, we all feel the isolation that people with disabilities often feel on a daily basis.  That is why it is so important for all of us to take care of each other during this challenging time, and remain focused on our efforts to create a more inclusive world for people of all abilities. Together, we will get through this and will be a stronger organization once things settle down.

These challenging times are forcing us to consider how we serve and support more than 15,000 individuals with disabilities across 190 communities in Massachusetts.  We are fortunate to have a dedicated Board, Leadership and Staff that are continuing to work hard to ensure the needs of those we serve are continuing to be met.  Despite the unprecedented circumstances, we remain optimistic that our community will navigate these uncertain times with a spirit of empathy and understanding.

If you are able to donate at this time, we request your consideration in doing so to ensure we can continue to provide excellent support during an extraordinary time of need.  Your financial support will ensure that we are able to weather this storm and come out stronger on the other side.  Please visit www.Ne-Arc.org/Donate to donate today – a donation in any amount is greatly appreciated and will make an enormous impact.

This is an ever-evolving situation, and our efforts will continue to adapt as needed.  Our focus, however, will never shift from providing the utmost support and care to the individuals and families supported by Northeast Arc.  To facilitate social distancing and prioritize the health and safety of our community, the Northeast Arc Senior Leadership team has made the decision to adapt, cancel or postpone the following programs/initiatives/events (subject to CDC, national and state guidelines). Further details will be forthcoming.

  • Day/Employment Programs – All Day/Employment programs are postponed until further notice, staff are maintaining contact with individuals who live with family members or alone.
  • Most In-home visits by all programs have been postponed until further notice, staff are maintaining regular contact with each family via phone or video conference.
  • Northeast Clinical nurses are still providing home based supports to families
  • Family and Autism Support Centers are contacting families arranging supports and contract funds as needed.
  • Recreation – All recreation groups are postponed until further notice, including all Special Olympics programming
  • ArcWorks is closed and all programming is suspended until further notice
  • Peabody’s Black Box is closed until further notice
  • Breaking Grounds – offering pickup/to go orders only in observance of mandatory restaurant closures
  • All Northeast Arc Buildings/Residences – No visitor access until further notice
  • An Evening of Changing Lives 2020 Gala Postponed until Fall 2020 (Details forthcoming)

Please know that we are closely monitoring this rapidly-evolving situation and will work diligently to ensure that we have the right plans and resources in place, in adherence to the expert guidance and recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State & Local public health authorities.

For information specific to the coronavirus and the most up-to-date information on the situation, please visit CDC.gov.  Additionally, please find attached to this email plain language overviews and suggestions for dealing with (COVID-19).  These documents are available in both English and Spanish, and may be particularly helpful in better explaining the current public health situation to the individuals we support or anyone looking for the complexities of dealing with this virus to be broken down into more understandable terms.

Please follow us on Facebook as this situation continues to change for updates as well as resources for families and individuals we serve. www.facebook.com/Northeastarc

Sincerely,
Jo Ann Simons
Northeast Arc
Chief Executive Officer

March 16th

COVID-19 Update from Northeast Arc:

The health and safety of the people in our care and our staff are our highest priority. As we continue to actively monitor developments related to coronavirus (COVID-19), I want to personally share with you what we are doing above and beyond our usual measures to maintain healthy and safe environments in Northeast Arc programs.

At this time, Northeast Arc has not had any positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19). We are actively reviewing new public health information as it becomes available and continues to be proactive with recommended actions. We are working closely with all staff and people in our care and monitoring situations as they arise. We are taking extra precautions and we will continue to implement such support in a manner that is consistent with the recommendations of the Department of Public Health.
We will continue to work closely with our state partners during this crisis and provide periodic updates. The Northeast Arc remains committed to providing crucial support to people with disabilities during this unprecedented time of need. Thank you in advance for your continued support and flexibility during this unique situation.

If you would like to support our efforts financially during this challenging time, please visit www.ne-arc.org/donate

Sincerely,
Jo Ann Simons
Northeast Arc
Chief Executive Officer

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