Essential Employee Bonuses 4.26.20

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