Chronology of main 5 events:
On 27 Feb 2020, the Quebec health authorities announced the first presumptive case of COVID-19 in the province.
On Wed 11 March, COVID-19 declared pandemic by World Health Organization.
On Friday 13 March, CCS suspends all public contact programs, announces all staff, except skeleton staff, will work from home for 2 weeks ending 27 March, following Quebec declaration of state of emergency and closing of all schools and community centres.
On Sunday 22 March, Quebec orders schools will remain closed until at least May 1
On Monday 23 March, Quebec orders closing of all offices and non-essential services, effective midnight Tuesday 24 March, until 13 April. (including skeleton staff).
CCS continues working for our community:
During this period and for the foreseeable future, CCS carries on working diligently to reach out to its participants and deliver the required reporting to major funders, as our financial year closes on 31 March. Here are examples of the activities and services being undertaken:
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- Phone calling on seniors from our relevant programs
- Arranging for the delivery of cooked frozen meals to seniors and families. These people are added to the food security services already offered by one of our partner organisations where our Early Head Start program runs.
- “It’s Spring!” Art competition being run for all families with children who attend or even just contacted CCS to join our children’s programs. Selected entries will be displayed on our Facebook pages for the world to see! Prizes (Indigo gift cards) are obtained and distributed virtually so no physical contact is necessary. Children are engaging!
- Outreach to program participants regarding difficulties they may face due to the lockdown and school closures. We anticipate passing on relevant information and directing enquiries to our partner connections in the various levels of government or community tables.
- Updating and critical information distribution via Facebook platform.
- Mental health conference for high school children (Mighty Minds) that was due to be held on March 31 has been cancelled. This is being replaced by the creation and distribution of an informative booklet in conjunction with partner organisation AMI Quebec, who will contribute to content and foreword. They are also working remotely and are keen to contribute to any initiative with a positive mental health prognosis.
- Creation and updating of reference materials that back up our children’s programs by our educators and departmental managers.
- Extensive year end reporting on Network and Community Social Health programs. Also virtual meetings with community tables.
- Management functions continue through:
- Electronic team meetings
- All payroll functions handled remotely
- Direct deposit banking functions conducted remotely
- Cloud based accounting systems being administered remotely (with financial year end approaching)
- CHSSN webinars attended remotely
- Board meetings delivered though new videoconferencing platform
The last government announcement regarding schools, where CCS runs many of its youth programs, was that they will remain closed until 1 May 2020 (meaning Monday 4 May). It is likely that the closures will extend for the remainder of the school year. CCS will continue to reach out to our participants to maintain connection and provide relevant remote services during this period.
CCS staff will remain out of our offices until at least 13 April, and will be working from home until then.
Further announcements will be made as the situation unfolds.
We, on behalf of our community, sincerely appreciate the ongoing support and guidance from our donors, funders and sponsors during these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Vaughan Roche
CEO
