September 2020
Dear Friends of STARS Family Services,
With the seasons moving from summer heat to the autumn colors, STARS Family Services is facing a new season of challenge and opportunity. I’m writing to give you an update.
Superheroes
As the residents returned to our homes, there were many adjustments. New protocols, mask wearing in common spaces, no jobs to go to in the early weeks and new rules to follow to keep everyone safe are just a few of the elements to acclimating back into resident life.
Then, as businesses reopened, the return to work meant even more adjustments on the job. Each employer is diligent in their own way to protect their workers including, and especially, our STARS Family Services residents. Not to mention our staff team who has responded to the changing and challenging dynamics with a level of superheroic discipline and grace.
Looking back, one thing that sticks with me is the fun theme that the Washington House had on Fridays throughout the summer. The theme was “Superheroes.” This is significant because I think that’s exactly what our residents and staff have been in many ways: superheroes. Everyone struggles with change to some degree, but in this season of COVID, our residents have defied conventional wisdom and embraced change with spirit and joy as we move back to the homes and work. This has been an encouragement and a challenge to me, so I share it with you. May we all be flexible and gracious.
Residents enjoyed a field trip to give the firefighters some pictures and notes of thanks for their work.
Matt was especially proud of his Scooby-Doo costume he made during the activity time/art corner that took place during the hours when residents are normally working at their jobs.
Increased Protection Means Increased Costs
We want to make you aware of the increased costs we are facing as we move forward with reopening and with SFS life for the rest of the year. We are facing a total increase of $25,000 to cover the following areas:
Increased masks and sanitation materials for all three homes
More frequent deep cleaning by outside professional services
Increased supplies for arts and crafts and other in-home activities Your financial support at this time would help us cover these costs. We also ask for prayer, that generosity would guide the SFS network to stand with us at this challenging time.
Proactive Every Day
Our safety protocols have been a valuable guide for us as we watch for possible virus exposures. We have had several instances where staff have been tested and isolated until results were known. So far, all results have been negative. We deeply appreciate your prayers for our residents and the whole SFS team, that we might stay healthy and positive during this most unusual time.
Thank you,
Tom Paulsen