A message from our President and CEO, Diane Gould:
Vaccines, boosters, workforce crisis, and inflation. The past few years have been the most challenging in Advocates history. More than 900 individuals and staff tested positive and recovered from COVID-19. Twenty-one lost their lives to complications related to the virus. Countless others experienced mental health challenges due to the pandemic. Despite so much loss and heartache, staff came to work every day with two goals in mind – keeping individuals safe and filling every week with joy.
In the early days of sheltering in place, Zoom singalongs and bingo games kept us going. As the pandemic continued, car parades and drive-through activities helped everyone stay upbeat. Once vaccine rates increased and infection levels decreased, individuals began returning to programs, and we began planning outdoor activities. A group of families and staff went to a Worcester Red Sox game. The Day Services team organized a carnival. And we held our 6th Annual See Me 5K and our Company BBQ for the first time in years.
And what a joy it was to be together again! So many smiles. So many hugs. So much laughter — as well as a few tears... READ MORE.