Good Afternoon,

As we enter our eighth week of stay-at-home mandates and social distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all anxious to move beyond the rigorous health and safety restrictions we’re adhering to now. These include a stay-at-home ordinance until May 31; wearing cloth face coverings in public; practicing social distance; and continuing to wash our hands frequently.

As the sun starts to shine in earnest and the temperatures warm, we are all eager to get outside and back to some semblance of normal. However, it is important that we do not get ahead of ourselves and put others at risk because we are weary of the sacrifices we’ve had to make to try and stop this pandemic in its tracks. Now more than ever, it is imperative to refrain from socializing in groups, venturing outside without a mask, or doing anything that might put you or another at risk of contracting this virus.

Maine has made a great deal of progress in its fight against COVID-19 and has started to see a flattening of the curve. Governor Mills recently announced the state’s plan to reopen the Maine economy, which began the first of its four phases on May 1. This phased effort to reopening business, travel and daily activity was created to ensure a gradual, safe and successful approach that continues to protect citizens from this consistent threat.

I would like to take a moment to remind you of each phase and its corresponding date. Click here to read the governor’s full plan. Please note, progress will be determined by public health metrics, virus trends and innovations surrounding health and safety in the workplace.

Phase 1, begins May 1. Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited, and people entering Maine must self-quarantine for 14 days. At-risk people should stay at home. Employees who are able should continue to work from home, and all business that have been allowed open should remain so.

New openings: Time-sensitive health care not related to COVID-19, drive-in theatres, state parks away from the coast, public land trails, marinas, golf courses, hair salons, car dealerships.

Phase 2, begins June 1.  Gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited, and people entering Maine must self-quarantine for 14 days. At-risk people should stay at home, legal and professional fields may return to work as needed, and all business that have been allowed open should remain so.

New openings:  Restaurants, lodging, camp grounds, coastal state parks, day camps for children, fitness centers, nail salons, all retail businesses.

Phase 3, begins July - August.  Gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited, and people entering Maine must self-quarantine for 14 days. At-risk people should stay at home, legal and professional fields may return to work as needed, and all business that have been allowed open should remain so.

New openings:  Bars, lodging for out of state visitors, state park campgrounds, summer camps, spas, tattoo parlors, personal care and treatment facilities.

Phase 4, TBD.  All businesses are open and operating with appropriate safety modifications.

Let’s take a moment to celebrate our progress, and also our determination to be resolute in our fight against this unyielding foe. Together, with patience and adherence to these new guidelines, we will overcome.

With thanks,

Heidi

Good Afternoon,

As we continue to carefully assess the situation with regards to COVID-19, Creative Works will extend our Community Services closure until at least May 31. As we continue to do, we will assess this date based on recommendations from our Governor, the CDC, the Maine CDC and DHHS.

Moving forward, we are looking at how we might open our community day programs for small groups of participants. We will keep you apprised with any updates.

Together, by always adhering to the guidelines issued by the CDC – social distancing, hand washing and staying at home whenever possible, we are doing the right thing for the best possible outcome. We will continue to keep our families and staff updated as the situation continues to evolve and look forward to re-opening our community services programs as soon as the time is right to do so.

With thanks,

Heidi

Good Afternoon,

The COVID-19 health crisis continues to evolve, and according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, it has now been nine days since our Peak Medical Resource Use in Maine, which occurred on April 15. And while we are still in the midst of this fight, our collective efforts to maintain a flattened curve continue to have a positive impact.

While we are not yet out of the woods, we believe we are moving in the right direction. Given this news, I wanted to let you know that we will be continuing to award the Essential Employee Appreciation Bonus, but at a lower rate than was in place during the very height of the pandemic.

Starting with the pay period that begins on April 26, all front line staff providing direct support in residential homes, including DSPs, house managers, assistant residential managers and residential managers will receive an additional $200 per work week for full-time essential employees. This replaces the $300 per work week bonus that was in place during the two-week peak period of the pandemic in Maine. The Essential Employee Appreciation Bonus for part-time and relief staff will be pro-rated. We will continue to assess the amount of this bonus every pay period, while the pandemic is in force.

As you know, senior leadership is excluded from this bonus, as is any staff not currently working. Please see the attached worksheet to determine the amount of your bonus, based on the total number of hours you work in a pay week.

