As 2020 comes to an end, we reflect on how much and how quickly ACC and its volunteers have responded to the current health crisis. Early on, people made thousands of cloth masks for ACC. They rushed to donate supplies and their time to help ACC mitigate the crisis.
In May, ACC’s Big Day of Giving saw an outpouring of donations like we’ve never seen before. The virtual telethon raised $160,000, three times the amount raised at last year’s event. In the face of this crisis, we saw a community that cares about others above itself.
All the while, our leadership team was mobilizing the workforce for what has become the deadliest pandemic in 100 years. Most important were the safety measures put in place for our residents, volunteers and staff in early March, which we continue to improve on.
We have stayed on top of PPE procurement, infection control, COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. Last month, the Care Center expanded its license to provide skilled nursing services at Maple Tree Village (see page 3). ACC Senior Services also transitioned to Zoom to remain connected with the community. We felt it was really important to be open, transparent, and timely with critical information. We held town halls at all our facilities, some more than once. We did the same with our volunteers and employees. When we learned about the first case of COVID-19 at the Care Center, the employees and the Board were notified within hours and families shortly thereafter.
Through all this, we remain passionate about serving this community in the best tradition of ACC. This includes finding new ways of serving our seniors.
In October, we launched ACC online classes, workshops, and concerts. More than 400 people have signed up (visit accsv.org/online). We received a grant from SMUD to purchase and distribute 50 laptops and training to seniors seeking employment (SCSEP program). We are making reassurance calls to residents and continuing to operate ACC Rides for our most vulnerable seniors.
Before the pandemic, we started a “change management” initiative, which looked at how ACC can develop stronger working relationships between volunteers and staff, so that future challenges can be met. Managing our business growth was one of them, but, practically overnight, COVID-19 took center stage. The effects of COVID-19 will be felt for years to come, even with a forthcoming vaccine. This has been factored into our 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. We have to embrace change. It is the only way we will move forward in this brave new world.
Last, we want to mention that on Wednesday, December 16, at 6 PM, ACC is having an online musical event, “Home for the Holidays,” to honor the heroes of ACC (see page 12). We encourage you to watch it and make a year-end gift in tribute to the staff, volunteers, and family caregivers who care for our seniors. For nearly 50 years, your philanthropic donations to ACC have spurred growth and service to the community. We want to thank the people who make ACC truly a community of caring – families, staff, volunteers, and our Board of Directors.
On behalf of a grateful organization, we wish you Happy and Healthy Holidays and a bright New Year ahead!
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