Promise & Possibility Dear CSI Family, Welcoming 2021 comes with a focus on opening doors and crossing bridges. The past year of unprecedented challenges has taught many lessons and brought many gifts of learning, collaborations, and friendships. We have faced tragedies and challenges never imagined. As we cross over to 2021, we are filled with a sense of hope and rejuvenation. Our New Year arrives with many new opportunities for the people CSI supports to avoid segregated group day programs, and grow from opportunities that are truly focused on their dreams and visions. We will refocus our strategies to ensure each person is given the support needed to be successful in their endeavors and grow to reach their visions. “I have had dreams, and I have had nightmares. I overcame the nightmares because of my dreams.” ~ Jonas Salk Bridging into the New Year comes with renewed hope to contain the pandemic and provide science based options to help keep all of our CSI Family safe and healthy, growing as CSI leaders and influencing change through our ripples of influence in our communities. Vaccinating our teams will help provide increased safety and will be a primary focus of the beginning of the New Year. This opportunity will hopefully allow us to move forward to ensure every person CSI supports is empowered to realize their dreams to live a meaningful life in their community. "Love is the bridge between you and everything" ~ Rumi Our values of Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, Accountability, and Perseverance have guided us through the most difficult year and will help CSI to rebuild and grow as we cross the bridge into 2021. I thank you for your support, encouragement, and commitment to help each person CSI supports to find happiness and assisting our fellow Team members and our greater CSI Family. With Thanks and Gratitude, I wish you a Happy New Year!
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 A Social Butterfly While many of us have struggled through this pandemic, Lisa has been making the most of every opportunity she can find. She has been thriving and transforming during this time while taking refuge in safety like a cocoon.Happiness Happens in Zoom Meetings Lisa has been focusing her energies and efforts toward a colorful future. A social butterfly, Lisa has been zooming her way toward becoming more independent, developing new talents, and learning how to deal with the stress of daily life.Lisa participates in at least seven Zoom calls per week, including her church choir practice! She has been actively taking virtual classes, developing new talents, and connecting with her friends and co-workers. While she is not able to weave in person with her co-workers in Alexandria due to COVID-19, she keeps her skills sharp by weaving at home.
ABOVE: Seven Zoom Calls a Week! Equipped with her new tablet, Lisa masters how to thrive with virtual classes and regular Zoom sessions. Text to Give: Text HAPPY to 508-622-7161 Above & Beyond From March through October of the pandemic, Lisa moved in with CSI support provider, Pam and her family. Living with Pam full-time was like being cocooned in safety. This is one of several examples of how CSI staff have gone above and beyond to provide continuous, uninterrupted support during the pandemic! While staying with Pam, Lisa had lots of fun baking, shopping online, and playing with the family dog. She even created appreciation posters and videos to let CSI staff members know how much their work is appreciated. Lisa is a pleasure to be around, and is always quick to give a compliment. Here's one we particularly love: Part of the Family
Your support grows wings!
Every donation counts and is appreciated! |
For all we have that our bravest and best provided... We say thank you!
In honor of Veteran’s Day, Community Systems, Inc. wishes to extend our deepest appreciation to all the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
We couldn't be prouder of the Veterans in our CSI community
As we honor their U.S. military service, we are especially proud of our own Veterans in the CSI Family. These soldiers continue to be heroes by helping persons with disabilities find happiness in their own homes, in their personal relationships, and as contributing members of their community.
We are honored to work with heroes who inspire us every day
Last year, CSI Virginia expanded their supports of persons with acquired brain injuries to include Veterans of the United States military. CSI is privileged to help wounded warriors find meaningful ways to regain their independence through life skills training, community integration, environmental safety, and healthcare coordination. It is our honor to welcome veterans and their families to our support family.
From all of us at CSI, THANK YOU to all U.S. Veterans for your service!
QUOTES TO CONSIDER
"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." Elmer Davis
“You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.” William Faulkner
CLOSING THOUGHT
For a moment our clocks become a line of flags: 11:11 11,11
In a month where we take note of all we should be grateful for, there is a specific time when our dashboard clocks and digital calendars will flash a straight line of 1's: On the eleventh day of the eleventh month at 11:11AM it is tradition to honour our military. At that ultimate moment, we hope you will join us to pause and thank our heroes for the sacrifices they have made.
Consider making a donation that can directly impact the Veterans that CSI supports.