We continue to be profoundly appreciative of your commitment, your work ethic and the care you provide to our participants, who need you so desperately now.

The Board and senior leadership join me in expressing our genuine thanks and gratitude to each of you.

With my deepest regards,

Heidi

Hello Everyone,

It is with guarded optimism for the future that I can report that we just passed the projected peak of the COVID-19 pandemic for the State of Maine. If nothing unexpected occurs, the number of cases will start to decline now, with a projected return to baseline around mid-May.

It has been more than 30 days since Creative Works began implementing additional safety precautions and new staff procedures designed to slow the spread of this virus, both within our own programs and among our staff members and their families. It looks like our individual efforts have been effective, and that our statewide commitment to flattening the curve is finally paying off. Because of our efforts, Maine did not reach the dreadful point at which hospital beds and ICU beds were not available to those most ill. We can all be proud of this monumental joint achievement.

While our journey over last several weeks has felt like an uphill climb, it is only through our collective and concerted efforts, sacrifices, and teamwork that we have risen to the challenge and can now begin to see our way clear of this health crisis.

With this positive news, a renewed sense of hope for our health and safety is tangible. However, we must continue to be resolute in our efforts to keep the curve flat, and our communities safe. Washing hands frequently, employing social distancing, and only venturing out when it is absolutely essential continue to be golden rules to live by for the next several weeks.

Although we must not let our guards down until this is entirely over, we can all share a genuine and well-earned sense of accomplishment and hope as we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I want to thank each and every one you here at Creative Works for joining together to battle this prolific virus and its impact on our way of life, and for continuing the fight as long as it is necessary.

With warmest regards and appreciation,

Heidi

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Harvard Pilgrim, our health insurance provider, is offering free online classes to keep us healthy and active and help to de-stress during these uncertain times. You do not need to be on our health insurance plan to access these webinars. You do, however, need to have Zoom downloaded on your device phone, computer or tablet.

“As your guide to living well, our goal is to help you gain a healthier mindset, lower stress and anxiety levels, sleep better, and learn how to approach life in this uncertain time.

Whether you are looking to shake it up, stretch it out, or get centered, we’ve got you covered with Zumba®, Yoga, Guided Mindfulness, and Wellness sessions, which are now available to everyone through our Living Well at Home programs. Easy to access all classes via Zoom.”

– Harvard Pilgrim

Click here for more information

Here are a few of their current offerings:

Fitness Classes

·     Yoga - Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. ET

·     Zumba - Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:15 p.m. ET

Guided Mindfulness Sessions

·     Mindfulness – Tuesdays and Fridays 8:30 to 8:50 a.m. ET

Mindfulness can help us feel connected and get centered. Experiment with short bursts of mindfulness instruction, followed by mini meditations, led by our team of expert instructors.

Health and Wellness Webinars

·     Creating Computer Comfort – Wed April 15, 2020, 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. ET

Prevent injuries and relieve muscular aches and pains by learning easy adjustments and stretches that keep you comfortable and well at your workstation.

·     Sleep from A to ZZZs – Wed April 22, 2020, 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. ET

Learn how to stop tossing and turning and get a better night’s sleep tonight.

·     You Got This – Easy Ways to Eat Better (and Stay Sane) – Wed April 29, 2020, 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. ET Learn how to stock your pantry with anti-inflammatory foods that boost your immunity. Get easy recipes for healthy snacks and meals.

Hope you find this helpful!

Stephen

Good Afternoon,

As we begin to hear somewhat more positive news about the impact our collective efforts are having on flattening the curve of this virus, federal officials and the CDC continue to update the public on ways to help continue to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Research now shows that wearing cloth face coverings in public settings is imperative wherever social distancing could pose a challenge (grocery stores and pharmacies, etc.):

·     Individuals who are not symptomatic and do not feel sick could still be carriers and spread the virus to those more vulnerable.

·     Face coverings are intended to protect those you may come in contact with.

·     Coverings should not be worn by children under two or anyone who is unable to voluntarily remove it.

·     Do Not Use face masks that are intended for healthcare workers.

·     Cloth face coverings do not replace social distancing! We must continue to keep at least six feet between ourselves and others at all times when out in public.

