March 17, 2020
To: Our beloved community of resilient New Yorkers,
The health and well-being of our entire community, including each of you, is always at the forefront of our thinking, but especially now in the current COVID-19 environment. Our entire team is working daily to assess and reassess the situation on the ground and be responsive to ensure our communities’ needs are met to the maximal extent during this crisis, while also ensuring the health and well-being of our staff. We are writing to share important information about steps we are taking to meet the challenge of COVID-19.
The largest change is that our school and center-based services have been suspended at the direction of public health officials to reduce congregation of population and potential spread of the virus. We are adjusting plans for service delivery and will advise you how we will provide available services in new ways over the coming days and weeks. So please stay tuned to our social media and posts.
The following actions are effective immediately:
- We are pausing in-person programming, including school and center-based programs. Individual Program Managers and staff will be contacting current clients with updates.
- We are working to adjust and scale up virtual and remote methods for our community to connect and get support. If you have a question about how to access necessary service please email PN@phippsny.org.
- Case management will happen by phone with all clients to replace in person meetings.
- Our transitional shelter and supportive housing remain in operation.
- Additional cleanings and sanitization measures are required at all sites in operation. Staff members on site are required to keep a safe social distance between all people on site.
- Phipps Neighborhoods staff will be working remotely where possible, and staggering on-site work schedules where needed. We are deeply grateful to the members of our staff who are continuing to do their jobs on site to ensure the safety of residents and clients at our operational facilities.
If you have not already done so, please refer to the CDC.gov website for the latest guidance on how to protect yourself or respond if you think you are sick. If you need help getting medical care, call 311. For real-time local updates, text “COVID” to 692-692. Message and data rates may apply.
It is a challenge for an organization, that has at its core the mission of bringing people together to bring about positive change, to now encourage us to keep our distance. But that is where we are. We will continue to find ways to be nimble in supplying vital services remotely and virtually. We will continue to update you about how our Phipps Neighborhoods community is rising to this incredible challenge. If you are able, please consider supporting us as we work to meet the increasing needs of our most at-risk community members.
Personally, I wish you and your family health and togetherness (whether virtual or within your household) during this time. Take care of yourself and each other. We are taking drastic, difficult, measures today in order to protect each other and for that I am very proud of you, of Phipps’ staff, and of our City and State.
