Updated: Monday, March 16, 2020
As the evolution and impacts of Covid-19 continue, we see change in our neighbourhoods, our County and our Country. We, at LCIHCS are still working to support the women and children who access our services.
Our residential programs and crisis line supports remain operational with additional screening and precautions. Our Community Support programs are still operational but at this time all group services have been cancelled until further notice.
In the coming days we will continue to monitor the situation and intend to have staff reaching out to clients, exploring counselling support alternatives and ensuring that clients in need are responded to.
We realize that despite the current health crisis and concerns, your home may not be safe. For many, safety remains the biggest concern and self isolation or remaining at home for some is actually contrary to safety and in fact, increases risk.
Courage and strength to all as we navigate forward.
Please know that our crisis line is available 24/7 and our team remains committed to working with clients in a manner that optimizes safety outcomes for all.
Many of you may shop at our As Good As New Store. In the best interest of the store, our volunteers and our community, the store will be closed from March 17, 2020 and we hope to open March 30th but we will reassess regularly as per the directives of our health leaders.
Thank you. We’re in this together.
Friday, March 13, 2020
The safety, health and well-being of our volunteers, partner agencies, clients, and staff is a top priority for Lanark County Interval House & Community Support (LCIHCS). We are in close contact with Leeds, Grenville & Lanark Public Health to ensure we have up to date details on the COVID-19 virus.
We are already discussing and planning to ensure that service disruptions will be limited, if at all, depending on the direction and information we continue to receive. Our team is still providing direct services and we are planning for how to maintain service should seeing folks face to face in community support become a barrier to safety for all. Women and children’s safety, access to support and respect for their journey to live a life free from violence remains our focus, and our commitment. There may be limitations and alternate formats offered and implemented as necessary and our team of amazing advocates will be in touch with clients directly. If clients choose to remain in their homes, counsellors will respect choice and approach service with creativity, confidentiality and safety at the center.
Community members may fine this situation troubling creating additional challenges in day to day navigation. Know our crisis line is available 24/7. Isolation and fear may be exacerbated and trauma impacts are far reaching so please reach out, be gentle with yourself and stay engaged.
From the CDC we understand; the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children.
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. The emotional impact of an emergency on a person can depend on the person’s characteristics and experiences, the social and economic circumstances of the person and their community, and the availability of local resources. People can become more distressed if they see repeated images or hear repeated reports about the outbreak in the media.
Things you can do to support yourself:
- Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19.
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do some other activities you enjoy to return to your normal life.
- Connect with others. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships.
- Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking
We appreciate that everyone has questions about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how this will be managed by LCIHCS. We are actively following the latest updates and recommendations made by Leeds, Grenville & Lanark Public Health, who recommends the following actions to lessen the potential spread of colds, flu and viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands with soap
- Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hands
- If possible, stay home if you are sick – If possible, stay home from work/school if sick (as always, if any concerns, seek medical attention)
- Avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick
- Do not share personal items that come into contact with saliva such as toothbrushes, eating utensils, drinks, water bottles, and towels
Follow Leeds, Grenville & Lanark Public Health for current updates
We will do our best to keep you up to date. We continue to keep the health and safety of all of our clients, partners, tenants, volunteers and staff central in all of our decisions and actions.
In Solidarity,
Erin Lee, ED, LCIHCS