The CDC has a wonderful resource regarding cloth face coverings – how to make them, how to wear them, and how to launder them. I encourage you to visit this page and review the information outlined within:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Cloth face covering can be easily made from common household materials. They should fit snugly, be secured with ties or loops, include multiple layers of fabric and allow for breathing without restriction

Face coverings should be laundered in hot water in the washing machine and dried in the dryer, after each use. This will help with sterilization.

When removing face coverings, it is important not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth, and wash your hands immediately after removal.

We must continue to be resolute in our determination to slow the spread of this virus. I am proud of the way each of us at Creative Works has continued to persevere while adhering to the CDC’s health and safety guidelines. Please keep up the amazing work. Together we shall overcome!

With thanks,

Heidi

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Another round of thanks to everyone for adhering to our State’s mandates for social distancing and staying at home whenever possible. The data show that our collective efforts have been effective! Maine has done a much better job at “flattening the infection curve” than most other states.

Current projections show that we are now two and a half weeks away from the virus’s peak in Maine, which should crest between April 20-23. We can be hopeful that things will wind down within another four to six weeks after the peak. We will have to remain vigilant through the month of May, but by then there should be a light at the end of tunnel.

This means we must continue to be ultra-careful until then. We can do it -  let’s put this thing behind us! I know each and every one of us looks forward to and deserves a more carefree summer.

As a reminder to maintain all safety protocols being asked of us, here is an excerpt of some helpful Q & As that ran in Wednesday’s Portland Press Herald:

Q: Can I still go to the supermarket, pharmacy, gas station or hardware store?

A: Yes, you can, but it must be for essential household supplies and medications. Stores will be required to enforce limits on the number of customers who can be inside their building at one time.

Q: Can I go for a hike, exercise or take my dog for a walk?

A: Yes, you can still do so provided that you comply with the 6-foot physical distancing guideline. Keep in mind that most state parks and beaches are closed, to prevent large gatherings.

Q: Are there restrictions on personal travel or using public transportation?

A: Yes. The governor’s order prohibits anyone from using public transportation unless “absolutely necessary, for an essential reason, or for an essential job that cannot be done from home.” The order also stipulates that people driving private vehicles carry passengers only from their immediate household.

Q: Will essential stores and businesses be required to limit the number of customers inside at any one time?

A: Yes. The in-store customer cap will depend on the size of the store.

Q: Does the governor’s order stop people from coming to Maine from out of state?

A: Not yet. Mills has repeatedly said she does not have the authority to prevent people from coming to Maine, but on Tuesday she said she will insist that people coming to Maine from other states or Maine residents returning to the state – snowbirds who went south for the winter, for example – self-quarantine for 14 days.

Q: Will restaurants or bars be allowed to open for dine-in customers anytime in the near future?

A: The Governor also extended the closure of restaurants and bars statewide for dine-in customers until at least April 30, 2020 to align with Tuesday’s Executive Order.

Q: Can I take my laundry to the laundromat or dry cleaner?

A: Yes. Laundromats and dry cleaners are deemed essential services, but customers need to maintain 6 feet of space.

Q: Can I travel to an educational institution to pick up meals or instructional materials for distance learning?

A: Yes. The order considers travel for those purposes to be an essential personal activity. 

Q: How long do we have to abide by the governor’s order?

A: At least until April 30, but the governor has the authority to amend, rescind or extend the order at any time.

It is going to take each and every one of us strictly adhering to these guidelines to continue to keep each other as safe and healthy as possible. Let’s all do our part!

With thanks,

Heidi

Good Afternoon,

Times of crisis allow us all to focus on the things that are most important. Family, health, friendship. At Creative Works, we realize we are nothing without our staff, and could not continue to care for our participants without you. You have answered our every call, and you have risen to challenges that no one could have imagined even a month ago.

Your health and wellness could not be more important to us. We are committed to doing everything we can to help you stay safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic and will support you in your time of need should that come to pass. 

Effective immediately, we are implementing a new employee benefit: the COVID-19 Self-Quarantine & Sick Bank, which provides two weeks of paid sick time for any employee required to self-quarantine or who comes down with the virus. This includes full, part-time and temp-relief employees. This 80-hour Self-Quarantine & Sick Bank is in addition to any regularly earned PTO time. 

