The COVID-pandemic has been difficult for all of us. Let us tell you one of many of stories of how EPI has risen challenge in creative and resourceful ways.
Nick, a 19-year old who sustained a serious brain injury as a young child, has been receiving Community Habilitation from EPI for the past 10 years. Community Habilitation is a one-on-one service that supports people in developing the social skills they need to live as safely and as independently as possible. When Nick first started services, he absolutely refused to leave the house. Dayna Wells, Nick’s first staff and now current program manager, spent her first two weeks with Nick patiently getting to know him and finding something that would entice him to leave the house. Dayna discovered that Nick loved The Cat in the Hat, and she persuaded him to go to the library.
Fast forward 10 years, and Nick had blossomed into a social butterfly who is always on the go. With David, Nick’s current Community Habilitation staff, Nick was going to the YMCA several times a week to exercise and swim. Nick also enjoyed shopping and attending programs at the Webster Recreation Center. Nick took jujitsu classes and mentored some of the younger learners.
But when COVID-19 hit in March, Nick, like all of us, was stuck inside. Seeing his friends online, or playing video games with David, was just not enough. Nick had difficulty coping with the loss of his active life. He regressed, became withdrawn, and often cried. David, witnessing Nick’s struggle, approached Nick and his mom with the idea of socially-distant bike rides. Nick jumped at the idea, and in April, wearing their winter coats and new face masks, Nick and David took their first of many bike rides.
Nick’s mom reports, “I’m so grateful for David. His idea of bike rides was amazing for Nick. After struggling so much with quarantine, bike riding with David gave Nick the physical activity and ability to explore his community that he needed.”
In May, as the weather turned nicer, the bike rides got longer and longer. Nick would come home full of life and energy. He eagerly told his parents about all the sights he saw on his rides. Nick, the social butterfly, was back.
Nick’s story is one of many.
Whether it was hosting a virtual summer camp or facilitating an outdoor, socially distant luncheon for our self-advocates, our commitment to person-driven services has never been stronger, and we are proud of what we’ve accomplished in these challenging times.
Not only has EPI continued to support the people who choose us for services in unique and creative ways, but we are proud to report that we have had no incidences of COVID-19 cases among the people in our care.
Also, while the State of New York mandated that we close several programs, we did not lay off any employees, instead opting to redeploy staff to open programs and offer voluntary furloughs for staff who were at high risk.
COVID, however, has been a strain on our resources. In addition to a loss of revenues, we incurred new expenses for personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, air filtration systems for our group homes, and urgent work space modifications.
Now more than ever, we need your help. Your gift, in any amount, will help ensure EPI remains a strong support for people with brain injuries, developmental disabilities, and epilepsy – now and in the future.
