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Press Release Regarding COVID-19 March 17, 2020
Dear Friends,
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, Boyertown Area Multi-Service is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and health of our clients, Center at Spring Street friends, Ricketts Center participants, volunteers, staff, and community. Because we provide vital services to our community’s most at-risk and vulnerable individuals, we are making every effort to keep our essential programs operational. We are partnering with Berks County Area Agency on Aging and Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, and closely monitoring state and federal recommendations to take precautions and limit exposure.
While our response plan may change, at this point, here is where we stand:
Our programs are reliant upon volunteers. If, as the situation progresses, we encounter a shortage of volunteers and staff, we may need to modify some of our services. We welcome additional volunteers during this time.
At the same time, we know that in addition to the health repercussions this situation will cause, the financial impact to many individuals and families in our community due to school and business closures and the resulting loss of child care and income will have a devastating effect on some of our community’s most vulnerable members. It is our goal to continue providing the high-quality services for which we are known and to stretch our capacity to help even more.
We want to ensure that everyone in our community is safe, healthy, and connected to resources.
Aggressive, enhanced safety measures have been put into place to compliment our existing health and safety procedures. We are asking that anyone experiencing flu or cold symptoms, please stay home.
We will provide updates as needed. Please continue to check back. We encourage anyone with questions, concerns, or suggestions to contact our Executive Director, Lydia Messinger, at 610-367-6957 or email lmessinger@boyertownareamulti-service.org. Thank you for your patience and support!
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, Boyertown Area Multi-Service is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and health of our clients, Center at Spring Street friends, Ricketts Center participants, volunteers, staff, and community. Because we provide vital services to our community’s most at-risk and vulnerable individuals, we are making every effort to keep our essential programs operational. We are partnering with Berks County Area Agency on Aging and Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, and closely monitoring state and federal recommendations to take precautions and limit exposure.
While our response plan may change, at this point, here is where we stand:
- All Center at Spring Street activities and events are temporarily postponed until further notice. Hot take-out (“grab and go”) meals, instead of congregate meals, are available Monday through Friday from 11:30am - 12:30pm.
- Meals on Wheels will continue to provide meal delivery on a daily basis.
- Preston’s Pantry (food pantry) will remain open.
- Case Management services will continue uninterrupted.
- Store-to-Door deliveries will continue to be made.
- AARP Tax Program is temporarily on hold.
- The Ricketts Center and Fitness Center will be CLOSED and all activities CANCELLED through March 29th.
- Multi-Service special events through May have been postponed, including: Wellness Fair, Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Wellness Expo, The Ricketts Center Open House, and 2nd annual Preston’s Pantry Project.
- All rentals and third-party events in the building, including Weight Watchers meetings, have been cancelled.
Our programs are reliant upon volunteers. If, as the situation progresses, we encounter a shortage of volunteers and staff, we may need to modify some of our services. We welcome additional volunteers during this time.
At the same time, we know that in addition to the health repercussions this situation will cause, the financial impact to many individuals and families in our community due to school and business closures and the resulting loss of child care and income will have a devastating effect on some of our community’s most vulnerable members. It is our goal to continue providing the high-quality services for which we are known and to stretch our capacity to help even more.
We want to ensure that everyone in our community is safe, healthy, and connected to resources.
Aggressive, enhanced safety measures have been put into place to compliment our existing health and safety procedures. We are asking that anyone experiencing flu or cold symptoms, please stay home.
We will provide updates as needed. Please continue to check back. We encourage anyone with questions, concerns, or suggestions to contact our Executive Director, Lydia Messinger, at 610-367-6957 or email lmessinger@boyertownareamulti-service.org. Thank you for your patience and support!
Many of you are asking how you can help.
The best way to help right now is to make a monetary donation that allows us to rapidly respond and quickly purchase the exact items the community needs, when they need them so that…
• no one goes hungry,
• homebound seniors receive their Meals on Wheels delivery,
• Center members receive a nutritious lunch, and
• families who were already living paycheck to paycheck, who now find themselves without any income, avoid becoming homeless. Your gift ensures that we can respond how and when we’re most needed. You can make an incredibly meaningful impact while practicing safe, social distancing.
We are grateful for your generosity!
