The Coronavirus Pandemic
In early 2020 , we all learned of the novel Coronavirus , and had to adapt to the fast-paced updates about the spread of COVID-19 .
During this unprecedented year , Home of the Innocents assured the community the health and safety of those we serve and our team members were our highest priorities .
Following the guidelines laid out by Governor Beshear , the Cabinet for Health and Family Services , and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , our team worked diligently to create and modify plans as the pandemic unfolded , working to minimize the risk for our residents , clients , and team members .
While our nation faces uncertainty , those in our care still need us . Throughout the pandemic , our residents are here with team members committed to taking care of them 24 hours a day .
The team members of our Kosair Charities Pediatric Convalescent Center ( KCPCC ) provide care for the most vulnerable children of our Commonwealth . They are extremely susceptible to contagious viruses , and we limited access to that area of the campus to anyone who isn ’ t an essential provider of care . We restricted access to our Residential Treatment and Emergency Shelter area and closed our Aquatic Therapy Center to the public . Non-emergency services provided at Open Arms Children ’ s Health were temporarily suspended . All of this was an effort to minimize any spread of the virus among our residents and team members .
More than ever in our history , direct care team members have taken on the roles of parents and caretakers 24 / 7 for all the kids under our roof . Kids in our residential program are unable to leave campus , putting additional responsibility of activities , education , and treatment directly on our team members . In KCPCC residents have not been able to visit with their families and loved ones in person since March , adding a level of anxiety and sadness for everyone .
This outbreak impacted resources for our organization and all non-profit organizations . Despite the challenges of COVID-19 , our dedicated team members rose to the challenge to keep our children safe and healthy , continuing to provide our extensive list of programs and services in innovative and different ways , and create an environment that is supportive for one another . Each team member was asked to do so much more this year . Whether they were fully gowned and masked , forced to work remotely , or simply exhausted from the nonstop stresses each day brings , we simply could not deliver our mission without our 600 compassionate and giving team members .
We are fortunate to have the incredible support of our Board of Directors , Associate Board of Directors , and committee members . They give the gift of their time and expertise to strengthen our mission and keep us moving forward to serve the children and families of our community . Without being able to physically be with us on-site , they shifted quickly to virtual support with limitless encouragement .
Our large team of community volunteers provide an incredible investment of their time helping with various projects or events . Without being able to be on-site , many shifted to providing virtual interactions with the children we serve in our programs . These interactions truly brightened our children ’ s days .
Finally , our organization continues to receive an abundance of support from across our community . During a time when their support was more important than ever , their solid belief in our mission has helped ensure we will be here for the children and families that we know will need us tomorrow .