Dear Staff Members:

Earlier today, Governor Cuomo announced that he will be signing an Executive Order mandating that 100% of the New York State’s workforce must stay home, excluding only essential services.  For our organization(s), essential services are Direct Support Professionals, Nursing staff and those staff members whose duties are absolutely necessary to support the safe operation of our Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs).

Therefore, all staff working in agency offices, facilities, maintenance in any location and business lines (cleaning, culinary, greenhouse, and landscaping) are to remain at home beginning tomorrow, March 21, 2020 and should not report to any work location until further notice.  This is a very difficult step, but it is necessary in order to protect everyone’s health.

We are fully committed to supporting our employees through this global health crisis. Please be assured that your jobs are protected and that we look forward to your return to work as soon as this is possible.  During this time:

• You may use any accrued paid time off (including sick time) to continue receiving pay.  If you exhaust your accruals, you will remain an employee on an unpaid leave (furlough), and may apply for unemployment. You will be recognized as temporarily unemployed by the state.
  
  
• If you participate in any health benefit plans through the agency, your benefits coverage will continue without interruption, even while you are on furlough and not receiving pay.

Our Government also recognizes that the current situation is disrupting millions of people’s necessary income, and they are working quickly to develop a variety of financial assistance programs for those unable to work.  We are monitoring this closely, and will advise you as soon as any of these sources become available. 

Please contact Human Resources leadership team if you have any questions, concerns, or requests at 516-626-1075. 

Robert White, Senior Director,  rwhite@ahrc.org, x1266

Craig Wolfson, Director, cwolfson@ahrc.org, x1269

Jason Persan, Assistant Director, jpersan@ahrc.org, x5363 

The health and safety of our employees and their families is of the highest importance to us at all times, and especially during this national emergency.  Please be careful to follow the most recent directives to protect your health and the health of your loved ones.  Thank you. 

Sincerely,

Stanfort J. Perry
Executive Director