We understand that these unsettling times require us all to err on the side of caution to avoid getting sick or passing the virus on to others. Yet at the end of this journey, we don’t want our employees to miss out on valuable vacation and family time for what we must endure now.

Here are the details:

Qualifying Events:

1.   If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and have received documented guidance from your medical provider to self-quarantine, please stay home. You will be paid during this time. 

2.   If someone in your immediate household has tested positive for COVID-19, you must self-quarantine for 14 days. Please stay at home to care for your loved one. You will be paid during this time. Do not hesitate to reach out to HR so we can shared some additional safety guidelines with you about how you can avoid getting sick during this two-week timeframe. 

3.   If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you must stay home and self-quarantine for 14 days. Please rest and get well, and be assured that you will be paid during this time.

COVID-19 Quarantine & Sick Bank Details:

1.   Each employee will be eligible for 80 total hours. You will not earn any additional PTO during use of this special 80-hour bank. 

2.   This sick bank is only for COVID-19 and will cease on July 1, 2020, unless its extension is deemed necessary.

Expectations:

1.   If you are under doctor-directed quarantine, but feel well enough to work, please reach out to your supervisor to determine if you can work remotely. Creative Works will consider this time normal work hours, provided you are able to work. Any work-from-home arrangement must be approved by Human Resources. If you are under self-quarantine, but do not feel well enough to work, Creative Works will also pay for this time.

2.   You must follow the advice of your medical provider and follow their quarantine recommendations.

3.   You must provide a doctor’s note for the qualifying event, and a subsequent note allowing you to return to work.

Again, I really can’t say it enough. We are so thankful for all that our employees continue to do on behalf of those we serve, and we will continue to do all that we can to support you.

With appreciation, 

Heidi

Serving Up Happiness

During times like these, we all need some good news. Some inspiring stories to help us keep our chins up and feeling proud. Thankfully, here at Creative Works, we have these in abundance and we'll be sharing them once a week. 

Staff are engineering creative and thoughtful workarounds to keep DSPs and participants safe and feeling connected. What better way to do that than to reach out with homemade food?

 "Thursdays will always be pizza days!" said Jamie Whitehouse, Director of Residential Services York/Cumberland Region. "Community Services staff Kevin and Deena joined Residential staff member Brittany and I to make 60 pizzas from scratch. We distributed them curbside to homes in York and Cumberland counties. The smell alone made entire neighborhoods happy!"

Amazing things are happening right now at Creative Works!

 And we want to hear all about it! Making pizza for 60 from scratch? Share it with us, just like Jamie did. Curbside delivery of groceries for our residents? We want to hear about it! Tell us what's happening out there on the front lines, so we can share your inspiring stories with the Creative Works community. In times like these, we are all pitching in to take care of each other. Here's to our amazing Creative Works community, and everyday heroes, just like you!

Please share your funny, inspiring, heartwarming stories and photos with us by emailing Trish Brown pbrown@beingcreativeworks.org.

Good Afternoon Everyone,

 I found this short video clip about proper hand-washing technique very helpful, and hope you will as well.

With thanks, 

Heidi 

If you are unable to view this video, click the link below or copy and paste it into your browser:

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/HappygoluckyFormalEuropeanfiresalamander-size_restricted.gif?fbclid=IwAR2Fli1sYzPFoO2Xk_6wJ4aePeKlr2HRE0G5RROZGTj6XQf-0g4eIXyj-3A

To Our Direct Support Professionals Team, 

I want to take a moment during this most unprecedented time to say a genuine and heartfelt thank you to all of our DSPs and other staff who provide essential direct care to participants here at Creative Works. You are, like so many other unsung heroes, on the front lines of this pandemic, offering fundamental services to our participants, day in and day out. Our participants need you now more than ever, and rely on you to stay safe and to get through their days with consistency, with structure, and with care.

I cannot emphasize enough how important, how critical, and how absolutely vital each of you is to this agency, and our appreciation for you runs deep. Without a doubt, the times we are in call for people to go above and beyond, and you have never wavered in the quality of care you provide, nor in your commitment to the people you serve. You have shown up in the face of uncertainty and in the face of numerous personal demands. For that, we thank you.

