Dear Member of the Thrive Community,

Earlier this week, Governor Baker declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. At Thrive Support & Advocacy, we are staying updated with the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH), and Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

To keep our participants, families, and staff healthy:

• All YOUTH and ADULT social/recreational activities, social groups, special events, sports, community workshops, and staff trainings ARE CANCELED until further notice. 
• Thrive’s family support center and headquarters remain open for essential assistance. Respite services are still running but the staff are limiting activities in public places.
• Participants who live in the community are being advised on best practices and limiting exposure in public places. They continue to be visited by Thrive staff, and extra supports are available if needed.
• Thrive management has enacted a Continuity of Operations Plan for the entire organization to ensure no disruption of services and define the chain of command in an emergency.
• Thrive’s four community residences have implemented essential cleaning and hygiene protocols to keep staff and residents safe. Only essential employees are permitted in the residences in order to minimize risk.
• All employees who exhibit a dry cough and fever of 100.4° or greater have been instructed to remain home until all symptoms have cleared for at least 48 hours.

To help contain the spread, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is asking that people adhere to the following guidelines:

• Wash hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
• Maintain social distancing (at least 3 feet) between yourself and anyone coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Practice respiratory hygiene – covering your mouth or nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
• Stay informed and follow the advice given by your healthcare provider. https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
• Department of Developmental Services has issued the following information and guidelines to adhere to https://www.mass.gov/doc/english-2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-0/download.
• If you’ve had exposure to the virus, but don’t show symptoms, please inform human resources and self-quarantine for the 14-day incubation period.

Thrive Support & Advocacy will continue to monitor the situation and send updates as new information arises. Check our website www.icanthrive.org for information regarding social activities and programs. For specific questions, please contact the following people:

Adult Social & Recreation – Jim Karami jkarami@icanthrive.org
Family Support Service – Michael Diggins mdiggins@icanthrive.org
General – Kerri Peltak kpeltak@icanthrive.org
Human Resources – wandrews@icanthrive.org
Individual Support Services – Nanette Goldstein ngoldstein@icanthrive.org
Residential Services – Denise Vojackova-Karami dvkarami@icanthrive.org
Youth Services – Caitlin Devaney-Fortwengler cdfortwengler@icanthrive.org

Sincerely,

Denise Vojackova-Karami
Interim CEO and Vice President of Developmental Services
Thrive Support & Advocacy