As we navigate the crisis created by the coronavirus (C
OVID-19) pandemic, it’s vitally important to stay connected, to create a sense of unity even amid the challenges of social distancing—and to interact in online forums like this one as a community of compassionate, caring citizens with the common goal of making the world around us a better place.
At NAFI CT/RI/NY, that’s part of our mission every day as we provide vital programming, consultation and support services to youth, families and adults across three states. Our network of foster care, services for individuals with developmental needs, residential treatment, and in-home services are part of the larger NAFI/NFI nonprofit human services agency, serving nearly 10 states. In those states and so many others, we now face the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no higher priority than protecting our health, safety, and well-being. Take care of yourself and your family first—but also take care to understand the threats the virus poses, how it spreads, what you should do if you feel ill, and how to live in a new, sequestered way that comes with challenges but helps ensure the greater good.
In addition to monitoring news coverage of the coronavirus and best practices to avoid risk and exposure, we urge everyone to review the latest information on the coronavirus from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and from state governments. To do so in our region, follow the links below.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
https://health.ri.gov/diseases/ncov2019/
If we all work together and take appropriate measures, we will get through this together. I believe
this—I know this—from witnessing the amazing grace under fire being shown by my NAFI colleagues. We’re in a time of crisis in this country and the people in this agency are willing to help out and offer support and suggestions in ways I never imagined.
I want to reiterate what we said in a recent Facebook post acknowledging the incredible work being done by hundreds of NAFI CT/RI/NY employees, caregivers, and foster parents. They’re working longer, constantly adjusting schedules, deep cleaning and disinfecting program environments, and doing much more to ensure our staff and consumers are safe and protected during these challenging times. I can’t even begin to express the appropriate level of gratitude for the congregate care employees who support our clients in 24-hour care.
None of this selfless service should surprise me. The response of those I’m privileged to work with on our essential and often life-changing mission is simply the purest expression of who they are as people. Witnessing the human potential to rise above even the most dire challenges is not just inspiring—it’s an embodiment of exactly why we all need to work together unselfishly to conquer the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Be safe, be well, be kind, and take care of everyone around you who might need help.
Lynn Bishop
Executive Director
NAFI Connecticut | Rhode Island | New York
