CADES Community Updates
Issue 8: February 26, 2021
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Dear Friends and Family,
It’s hard to believe it has almost been one year since the pandemic first disrupted how we live, work, learn and connect with one another. While it has been challenging, difficult, and sad, it has also shown us how resilient we can be.
This week, as we mourn more than 500,000 lives lost from COVID-19, including 7 incredible people from our own CADES CLA family, we take a moment to remember the sacrifice of so many during this time – essential Direct Support Professionals, Managers and Nurses on the front line; Teachers, Therapists and Paraeducators who have been agile and creative to ensure our students are still thriving and learning, parents and family members continually adjusting to this new normal, caregivers trying to keep their loved ones safe. And the greatest sacrifice of all – those who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19.
Although a grim milestone, it is a reminder that this fight isn’t over. We need to be steadfast when it comes to all safety measures while keeping the faith that there is a better tomorrow.
To those who are grieving, I’m sorry on behalf of the entire CADES community. Please know we are here for you – you are seen, loved and not alone.
We have shown our resolve as a community this past year, and we will as a community find our way continuing to work together and heal together.
You are in all my thoughts,
Julie Alleman
CADES CEO
CADES UPDATES
Vaccination Progress: As of February 22nd, we are celebrating 49% of all CADES employees have gotten vaccinated against COVID-19! With 20 more staff signed up for the next CADES clinic, we will move to 53% vaccinated! We are excited for the 231 staff who have participated in the early rounds of vaccination and we will continue to support and educate staff to make the same life-saving decision. By the numbers:
› GCMS 65% 64 staff
› Early Intervention 66% 19 contactors
› Adult Day 62% 8 staff
› CLA 44% 120 staff * (as of 3/9)
› Administration 85% 23 staffThank you for helping to keep your family, friends and CADES community healthy!
Employee Town Halls in March:
We will be holding town hall meetings for each department in March. Staff are very much encouraged to participate at the time of the Town Halls to actively participate and ask questions. The Town Halls will be recorded and posted on Relias for those who cannot participate in person. Dates will be posted in upcoming newsletters and in epesi.
CLA UPDATES
Parent Visitation: CLA is happy to announce that parent visitation should resume in March. Stay on the lookout for a communication in the next few weeks!
Staff Shout Out: During the winter weather, 40 staff agreed to a live in to make sure there was coverage for 27 of the CLA’s. Words can’t express how grateful we are to every staff who lived in and/or braved the roads to make it to their shift through Mother Nature’s fury.
Welcome New Managers & Nurse to CLA: We have added 3 new, energized team members to support the CLA community. We welcome Brima Karma, Program Manager for Norwinden, Parkridge, Barren and Thomas; Alpha Barrie, Program Manager for Havertown Condos and Rose Valley; and Sharon Polites, LPN, nurse for Shepherd, Valley Green, Rose Valley and Springhouse.
ADULT DAY PROGRAM UPDATES
Weekly yoga: This week was Adult Day’s first-ever zoom yoga session! Everyone was excited to participate and practice some yoga stretches with Emily Shaff from Blue Tortoise Yoga in Aston. Thank you, Emily!
GEORGE CROTHERS MEMORIAL SCHOOL UPDATES
Onsite library: CADES is launching a literacy initiative in Spring 2021, with plans to develop an on-site library! We have begun developing a catalog of print materials and media for our students to have greater literacy opportunities. This summer, the group will move everything into the designated library space and start organizing materials. Stay tuned for more information about how you can be involved! Please contact Elizabeth Vollmer for more information (Elizabeth.vollmer@cades.org).
COMMUNITY CORNER
April Shull, a paraprofessional at GCMS, has done an amazing job with the special events committee, bringing fun to GCMS during the pandemic:
“I have worked at CADES for 20 years I’m usually the one in the halls with a tutu on! I enjoy educating and entertaining children of all ages! CADES really does have the best people and I’m happy to be a part of the CADES family! I recently started the Fun Committee, and we can’t wait to bring fun activities to CADES!. #CADESstrong”
– April Shull, Paraprofessional
"Only people who are capable of loving strongly can also suffer great sorrow, but this same necessity of loving serves to counteract their grief and heals them."
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”
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