- $25 provides transportation for Veterans to attend a wounded warrior support group across town
- $50 helps pay for assistive technology apps that make it easier for Veterans to navigate new paths toward independence
- $300 supports Veterans to explore new areas of interest and discover new talents and abilities
Every donation counts and is appreciated!
Make a difference at communitysystems.org/donate
To: All Members of the Community Systems, Inc. Community
FR: Janet Butler, CEO/President
Holiday gatherings and the pandemic
As we approach the holiday season, the issues and concerns of the pandemic are forefront in my mind and plans. Since March, CSI has prioritized limiting any potential exposure to COVID 19 as the approach to help keep everyone in the CSI Family as safe and health as possible. We are now faced with the time of the year that families want to come together.
The holiday plans are concerning. The increase in COVID cases across the country is at a level that has not been seen since the virus hit. Experts are recommending we avoid holiday gatherings other than with immediate families from within one household. I believe if we require the people CSI supports to remain in their household, and avoid family contact, it could be stressful for some of the people CSI supports and their families. But we need to recognize it would be the best approach and if at all possible, should be followed.
Each situation will be reviewed on a case by case bases. CSI is responsible to evaluate whether an event will present a risk to the other people in the home and our employees. Each situation will also have guidelines for how the person can return to the home. The guidelines may mean quarantine, testing, isolation, etc. related to level of exposure risk.
I fully recognize that the past seven month has worn on people tremendously. That does not mean we should ignore the science now when all indicators show the US is struggling with the highest level of new cases and CSI has experienced an increase in the number of positive cases over the past weeks. The positive cases have been with CSI employees and have been isolated and not spread to other staff or the people supported. This is affirmation that if you follow the processes we have in place, it is helping to contain contracting the disease and keeping people safe.
The processes are simple: Limit the number of people you come in contact with, disinfect, wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands, and test!! CSI MA DDS has required ongoing biweekly testing for COVID of all employees. That testing has revealed a positive, asymptomatic employee who we could pull out of the workforce to protect those they support.
CSI has developed guidelines for Thanksgiving. All employees, the people supported and their families are asked to follow the guidelines. These guidelines are being shared now, but should the spread of the pandemic warrant, they may need to be revised before Thanksgiving.
CSI Thanksgiving Guidelines
- Avoid gatherings where possible. Keep the number of people around you to the lowest number of people possible. The ideal would be only gatherings of members from the same household.
- Should a family make the decision a person CSI supports will go to a family gathering or should an CSI employee choose to attend a gathering outside of their immediate household we ask that the following guide the event. CSI will be asking very specific questions prior to Thanksgiving visits to enable an evaluation of risk, criteria to return to a CSI support, and to help with contact tracing should a positive case surface.
- No more than 10 people attend the gathering
- No more than 3 households should gather with the person supported counting as one household, the host a second.
- Avoid families from multiple communities
- Avoid out of state visitors
- Avoid people from any communities “in the red”.
- There should be no people at the gathering with any symptoms or recent history of exposure to someone with positive COVID.
- Avoid people who are employed in areas with a high risk of exposure.
- Gather outside if possible.
- Avoid physical contact
- Wear masks.
- Maintain social distance,
- Sanitize and disinfect
As you can see, the advice is that the ideal situation would be only gatherings of members from the same household. If more than one household, members from the same community. Avoid all communities or states that are in the red.
I deeply appreciate the support and commitment of all in the CSI Community that has led to CSI’s positive results. Those positive results do not overshadow that we a positive cases that spread to three people living in a home and four staff and we had a wonder woman CSI supported die after a long battle with COVID that she caught from a visiting nurse.
The threat is real, and we have to stay diligent to keep everyone safe and help contain this health threat.
With my deepest respect and thanks. I hope we can all continue to have a festive Thanksgiving.
- Connecticut red communities
- Massachusetts red communities
- Virginia red communities
- Delaware red communities
CDC Recommendations:
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time when many families travel long distances to celebrate together. Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. If you must travel, be informed of the risks involved.
Lower risk activities
- Having a small dinner with only people who live in your household
- Preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others
- Having a virtual dinner and sharing recipes with friends and family
- Shopping online rather than in person on the day after Thanksgiving or the next Monday
- Watching sports events, parades, and movies from home
Moderate risk activities
- Having a small outdoor dinner with family and friends who live in your community
- Lower your risk by following CDC’s recommendations on hosting gatherings or cook-outs.
- Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing
- Attending a small outdoor sports events with safety precautions in place
Higher risk activities
Avoid these higher risk activities to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19:
- Going shopping in crowded stores just before, on, or after Thanksgiving
- Participating or being a spectator at a crowded race
- Attending crowded parades
- Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behaviors
- Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household
Janet Butler
President/CEO
Community Systems, Inc.
6 Benjamin Nye Circle
Pocasset, MA 02559
Office: 703 448 0606
Community Systems, Inc. Giving Day
Saturday, 10.10.2020
CSI is going to raise $100,000 on 10-10-20!!
Our CSI Family and Friends are asked to donate on that day…. $10, $100 or $1,000!
Reach out to 10 of your friends and ask them to support CSI!!
Help CSI cover the costs the pandemic has put in our world!
Give by check to any team member or office
Text 101020 to (508) 622-7161
Thank you so much for your generosity! CSI is a 501c3 tax exempt organizations. Your donation may be tax deductible!!
Hello CSI,
As I reflect on the quote below, I am reminded of the Social Commitment Paradigm, a belief in a transcendent body of ideas and strong identifications with a group, institution, or method that is based on those ideas. In other words, socially committed people believe in something greater than themselves. In the human service industry, social commitment is valuable. Our mission statement instructs us to help person's with disabilities to find happiness, while facing an array of challenges as we navigate the path for their happiness. Moreover, there is minimal extrinsic reward. Fortunately, it is our mission statement, where a transcendent body of ideas and identifications propels us forward in being exceptional, giving "that" which sustains others, mentally, physically and emotionally.
To emphasize the importance of our mission and its relationship to social commitment, I share the following quote:
Career motives are not enough; an embodied idea is the institutional chariot to which individual motive becomes chained. When the idea is in command (our mission statement), essential employees are indifferent to personal cost. They often are not even aware of how much they have risked and how much they sometimes have sacrificed. As ideologues, as believers, they do not care. They are proud of what they have been through, what they have accomplished, and what they stand for. They feel highly involved in a worthwhile collective effort and wish to remain with it.
I want to thank each of you for being essential team members. I am so humbled, proud and amazed by all that we do. You are valued, because social commitment is valuable and each of you are socially committed to helping person's with disabilities to find their happiness. Therefore, you should be proud of your accomplishments working with the people we support, I know that WE ARE!
With much respect,
James E. Campbell, Jr., Ph.D., SHRM-SCP
Executive Director
Update on CSI Plans related to pandemic
September 25, 2020
Community Systems, Inc. has continued to stay abreast of the best scientific information in making our decisions related to how the people CSI supports, our staff and our extended CSI families maintain optimum health during this pandemic. The CSI focus for the last seven months has been to evaluate the information available and develop standards that limit exposure to COVID19.
I thank all of the CSI staff for your commitment and diligence in helping to keep everyone in our network safe. Your efforts and the policy guidance has been extremely effective in keeping the number of positive COVID cases and exposures well below the averages for our areas and specifically in the long term care world. I thank our extended CSI family for their cooperation and understanding to help limit exposures and stop the spread of COVID 19. I recognize the restriction are wearing on people and to now be seven months into the pandemic and the restrictions is exhausting.
As the general public has been more active in their communities and colleges and schools have reopened, CSI has seen an increase in exposures and positive cases in our Virginia supports. CSI had an outbreak that included seven people who tested positive. The seven were staff, people supported and staff family members who tested positive. The tracing showed the CSI employee was exposed in their personal life and brought it into the home. This was our highest outbreak since the pandemic hit and the second outbreak in two weeks in our VA supports. It is a reminder that the exposure and risks are real and CSI must continue to take serious efforts to help keep the people CSI supports safe.
CSI has maintained many changes to how our supports are provided but two restrictions have been most challenging to handle for staff, families and the people CSI supports. The first restrictions causing stress at this time is the stay at home restriction. CSI has maintained a level of stay at home for all the people supported. We have required that people not return to congregate day programs, and all community activities be limited to outdoor areas where social distancing can be maintained. Any variation to the restriction is reviewed on a case by case situation by senior staff. Some of variations to the stay at home guidance have been family visits, vacations, and returning to work. The process for any exceptions remains evaluating the level of exposure and how that exposure touches the people CSI supports and the others around them. CSI has a legal and moral obligation to provide the safest environment we can for the people CSI supports and our employees. If a person (or family member) is advocating for an activity with outside of current guidance, our evaluation reviews how does the activity present potential exposure and how does the potential exposure affect the others supported and the CSI staff. We have a legal responsibility to provide a safe work environment for our staff.
