Dear Citizens Families and Friends, 

I hope this email finds you safe and well.  It is my honor to share with you, week after week, the accomplishments of our team. Yes, COVID-19 has changed many things, but not all. Your Citizens team remains on mission and dedicated to the people we support.

One exceptional team is Citizens nurses, whose skill, care and devotion are setting new standards of excellence. To do so at this time strengthens all of us as a community and inspires us to rise to the new challenges before us. I am proud to share that the nurses’ work, along with supporting DSPs and residential staff, have made it possible for us to celebrate four people recovered from COVID-19 this past week at the Shoreham ICF. While it’s National Nurses Week through May 12, please reach out and recognize the nurses’ critical role now and as we all move forward.  

It truly is a team effort. We have the highest caliber DSPs, and dedicated program and administrative staff. All are focused on creating the best possible services and outcomes. For example, though ComeUnity Sports and Recreation may not be able to meet in person – the industrious team have found ways to bring yoga, bingo and dance to Zoom meetings. Similarly, Camp Loyaltown recently held a Virtual Camp: Culture Club, a program hosted by Unit Leader Jack White with friends from New York, Scotland, England and Jamaica. In a recent session, Nature Counselor Dahlia Cole took everyone on a tour of her home and farm. 

When people are dedicated and passionate about what they do – they will always find a way. There are so many staff giving their all every day for the people we support. It’s for us – Citizens’ network of families, supporters and friends – to increase awareness of who they are and what their jobs mean to us and the wider community.

I urge you to continue advocating for these professionals. I thank everyone who filled out and advocacy letter – but ask you to do so again and again. Right now, it’s unclear when the House of Representatives will be back in session. Out of sight can mean out of mind and the competing priorities of our lawmakers makes it necessary for us to continue advocating. Please add a comment to our Facebook and Instagram posts with #WeAreEssential or send an advocacy letter.

Thank you for your support and trust in us as we move forward and through this health crisis. I send you all my best wishes for good health.  

Sincerely,

Stanfort J. Perry
Executive Director