Updates August 9-15

No individuals or employees tested positive in the past week for COVID-19.  The individuals and employees previously mentioned who tested positive for COVID-19 are all doing well.  Currently, all residences supported by CSS, except for one, are out of quarantine and the last house is due to come out of quarantine next week.  As always, we continue to closely monitor all individuals to identify any symptoms of the illness.  
 
We continue to have test results that are pending and we are continuing to test whenever we think it is necessary now that testing for COVID-19 is more available in Montgomery County. As always, we will send out notifications of any positive test results.
 
 
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The Self-Advocacy Group presented during this past week’s Town Hall. Individuals who participate in the group gave a history of what they have learned and accomplished and they explained why it is important for everyone to stick up for themselves and to share what they need and want. Additionally, we heard speeches from three individuals as each expressed an idea they have for a virtual group they think CSS should add to the schedule. If you’re not familiar with the Self-Advocacy Group this is a wonderful opportunity to discover more about it. If you know of someone who might benefit and enjoy learning ways to self-advocate the group is always looking for new members. Contact Ashley to find out more about joining, achatneuff@css-md.org. 
 
 
Janice Goldschmidt continues to host four weekly Food for Thought classes; recent topics included a tour of a farmers market, a look at 'mouth feel' and a discussion of how changing the texture of a food changes the taste.  Online classes in support of the sheet suppers occur on Thursday and Friday afternoons. Families not part of residential services who would like to have their children participate should reach out for details.  Contact Janice Goldschmidt, jgoldschmidt@css-md.org for more information.
 
The Psychology Department is rolling out a protocol to introduce mask wearing to individuals who have been reluctant to use one properly. The goal is for everyone to tolerate and perhaps even enjoy wearing a mask.  The department has begun with only a few houses and plans to expand. 
 
Children’s Services planned and assembled the final summer kit for the grant, as well as, completing the press release and final report for the grant. The final kit was delayed due to several participants being on vacation. This kit is the most challenging yet; it is the basic kitchen supply and simple snack prep kit. We began delivering them on Friday and the rest will be distributed this week. In addition, everyone is collaborating with the school to design schedules and staffing as individuals transition into school programs in a few weeks. The team is communicating with families on what may be needed or changing as MCPS has officially determined their school programs will remain virtual. With the new school year on the horizon, the team has also begun working with students who will be transitioning into adult services at the end of the 2021 school year. 
 
Day Services continues to provide direct support services in the home and in the community.  
Some of the activities that individuals participate in include, but are not limited to; hiking at local parks, cooking activities, games,  art activities (photography,) and Zoom Groups (fitness, music etc.) In addition, many of the in-home models focus on specific ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) that directly relate to the individual being supported.  The program continues to operate with a reduced supervisory and staff team, however an additional program supervisor was transitioned back to provide some needed support.  Welcome back Jurgen Frenz! 
 
Trivia Night! You may have received an email about an upcoming Trivia Night Fundraiser which will take place on September 15th at 7pm. We will discuss it in more detail at the Town Hall tomorrow and more information will be provided this week. We hope to make this a monthly occurrence and think that it will be fun!
 

Weekly Virtual Activity Schedule
Online Group Schedules and descriptions are attached. 
https://mcusercontent.com/6f38916cd33142064149d80ee/files/2ae658f3-b782-443c-be13-c9351e88af5f/Schedule_on_Zoom_Aug_16_22.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