Therefore, beginning with the pay period that began on March 29, I would like to announce that all DSPs and any other employees who work directly with participants in our residential homes will receive an immediate pay increase of $2 per hour. This increase is retroactive and will be in effect for the duration of this pandemic crisis. The increase will appear in your paychecks on Friday, April 17.

Again, you have my support and my appreciation for your incredible service.

With thanks,

Heidi

Hello Everyone,

The work you do is essential during this critical time, and we so appreciate all you are doing to keep our participants safe and healthy. Together, we have been very creative about meeting their needs during a period in which we have had to close all our day programs, and find new ways to support our participants. As a result, many of us have been adjusting to new work locations and schedules over the past couple weeks. We appreciate your flexibility and willingness to adapt to the situation.   

With all the changes in schedules and work locations, a small number of our staff were not able to work all of their usual hours over the past two-week pay period. In order to do all we can to support you and your families, we are making some adjustments so that all staff receive their full amount of wages for the pay period ending March 28. So regardless of your work schedule and PTO benefit balance during this pay period, we will advance PTO as needed to help you during this transition period.

To generate your April 3 check:

1.   We will first count any hours you actually worked.

2.  If you didn’t work your full schedule, we will use your accrued PTO hours to bring your check up to what you would have earned had you worked your regular schedule.

3.   If your accrued PTO is insufficient to cover your check, we will access a temporary PTO bank to bring your check up to its typical level.  This bank will allow you to run a temporary negative PTO balance.  You will “pay back” the negative PTO balance with future PTO hours you accrue.

 We hope this will provide an extra sense of security and stability for you and your families. 

Please contact our HR Coordinator Jamie Manson at jmanson@beingcreativeworks.org or our Payroll Specialist, Deb Faunce, at dfaunce@beingcreativeworks.org with any questions.  

Stay well,

Stephen

Good Afternoon,

As the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, I would like to again recognize our Direct Support Professionals, who are now more essential than ever to the health and wellbeing of our participants, our mission, and our agency. While many others with non-essential jobs can stay at home, our DSPs continue to step up to their tasks with tremendous courage, fortitude and dedication. Without them, our participants would be vulnerable, uncertain, and in tremendous jeopardy.

This is a moment in time when people are faced with difficult choices, with much that we hold dear hanging in the balance. Our DSPs continue to make brave choices that epitomize their values and commitment to protecting those most in need during this unsettling and worrisome time.

Your work is vital, paramount, and represents everything that we do and everything that we stand for. Because of the services you provide and the people you care for, DSPs are truly and rightfully considered essential personnel. As essential employees, in order to provide the critical services to our participants, we must exempt you from coverage under the Paid Sick and Family Leave Act with regards to COVID-19. For any questions, please contact Stephen Hawkes.

Creative Works recognizes your sacrifice, and will continue to stand by you, support you, and do all that we can to keep you safe and well while you serve our participants with such commitment and heart.

You will certainly continue to access earned time consistent with Creative Works’ policy, and our board and senior leadership continue to explore ways to reward you for your incredible service. You are the true heroes of this period in history, and are an inspiration to all of us.

With my continued thanks and gratitude,

Heidi

Good Afternoon,

I would like to share some extremely useful information published by a Swiss scientist about the biology of viruses. This is excellent, common sense advice on what exactly a virus is, how it thrives, and how best to combat it to keep you, your family, your home, your community, and our participants safe during this pandemic.

•  A virus is not a living organism. It is only a molecule of protein (DNA) covered by a protective layer of fat (or lipids). Since the virus is not a living organism, it doesn’t die. Rather it disintegrates on its own. The length of time it takes to disintegrate depends on temperature, humidity and the type of material it comes into contact with. The virus is able to multiply when on mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth, which is why it is so important to wash your hands frequently, and to avoid touching your face.

•  A virus is very fragile. The only thing that protects it is a thin external layer of fat. Soap or detergents are lethal to a virus because suds break down fats. So when washing your hands, it is vital to lather up for 20 seconds or more to produce as many suds as possible. Once the outer layer of fat is dissolved, the molecule of protein falls apart and the virus disintegrates. 

•  Heat also melts fat, that is why it is best to use water that is at as warm as you can stand to wash your hands, clothes, etc. Hot water also creates more suds and that’s good.

