Covid 19

A Message from President & CEO Mindy Cervoni

Dear Families and Advocates,

As we move forward and continue to work together through these challenging times, I would like to reassure you that 100% of our attention is focused on the safety and well-being of your loved ones and the staff that support them.  Our agency is keeping up to date with the latest guidelines from the New York State Department of Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Center for Disease Control and Prevention. We are strictly adhering to all mandates and are working to ensure every precaution is taken to keep those living in our residences healthy, happy and safe. Those who are supported by our agency as well as our employees have been provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, gowns and masks.

New policies have been in place since the outbreak of COVID-19. As of late, all employees have been provided with masks and are required to wear them while working at IRA’s or when providing support and services where social distancing is not possible. We are monitoring the health of our employees and those we support, for example, in IRA’s we are monitoring temperatures of both staff and residents. Also, we have a procedure in place in the event a staff member reports feeling ill while working. We are adhering to the guidelines from OPWDD when it comes to isolation and/or quarantine as it applies to both those supported and our employees.

Furthermore, providing continued education is a vital component to preventing the spread and stopping exposure. Our employees and individuals supported have been instructed on how to maintain good hygiene and ways to prevent transmission, including the importance of social distancing. Each residence is well stocked with food and medications. Employees from across the agency have stepped up to help ensure procedures are properly in place and groceries are getting to the houses safely.

We know this time is difficult for those we support and their families. Each residence is finding their own ways to keep busy and pass time together. We hear great stories from our employees talking about the activities, crafts, games, and use of electronic devices to keep occupied.  We want to ensure that family contact is kept virtually during these times. Our agency is doing our best to maintain social distance and adhere to all the recommendations provided by government officials.

Please remember to take care of yourself during this time to prevent illness and exposure. We are working around the clock to provide excellent care to your loved one. Please know that their safety and wellness is our top priority at this time. If you wish to connect with a loved one remotely, please reach out to the site manager if you need assistance. We are all together, apart!

As always, we encourage you to stay in contact with us. Our dedicated email address and phone line is operational to help make it easier to share any concerns at Covid19@csevery1.com or 716-883-8888, ext 707.

Stay safe and healthy,
Mindy Cervoni

Please consult the following resources for the most up-to-date information regarding
COVID-19 Coronavirus:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

New York State Department of Health

Erie County Department of Health

For concerns regarding COVID-19:

Email covid19@csevery1.com or call 716-883-8888, Ext 707

Update

Per guidelines from OPWDD, effective immediately, all Community Services for Every1 Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) will suspend all visitations, with the exception of medical or clinical necessity. In an attempt to contain COVID-19, we are implementing this new policy to protect the health and well-being of the people who live in our residences.

 Please note, that any medically essential visitors will still be subject to our screening process and anyone who presents symptoms of illness, has recently traveled to higher at risk areas labeled by the CDC, or has been in contact with those who may be exposed to COVID-19, will not be allowed to enter the site.

 We understand this is a confusing and fearful time. Because the coronavirus is highly contagious for up to 14 days before a carrier is presenting symptoms, it is important we continue to practice social distancing for everyone’s safety. Many of the individuals we support are at a higher risk for complications than the general public. Our goal is to keep everyone safe and healthy during this time of uncertainty. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 716-883-8888 ext. 707 or COVID19@csevery1.com.