The second area of stress is the limits placed on CSI employees related to second jobs and returning to college. CSI has been very concerned with the potential for exposure to our employees at second jobs and their potential exposure will then transfer to the CSI community. Limited exceptions have been made to this restriction, with a full review of each situation. The data demonstrates there are marked variation to the level of risk and exposure state to state. The variation in risk is related to the number of new cases, the percentage of people testing positive and how each state has handled the reopening of their state. The state’s restrictions related to reopening vary greatly and for some states, allow for a potentially higher level of exposure. CSI sees some of those of risk as a level we are unwilling to take.
As CSI moves forward we need to be focused on data, evaluate the risk on a state by state basis, look at the changes to the rules in each state and make only one change at a time. It is important that we make one change at a time to be able to evaluate the effects and know what is driving the results, whether positive or negative. A huge influence on the moving forward plan is the opening of schools and its effect on the community numbers in general. Many school systems across the country are in the process of phased openings. As on site education returns, we are staying abreast on its effects on the new cases and the percentages in the communities. I believe right now, this is a hot point and one that leads us to stay the course of restriction for the next few weeks.
I highly encourage each staff person and family member to be very cautious as your move about your community. Wearing a mask, good hand washing, social distancing and avoiding crowds are your best protections. There are many states that are increasing the number of people who can congregate in public settings which is safe if the people follow precautions. Unfortunately, we often hear of large gatherings without good COVID precautions. Your exposure then migrates to the CSI community if you come into contact with the people CSI supports or our staff. PLEASE….. be cautious, follow the guidelines and use good judgement.
That said, the data on the case numbers and the guidance from different states varies greatly. The risk of exposure in MA compared to VA is dramatically different. The state of Massachussets is showing 0.8% positive cases for those tested compared to the state of Virginia with 5.3%. In MA there were 455 new cases yesterday and in VA 902, with a high number of those cases in Northern VA. The likelihood of you coming in contact with a person with a positive case of COVID 19 is much lower in MA than in VA. The continuity of the low risk in MA has been long term.
CSI is working on the next phase in our pandemic plans to move forward. In MA and CT we will now be evaluating numbers within specific communities and regions within the state. The states of CT and MA have had months of lower number of new cases and long term low percentages of positive tests. In these two states if an employee has a second job or attends school where the potential exposure to people is low, the community numbers are low, the second job has sound precautions in place and there is no exposure to “human traffic,” we may consider it being acceptable for the employee to return to work their second job with their CSI employment. It will be imperative in these situations to maintain oversight of community data and changes to the person’s second job work policies. Each of these situation will be reviewed and approved individually.
Moving forward, CSI will continue to evaluate the data in each state, the states policies on reopening, the percentages and numbers of new cases, and individual community data to determine the best course to maintain supports with the lowest possible risk of exposure to Covid19 for the people CSI supports, our staff and our extended CSI family. We have been very successful in our focus on health and safety and if we work together can continue this trend!
Be safe!
With gratitude and respect,
Janet Butler
President/CEO Community Systems, Inc.
A statement shared with CSI staff last week.
CSI is deeply committed to engaging in actions, policies and practices that are respectful, fair and promote the personal development of all people regardless of race, sex, disability, religion, or gender identity, The world is at a crossroads with the Black Lives Matters movement bringing to the spotlight the many discriminatory, cruel and incomprehensible actions and practices tied to sheer discrimination. CSI deeply respects and supports the Black Lives Matters movement.
CSI supports the peaceful protests that are demanding change in our society. CSI supports all actions and movements that grows and encourages people, eliminates repression and discrimination and stops retaliation, violence and hatred. We understand that many in our CSI Family are deeply, emotionally charged with the recent events and tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Sean Reed, David McAtee, Our thoughts and condolences go out to these families and to any others who have faced the effects of racist practices. At CSI, we stand ready to support our staff who are struggling at this time. Please, speak up if you need help. Your HR people can point you to services if you need them, your manager and program director can help you to develop constructive and safe ways to help effect change.
Be safe, Be kind, Be respectful!
With my sincerest thoughts and thanks,
Janet Butler
President/CEO
Community Systems, Inc.