• Rubbing alcohol or any solution that contains more than 65% alcohol will dissolve the outer fat layer of the virus. Alcoholic beverages will not work, as they do not contain 65% pure alcohol. Listerine does work. It is 65% alcohol. 

•  Any mixture of 1-part Clorox and 5-parts water will directly dissolve the protein, which kills it from the inside.

•  100% hydrogen peroxide is also effective at dissolving the protein of the virus, but it is very hard on the human skin, so not ideal.

•  Bacteriacides DO NOT work since they kill living organisms. Since the virus is not a living organism, bacteriacides, antibiotics and antibacterial products are not effective.

•  Vinegar does not work because it doesn’t dissolve the protective layer of fat. 

•  NEVER shake clothes you have worn (or not worn), sheets or anything made of cloth that may have been exposed to the virus. If undisturbed, the virus will naturally disintegrate in:

3 hours if on a porous surface such as clothes

4 hours on copper, which is naturally antiseptic

4 hours on wood

24 hours on cardboard

42 hours on metal

72 hours on plastic

 •  Don’t dust or use a duster as the molecules of the virus will float in the air for up to 3 hours and can lodge in the nose.

The molecules of the virus need humidity and darkness to be stable. It will disintegrate much more rapidly in environments that are dehumidified, dry, and have a lot of light. The more confined space the virus is in, the more concentrated it becomes. Open air and natural ventilation are the best.

Be well!

Heidi

Creative Works recognizes the difficulties we are all are facing during the COVID-19 crisis, and that many of you are using your Paid Time Off (PTO) right now, hours you might have preferred to save for another time.

From March 15, 2020, through December 31, 2020, we are temporarily relaxing our Unpaid Time Off policy:

·        If you are taking approved time off during this period, you must first use your accrued PTO.

·        When that is exhausted, you may request Unpaid Time Off.

·        For every hour of PTO you use during this period, you will be entitled to an hour of Unpaid Time Off to use before December 31, 2020, without the typical restrictions. This provision will make it easier for you to take Unpaid Time Off for any reason.

Unpaid Time Off accrued under these temporary rules will still need to be approved by your supervisor to ensure smooth operation of CW services, but will not be subject to the “special circumstances” requirement. This is a change from our current Policies and Procedures, which only permit Unpaid Time Off in special circumstances.

We recognize that many of you are worried about time off right now. If you have questions about this temporary policy, contact your manager or Stephen Hawkes in HR.

We are doing our best to keep your needs in mind as we move forward. Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation during these trying times. We value every employee, and hope that this temporary policy makes taking time off a little easier for you.

Stay safe,

Stephen

Good Morning, 

As many of you know, Governor Mills has ordered all non-essential Maine businesses and operations to close for two weeks, and the City of Portland announced a Stay at Home Emergency Order. Both of these orders went into effect yesterday at 5 p.m.

These kinds of efforts to reduce movement within our communities is wise in helping to “flatten the curve,” and reduce the spread of COVID-19. But they also necessitate that we provide our staff with proper Essential Employee documentation for the times when they are commuting back and forth to provide care to our participants. 

Given that so many of our employees here at Creative Works are essential to ensuring the health and safety of our participants, especially now, we want to be sure you have these important credentials.

Human Resources is issuing customized, laminated Essential Worker badges, along with personal verification letters, for each of our essential employees who need to travel to and from work, or on behalf of your job, while these ordinances are in place. 

Many of these credentials have already been delivered to staff, with the exception of those in the Augusta area, which Chris Monagle will deliver tomorrow.

Please keep these credentials close at hand and with you at all times, and present them if stopped for any reason by local authorities.

I want to again say how proud I feel at the way our Creative Works community has rallied around both the people we serve, as well as each other. This is exactly the way we are going to get through this. Together.

If you have any questions regarding this documentation, please reach out to Caty Foy or Jamie Manson in Human Resources for assistance.

With thanks,

Heidi

Good Afternoon,

It is after careful consideration that Creative Works has decided to extend our Community Services closure through Friday, April 17, 2020.  The health and safety of our participants and staff is paramount, and we are in agreement with the Governor, the CDC, the Maine CDC, and DHHS that one of the best waysto mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is to limit social gatherings.

