Updates September 6-12

Over this past week, one individual who receives day habilitation and personal support services through CSS tested positive for COVID-19. This individual was symptomatic, however, appears to be doing much better now.  The individual is at home in isolation. The support staff who works with the individual has also tested positive and is in isolation. 
 
Additionally, three other direct support staff tested positive and all three are now isolating. The families of the individuals who are receiving services at the houses where two of these employees work, as well as the teams, have been notified of the positive cases. The direct support staff who are continuing to support the individuals at the houses where there has been exposure, have been trained on how to use N95 masks, and are all using full PPE to protect themselves. Nursing continues to provide oversight and is monitoring the individuals for any changes in their symptoms.  The third employee who tested positive does not have any direct contact with individuals or other employees, or CSS property.
 
As previously mentioned, CSS continues to test both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals and employees to try and identify cases so we can isolate occurrences and reduce or prevent the spread.
 
 
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The Marcia D Smith School completed another successful week of in-person and virtual learning. The students accessing in-person programming are enjoying multiple park outings during the week, which include a variety of activities such as scavenger hunts and art projects. This week the school will be rolling out additional virtual groups as well as expanding current groups. Additionally, this week, as part of National DSP week, the school will be hosting mini celebrations throughout the week to recognize the amazing school and children's residential staff.
 
During this past week’s Town Hall we heard about a new activity at Riley’s Lock. Wayne Gregory, Assistant Director of Vocational Training gave a presentation showing all of the activities individuals can do at the Lock. Wayne had been temporarily working in the full program assisting in house management and is in the process of transitioning back to Day Services. Individuals will be going to Riley’s Lock on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We expect to hear a lot more from everyone about this activity in the near future.
 
We also met with two new employees. Brittany Fernholz the Director of Clinical Outcomes. This is a brand new position within CSS created to evaluate policies and procedures. She will be supporting CSS with different initiatives with her initial focus related to COVID-19. Olayemi Johnson is the new Director of Nursing and she has this note to share:
 
 

Dear Friends and Families of Community Support Services (CSS),

Working with individuals with special needs and vulnerable people is my calling and passion. During my early days, compassion and empathy have driven my interaction with other people, seeing people as the person they are, and not judging them by their health condition, physical appearance, communication challenges, age, religion, or sex. 
 
Let me introduce myself and my journey to this point. I started my nursing career as a Home Health Aide in home health care. As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), I worked in a group home in Washington, DC, with clients with behavioral, mental, and physical disabilities. As a Registered Nurse, I continued to work in the group home and later moved to an acute care setting where I was a Nurse Supervisor, and later as a Clinical Care Coordinator. I found my experience rewarding, and I decided to commit my education and career goals into serving the vulnerable population. My career path has shaped itself to mental and behavioral health nursing with community inclusion and transition.
 
I found the mission of Community Support Services, Inc. to align with my career goals and passion. This lead me to accept the Director of Nursing position at this organization during this pandemic period.
 
This pandemic has been a challenge to every organization, state, nation, and the world at large. We all have an obligation to one another to keep everyone safe and together to fight and defeat this unseen enemy called COVID-19. I want to thank everyone for understanding and working with CSS in terms of visitation restrictions and the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
 
Thank you.
Olayemi Johnson, BSN, RN.
 
 
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Trivia Night! Don’t forget to register your team to compete in our first Trivia Night FUNrai$er! It will take place on September 15th at 7pm.You can register or donate here: https://css-md.secure.force.com/events/cnp_paas_evt__ExternalRegistrationPage?event_id=a1t3m0000074O0uAAE&tid=a15150000021pyhAAA&

Weekly Virtual Activity Schedule
Online Group Schedules and descriptions are attached. 
https://mcusercontent.com/6f38916cd33142064149d80ee/files/692d0a94-7c2f-4b1e-ae2a-6f01ccd4f9ff/Schedule_on_Zoom_Sept_13_19.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