To All of the CSI Family,
I want to ensure everyone is informed on the next steps at CSI, what will happen as the world round us starts to reopen. It may get very confusing over the next few weeks. You will be hearing things in the news, and through other channels of changes in mandates. Governors will be allowing some businesses to open, and restrictions to be reduced. CSI will continue to focus on limiting exposures and keeping the people we support safe and keeping our staff safe.
For now our intent is to continue the stay at home in the same manner we currently in place, continue alternative staffing schedules and continue the no visitor or visits outside of the home policy.
Please, do not assume that because something in your community may re-open, that CSI has lifted its restrictions. Any directions you receive to lift restrictions will be in writing and clearly outlined. CSI will also become more state specific as the government mandates change and the number of cases and hospitalizations decrease.
The CDC recommendations for a state to enter phase 1 of reopening is to have 14 consecutive days of decreased hospitalizations. I want to point out that there may be a reduction in a state’s overall numbers, but increases in specific region of the state. CSI needs to be more localized in our data review and decisions.
Each CSI location will be evaluated for the number of active cases, the number of deaths, and the hospitalization in the specific region of the state. We will look at the total picture and make decision that are best to keep people safe and healthy. A number of states that chose to reopen some services last week (with and without meeting the 14 day decrease in hospitalizations) have stepped back because of marked increases in the disease.
We do not anticipate anything changing for at least another month. CSI must remain steadfast to its responsibility to keep people safe.
As some states increase testing and testing people without symptoms, the number of case are climbing. This is showing the number of people who are positive for COVID with no symptoms. They still are very contagious. Remember, if you have positive COVID (with or without symptoms) and you come in contact with 10 people in a day, and each of them comes in contact with 10 people that day, there are now over 100 people exposed.
CSI took a very different approach to how we dealt with the pandemic than the majority of providers of group homes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Most providers developed their plans around what to do when people got sick, and what to do when staff shortages occurred due to staff getting sick and how to deal with people supported and staff dying.
CSI focused on preventing exposure to the virus and keeping people healthy. Every person in our organization contributed to that focus. Some of you by moving into group homes, some by inviting someone you support to move into your home, some by working remotely, some by staying home because your hours were reduced and some by staying home because you were high risk or exposed. Everyone at CSI has pulled together to help keep the people we support and our fellow staff safe. So far, these efforts have had incredibly effective results. I thank you for the efforts and sacrifices!!
Your efforts have led to CSI having very low numbers of positive cases of COVID. In all four states, other agencies are reporting high numbers of positive cases and significant numbers of death for both people supported and their staff. The numbers, when you hear them break your heart.
CSI is proud to say the effectiveness of our plan has protected you the staff and the people who live in the homes we support! Your hard work, flexibility, compassion, integrity and commitment to doing the right thing has made a huge difference!! We CANNOT let our guard down and risk bringing this virus in. Not after so many have done so much for everyone’s protection.
CSI Positive Cases of COVID for people supported
CT-0
VA-0
MA-1
DE-3
Across the four CSI’s there have been less than 10 total cases of employees with positive cases. All but one, had already been out of the homes working remotely. The majority of the people with positive cases were tied to exposure at other jobs before the CSI mandate of no outside employment.
In Virginia at providers meeting this week there were reports from three other providers of the number of cases (CSI is one of the largest providers in the Northern VA area). The other three providers collectively had more than 50 cases and 5 deaths including a staff member. Washington, DC has had 150 people with ID/DD with positive COVID and 28 have died. CT has had a staggering number of people in our network sick and many die as has MA and DE. CSI has not!!!
Each state is reporting significant number of positive cases and deaths. Your hard work has driven our protections to all in the CSI family. Now we need to stay the course. We have spent 2 months committed to being safe, if we start increasing exposure too soon, it could be disastrous.
The message here:
Nothing is changing at CSI right now. CSI’s reopen will be cautious, thoughtful and driven by localized data. Our agency will remain focused on preventing anyone from getting sick.
CSI has committed to support our staff to stay healthy physically and emotionally. The staff who were taken off schedules because they were high risk, had childcare issue, for schedule reductions and for potential exposure have continued to get paid for their base hours. CSI recognizes the schedule changes and the overall pandemic has still lead to financial hardship for many staff. CSI will address that in a memo coming out later today. We are looking at ways to help!!
Again, thank you for the great effort put forward that has led to our successfully results. We need to stay focused on preventing even one more COVID case. We need to stay cautious!
