Continue to Foster a Welcoming Environment to Those in Need
The health and safety of those accessing services, staff, friends, and supporters, continue to be our top priorities. We have developed a multi-staged response that adopts guidelines issued by public health officials and allows us to continue to foster a welcoming environment to those in need. We provide services to more than 3,200 individuals in Greater Boston each year – many of whom have immune systems that can be easily compromised and are disproportionately burdened by health crises. Victory Programs is built on the idea that everyone should have access to services in times of personal or community crises. In light of this pandemic, we uphold that mission and plan to continue to provide the safety, help, and resources, individuals need. To date, there are no confirmed cases within any of our 19 programs, many of which function 24/7.
We are adopting the suggested actions from the CDC, Massachusetts’ Department of Public Health, and the Boston Public Health Commission including: Increased cleaning protocols and access to additional supplies as need be. Instructing employees to stay home if they feel sick and developing options for telecommuting when possible or additional leave when necessary. At the same time, generating plans to ensure there is no disruption in service provision.
Reminding everyone of the importance of hand-washing, universal precautions, and other guidance to limit their COVID-19 risk. Reducing the number of non-essential gatherings including trainings, meetings and events. Engaging those outside of care, including at street-level, on universal precautions while continuing outreach aimed at mitigating other epidemics amidst this outbreak. Limiting the number of “outside” guests including volunteers, interns, supporters and friends who visit programs during this time. As the situation unfolds, we will continue to be responsive and strategic. In this time of great uncertainty, I do know this for sure: We need to stay together, take care of one another, and look after our communities.
