Hello everyone,

Just over eight weeks ago, we didn’t know that many of us would be celebrating a virtual Mother’s Day. I would like to offer my best wishes to all of the Moms who are listening, and I hope that your day is filled with love and peace. I have appreciated your understanding, support, and flexibility – particularly over the past two months. Together, we have kept everyone safe and I cannot thank you enough.

Earlier this week, the Premier of BC, John Horgan, and Chief Medical Officer Bonnie Henry, revealed BC’s Restart Plan. This four phase plan sets out the gradual reopening of society and the economy.

Due to everyone’s efforts, we are now at the place where we can afford a bit of courage. We can begin to think about how we can safely “double the bubble,” or expand our social contacts. We are also cautiously optimistic that within a few weeks, we will be able to resume many of the activities that enrich our daily lives – though they will look different.

Along with some of our peers, I am participating in a group that will inform the provincial government of our sector’s needs – providing them with our preferred roadmap to achieving deeper community integration. We are planning how to re-open our community inclusion day programs, and some changes to how we deliver outreach services.

Our plans will continue to be based on all of the health and safety conditions set out for us by public health authorities. As these conditions may change over the course of the plan, we may have to adjust our courses of action.

We can expect change to continue to be a part of this journey, since we are still in uncharted territory. We will need to be resilient, flexible and patient as we move towards our new reality over the coming months.

Our government is trusting us to make safe choices as we expand our social circles. We are being asked to do so slowly, thoughtfully and respectfully – considering the health risks to everyone whom we are in contact with. We will also need to consider our unique circumstances. I have faith in our ability to continue to act in the best interest of our greater community too.

On behalf of posAbilities, I would also like to pay my respects to those individuals and families who have lost a loved one during this pandemic. I know that the way we support each other during times of grief and loss are far from ideal at this time.

As persons served, families and employees – let’s consider the best way forward in our personal and professional lives, so that we can craft a new reality in which generosity, calm and kindness are more ordinary, and celebrated.

I encourage you to bring forward your ideas for reintegration as the detailed planning process unfolds over the coming weeks. We are after all, in this together. Until next time…

 

For more information, you can find regular updates from these websites:

CLBC Teleconference Update for Support Workers
Audio recording available here

Family Support Institute of BC
Website
Phone: 1-800-441-5403

Government of BC
Website
Phone: Service BC – Government programs – Call 1-800-663-7867 or text for quick questions 1-604-660-2421 (do not provide personal info, data rates may apply).

Government of Canada
Website
Phone: 1-833-784-4397

Inclusion BC
Latest E-Update – April 30
Advocacy Line: 1-844-488-4321