With my deepest thanks and appreciation,
Janet Butler
CEO/President
“Safety isn’t expensive, it’s priceless.”
Author Unknown
Our mission….
Helping persons with disabilities to find happiness in their own homes, in their personal relationships and as contributing members of their community.
For more than 30 years, CSI has focused on helping people to find happiness and be active, contributing members of their community. Behind the scenes we also focused on assisting each person to maintain optimum health and to be safe in their home and community.
The CSI focus has shifted and the rules have changed, for now. I believe we will return to the world where having fun, building relationships and contributing to our communities is our priority, but for now health and safety are our total focus. Our actions are directed by our priority to assist each member of the CSI family to be healthy of mind and body.
CSI has tried to stay ahead of the threats and risks. Our Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) developed in 2007, guided how we have responded during this pandemic. We need to stay the course and not allow increased risks based on decisions that are not based on data and science.
There are a few states that have started to lift their restriction in response to economic concerns. These decision do not follow the guidance of the president, the CDC and World Health Organization. The states opening businesses do not have a comprehensive plan of testing nor have they met the first criteria of consistent declining new cases. The expert recommendations to “reopen” start with 14 days of declining new cases before identifying infrastructure to move to phase one, then another 14 days of declining cases before considering phase two. At CSI we need to continue to follow the stay at home order until the mandates change in MA, DE, VA and CT and then only change policies if the state’s changes follow the expert’s recommendations.
CSI is in the process of developing the indicators that will signal our time to transition out of the self-quarantine/stay at home mode. Once these standards are set we will share our plan.
At CSI, we are responsible for people’s lives, it is imperative that our standards are cautious and based on data and guidance from the experts. Missteps here could be tragic. All of the CSI family has worked cooperatively and diligently to reduce the potential for exposure to the virus for those we support, our staff and our families. We have trained staff to be diligent with hand washing, quarantine, disinfecting and checking for signs and symptoms of COVID. There are very few people entering the homes, therefore very few opportunities for exposure to the virus. Those who change shifts in the homes are screened first.
CSI is also committed to support the emotional needs of the people supported. It is a very confusing time, routines have changed, relationships are limited, and many of the activities people love are absent. Our staff are working to maintain the “new normal” in a way that provides routine, structure and consistency for positive outcomes.
The availability of needed supplies has been an issue that has received significant attention in the press. I wanted to share with you where CSI stands with supplies.
CSI has available to the staff and people CSI supports an ample supply of cloth masks, disposable masks, thermometers, gloves, hand sanitizer and hand soap. Oh, and don’t forget the most valuable TP!!! In the event of a possible positive case of COVID 19 we have over 8,000 N95 masks. We also have plenty of gowns and oximeters. Our supplies are being increased daily. CSI has policies on mask use, hand washing, and the process if a person we support or a staff person tests positive. I believe we have developed exceptional policies, processes and trainings that are being consistently followed.
CSI has in place protocols for when staff cannot work and the standards if a staff person tests positive or is exposed to someone who is positive for COVID. The standard includes the criteria that determines when a person can return to work.
Our CSI staff are doing an exceptional job to keep exposures to a minimum, focusing on keeping the more than 600 people we support and 1200 employees safe. CSI has experienced three positive cases of COVID in the people supported, one person in MA and two people in DE. There have been five CSI employees with positive cases of COVID, four of them had been out of work for more than a week prior to their diagnosed due to having a second job or working remotely. It is imperative we continue to follow protocols closely and not let our guard down. Limiting exposure continues to be our best defense.
CSI will finalize our policy to identify how we will determine when it is safe to lift some restrictions and how that will occur. I do not believe that lifting restrictions is in our near future as three of our states have mandated the stay at home orders at least through the middle of May and some into June. All four states continue to have significant number of new cases of COVID every day.
Many of our CSI families have made generous donations to help in this crisis. Your generosity is deeply appreciated and is extremely helpful as the cost for our “new normal” continues to escalate. Our deepest gratitude to those who thought of us at this critical time.
Thank you to all who have shown their support to CSI in so many ways in this highly critical time. Your support and positive encouragement is deeply appreciated. The CSI staff who are in our homes, working long days or living in are an amazing group of people whose compassion, integrity, perseverance and innovation have earned them the highest level of respect and appreciation! There are no words to express how deeply thankful CSI is for their commitment and dedication to those we support. s
Be safe, stay home….
Janet Butler,
CEO/President