Announced 11/23/2020

To the Families of KenCrest,

We hope this update finds you and your loved ones well! As you know, the increasing number of COVID-19 cases we’re witnessing across the United States is cause for concern. We are watching the impact on the lives of our staff, the providers of service, the families we support, and communities across the country. Based on guidance received from the State Office of Developmental Programs earlier this month and Pennsylvania’s community transmission data from last week, we have had to make some significant adjustments to our current visitation policy. Additionally, we are closely monitoring the trends and data in both DE and CT. Therefore, our policy decision will apply to all.

Reinforcing this decision, last week on Thursday the CDC shared that “more than 1 million COVID-19 cases were reported in the United States over the last seven days. As cases continue to increase rapidly across the United States, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with. Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19.”

Based on the guidance of the CDC and the state of Pennsylvania and the Office of Developmental Programs, we are implementing the following restrictions and we need your support.

Visitation and Holiday Gatherings:

Unfortunately, at this time and until further notice, we are suspending visits of any kind to all KenCrest homes. Additionally, we ask that you do not take your loved one home to your house or any other establishment for the upcoming holidays, the first of which is Thanksgiving. We will provide a holiday celebration at each of our homes, and we encourage and welcome your phone calls, Face Times, and other virtual visits throughout the day. If you have already made plans and your loved one is aware of those plans, we ask that you let us know. We will support you to make the necessary changes.

Communities Services and Activities:

In Pennsylvania, Day programs (including sheltered workshops) have been directed to close when the community transmission is substantial.  We are cultivating low-risk community activities through our Meaningful Day Initiative. Those activities will continue to provide personalized approaches and team participation. At this time, Individuals competitively employed will continue to work.

Safety is our highest priority. We know that we would all like the pandemic to be over, but we are seeing an alarming increase in cases, and many transmissions are from asymptomatic people. We greatly appreciate your support in helping us to keep all members of the KenCrest staff and all our families safe, as we do our best to keep the people we support connected with the people that love them so dearly.

There is no question that we are all making sacrifices in the interest of ourselves, our families, and our neighbors. If you have any specific concerns or questions about your family member, please call the Program Manager or Personal Outcome Champion. We trust that you have those phone numbers, but if they have been misplaced, please feel free to contact us at safety4kc@kencrest.org, or call the COVID hotline number at 833-329-4333. Thank you and be safe!

Sincerest Regards,

Rosemarie Kehoe
Executive Director of Health Services