July 1, 2020
As much as we wanted to welcome our wonderful Day Program participants back to our campus for our Day Program Pilot Re-opening on July 1st, the time is not yet right for this to happen. There simply is too much risk for our participants to do so at this time. We know you understand that our concern for the well-being of our Amazing Place family—our participants, families, caregivers, staff, and volunteers—outweighs all other factors.
In the meantime, we do want to share some good news. Because of the terrific reception we have received from our participant and caregiving families on our virtual Day Program and Connections Program offerings, we are now looking to expand our virtual programming. We will continue both our live and recorded on-line programs and are looking to support them through a subscription fee for this service in the future.
Additionally, we are now ready to pilot a new virtual class this summer called Memory Boosters for those who have previously taken Memory Training. Memory Boosters are brush up sessions (each one is 90 minutes in length) to review memory enhancement techniques and learn new memory strategies.
Amazing Place is a safe and welcoming environment for all those who are affected by the challenges of dementia. In these times, when our population is also the most severely impacted by the threat of COVID-19, we must work smarter, harder, and more effectively than ever before with limited resources. Never have our guiding principles of faith, hope, and charity been more important. And never have we been more driven by our belief in the importance of caring for all who seek our help.
MAY 14, 2020
We are now anticipating a July 1 re-start date for our on-site programming. This delay is based on many considerations. The determining factor, of course, is the health and safety of our Day Program participants. While we had originally hoped to open again at the beginning of June, local experts are warning of an anticipated jump in new cases in the coming weeks as people return to work and begin putting the new rules of social distancing in practice. We know this is disappointing news as we are all anxious to return to a regular schedule and see our friends. At the same time, we know you understand that our concern for the well-being of our Amazing Place family—our participants, families, caregivers, staff, and volunteers—outweighs all other factors.
When we do re-open, we are planning on a phased approach that will include new health precautions including social distancing protocols, masks for all in the building, daily questionnaires, daily temperature screenings, and enhanced cleaning practices. More on that in the coming weeks.
Amazing Place is here for you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We will continue to do our very best to make sure you have the care, comfort, and support you expect from us. We look forward to connecting with you soon and will keep you updated as we learn more.
MARCH 30, 2020
In response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, we have made the difficult decision to continue postponing all on-site Day Program services and in-person Connections Programs until June 1.
While we are disappointed by having to prolong this period of physical separation, our decision is made in the best interest of public health and reflects our unwavering commitment to the health and safety of our participants, caregiving families, volunteers, staff, and leadership.
As we mentioned at the outset, our entire team is continuing to work hard in order to make sure we are best supporting you or anyone you know who is facing the journey of dementia. Below, please find a link to a special edition interactive Family Spirit magazine, with many helpful resources, links, and content to keep you informed and engaged while staying at home.
As is our practice, we will keep you updated as we move closer to June 1. In the interim, please use the resources inside our Family Spirit and reach out to us as you need. We are here for you. For now, please stay healthy and safe.
MARCH 14, 2020
Based on the facts and the need to protect the health of those we serve, Amazing Place has temporarily postponed all on-site Day Program services and in-person Connections Programs from Monday, March 16 through Sunday, April 12.
As a faith-based organization, and as a leader in serving a population particularly vulnerable to Coronavirus, we must be guided by doing what is right and most caring. These proactive precautionary actions are done so in hopes of protecting our Amazing Place families and to shorten the spread of this virus in our community.
While we halt our daily on-site day programming and education and training initiatives, our staff will continue to be actively available for support, resources, and guidance. Below you can find a list of some of our clinicians with their best contact information in case you would like to reach them.
- Amazing Place Family Services Director
Arlene Schollaert, MSW, LCSW
713-660-1382 - Amazing Place Faith Care Connection Coordinator
Katherine Christie, LMSW
Office: 713-552-0420 ext. 2600
Cell: 832-581-6973 - Amazing Place Faith Care Connection Coordinator
Jill Thompson, PT
713-440-8179 - Amazing Place Faith Care Connection Coordinator
Linda Schoene, RN, MSN
713-440-8180 - Amazing Place West Family Services Coordinator
Charlotte McDermott, LMSW
713-440-9578
In the coming days, we will continue to follow CDC and World Health Organization guidelines, and keep you updated as circumstances change. None of us knows exactly what to expect with Coronavirus in the near future, but we do know that our faith will steer us in taking care of each other as best we can. In the meantime, please follow precautions and stay healthy.
We are here for you. Explore opportunities for virtual education, training, engagement, and support. Register for an upcoming program, today.