Updates July 12-18

This week began our weekly Town Hall Series. We hope that you continue to find them informative and are able to join us on Mondays at either 3:30 or 4:30pm.
 
No positive cases for the individuals supported by CSS or employees.  It has now been over seven weeks without positive cases for the individuals supported at CSS, thanks in large part to all the direct support professionals that have been diligently following all the safety protocols that have been put in place.
 
CSS also continues to offer more programs and activities.   Last week we introduced a park activity where individuals and the staff that support them meet another CSS employee at a local park to take nature hikes, do scavenger hunts, play outdoor games, as well as table top games, and more.  This activity has been very successful, and many people have reported that they have enjoyed it a lot.  In response to this positive feedback we are adding additional times so people can start enjoying this activity twice a week.  
 
This week we also started arranging for individuals to get their hair cut.  One of CSS’s employees who has experience cutting hair is going house to house giving haircuts to those that need them.  Hair cuts are being done outside with safety being the highest priority.  
 
We say goodbye to our Summer Dietetic Intern, Ashley White from the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill).  While the Food for Thought Classes continue, we are expanding our service via That's A Wrap.  Starting next week all residences will be participating in a new cooking class and receiving a "sheet supper" meal kit with clients choosing the component ingredients and preparing the meal.  This activity will be supported by an online zoom class with Janice Goldschmidt. This class will focus on how to safely prepare meals while providing individuals with choices on what they want to prepare and eat.
 
The teams have been soliciting ideas for new groups and activities, both virtual and in person. Please continue to share any feedback and suggestions.
 
The school is currently in the middle of its summer session. Students are participating via virtual learning, however the Marcia D Smith School is offering the options of hybrid and in-person learning beginning on August 25th. Currently, approximately half of the day students are opting for in-person learning. The school is working with facilities to ensure that the spaces in the school are clean and ready for use in August when the fall session begins.
 
Day Services is consistently seeing above 90% attendance.  Day staff continue to provide support virtually via Zoom activity groups and providing 1:1 virtual supports.  In addition to the virtual schedule CSS is providing direct support services in the home and community. 

Behavioral support continues to be provided by the psychology department.  The team is reaching out to families, completing observations virtually, training, caseload consultations etc. The program continues to stay in line with all other DDA regulations  in conjunction with the Quality Assurance Team.   PCP (Person Centered Plan) planning continues as well as service requests to maintain compliance and retain individual services.  

This week the Children’s Program added VisArts virtual classes to the schedule. Requests for additional virtual and direct support for children continue to grow. Every new participant requires individual supplies and unique community schedules. The next summer supply kit will be distributed next week. the new kit will include home workout supplies, like a weighted medicine ball, a resistance band, a jump rope, agility ladder, and yoga mat.

  
Survey Closes this Weekend!
It's your last chance to tell the board your opinions about CSS performance both before and after the COVID-19 health crisis. If you haven't completed the survey yet it is closing Sunday at midnight.  All of your comments are read by the CSS Board of Directors. You can find the survey here: https://tinyurl.com/CSS-Survey2020. 
 
Weekly Virtual Activity Schedule
Online Group Schedules and descriptions are attached. 
https://mcusercontent.com/6f38916cd33142064149d80ee/files/81169e06-810e-41e1-a91b-44af245f8113/Schedule_on_Zoom_July_19_25.pdf
and
https://mcusercontent.com/6f38916cd33142064149d80ee/files/2dd86586-91da-409c-9b7b-e16f1e7bd01c/Zoom_Group_Descriptions_2_.pdf
 
Please discuss individual schedules with the case manager.

Enjoy your weekend and we hope to see you this week.
 

Best,
Ashley Chatneuff
Communications Coordinator