The State of Illinois has moved into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan and Little Friends is adapting like all of us are having to. Standard changes include the use of face masks, temperature taking prior to entering a facility, and upgraded cleaning on a regular basis all intended to mitigate the risk of spreading any virus. Given the population of people we care for, we have been identified as high risk and require this level of attention and support.
Some clarity has come to us in terms of State guidance that we can share. Given stores are now able to open, our Serendipity Resale shop has been open since mid-June conducting business and accepting donations. Thank you to all the people who did some cleaning out of their closets during the shelter-in period. We so appreciate your donations for our shop!
In addition, we now know we will be able to open our schools this fall. There is a great deal of work that needs to be addressed related to the likelihood of utilizing a blend of both remote learning an on-site instruction. While we operate private schools, we follow the guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education and are challenged to be following what is expected moving forward.
Knowing the schools will be open, we will be reinstating our Respite Family Services program, with a targeted restart by no later than September 1. We know that this period of time at home has been difficult for some and we know the value of providing respite even for the few hours we can help families with.
Our Adult Day services programs will not be opening any time before September 1, 2020. The safety of those we care for during the day is our highest priority. While we typically work in large congregate settings, our new next normal is something that will be changing to smaller groups that include some blend of home support when implemented. All service providers have been challenged by the State of Illinois to reinvent ourselves in the coming months.
Last, our Center for Autism reopened for Diagnostic Evaluations and therapies during June. We are continuing to build upon the work for the children we help in our program.
All told, we recognize the next “normal” for Little Friends is something that we will adapt to, no different than what everyone today is having to deal with. The fact that the needs of those individuals we serve has not changed means that our work must evolve, and as an organization we must deal with what we can in a way that keeps people safe. It is why what we do matters, especially so during these times.