Together, by adhering to the guidelines issued by the CDC - social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding social gatherings, we will persevere.  We will continue to keep our families and staff updated as the situation evolves and look forward to re-opening our community services programs when the time is right.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions.

Warm regards,

Heidi

To Everyone on the Creative Works Team, 

As we all attempt to cope with the impact of the coronavirus both at work and at home, I want to remind everyone that we have a wonderful resource at our fingertips that can provide important support to you and your family.

Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is FREE and offers easy-to-use and provides a full range of confidential counseling services to our staff and their families.  EAP is accessible 24/7, and offers mental health and crisis counseling services, legal and financial consultations, and a comprehensive online library of resources, with topics ranging from general and mental health to personal growth and balanced living.

The disruptions created by the Coronavirus can be quite stressful. If either you or a family member is struggling, or if you see a co-worker who is having a tough time, please consider reaching out to our EAP for help.  We are all dealing with additional stress and anxiety due to COVID-19, and it’s important that we take care of ourselves and each other.

Please keep in mind that the EAP Telephone Line is for mental health, financial, and legal assistance only. If you have questions about physical wellness and COVID-19 symptoms, please call your healthcare provider and/or the CDC Hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636). 

For telephone access to EAP services, call 1.800.769.9819.

For online access to EAP support, go to the Workforce EAP Online Library:

Scroll down and click on Read More under the EAP Employee Assistance Program.

Click on Work/Life Services.

Returning users:     

Choose Current clients log in here

Use the login information you created at the time you registered.

First-time users:      

Choose Register

Enter the requested information and choose your own username and password.

Your Company Code is ahc-cws.

If you have any questions about EAP, please contact Emily Bottino in Human Resources at (914) 261-5939. 

Stay well,

Stephen

Hello Everyone, 

I came upon this video produced by Toward Independence, an agency supporting people with disabilities in Ohio.  I was deeply moved as I watched it, as it reminds me of our own incredible team of direct support professionals, so I am sharing it with you now. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBVbytrFcf4&feature=youtu.be

This also gives me another opportunity to reach out directly to you, our DSPs here at Creative Works, with my personal thanks and gratitude.  In this time of upheaval, you are on the front lines, standing side by side with our participants, ensuring consistent and compassionate care.  You are unwavering in your commitment to the people we serve, and your example inspires us all. 

You are our heroes. This video is a tribute to you.

With thanks,

Heidi

Good Afternoon,

Creative Works is very fortunate that our staff and participants are remaining healthy in the midst of the Coronavirus. Thank you for all your attention to health and safety, hand-washing protocols, and heightened cleaning procedures at work! I wanted to take a moment to share some ideas for how to maintain your health, and that of your loved ones, during your important non-work hours. 

Social distancing while you are at home and in the community is a necessary measure we can all take to deter the spread of COVID-19.  While it can be challenging to stay at least six feet away from others in the community, and disappointing to avoid those typical social activities that involve large crowds (sports events, worship, etc.) there is actually no better way to ensure your health and that of your family.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has some additional wonderful and simple suggestions for each of us as we hunker down to prevent the spread of this virus.

• Eat healthy foods.  It helps boost your immune system.

• Get some exercise!  30 minutes a day for adults, an hour for kids.

• Limit your intake of sugary drinks and alcohol.

• Limit your screen time and watching the news for extensive periods of time.

• Wash your hands frequently throughout the day.  This goes for all family members.

• Continue to disinfect commonly used household surfaces and items frequently.

• Children and teens should avoid play dates, sleepovers, and communal gatherings.

• While telecommuting and tele-schooling, make sure to take frequent breaks to get up and move around and give your eyes a rest from constant screen time.

• Dance, do some yoga, even meditate. It is almost time to start gardening!

• Get outside if your community permits it.  Take a run or a bike ride, always being sure to keep a safe social distance.

• Get your creative juices flowing and make something — paint, write in a journal, play an instrument, or try a new recipe.

• Keep in touch with those near and dear — send emails, texts, notes and cards to friends and loved ones so they know they are in your thoughts.

Whether at work or at home, each of you at Creative Works continues to be in my thoughts, and I wish you my very best during these trying times.

Heidi