SHEPHERD’S HERALD: Summer 2020 (Volume 6, Issue 3)

SCMAFC is Busy as the Coronavirus Lingers

Although we hoped in the springtime that the pandemic lockdown would be behind us by summertime, all of us are still coping with this new, unwanted lifestyle. Shepherd’s Center services, thankfully, have been able to continue. We are so grateful for our dedicated drivers, shoppers, and callers!

• 38 volunteers have continued to provide services to 51 clients during the pandemic (from mid-March to mid-July), providing almost 500 rides or visits.
• Even after health care providers began scheduling in-office appointments, our drivers were able to fill almost 100% of the ride requests.
• About a dozen clients who do not feel safe leaving their homes are having groceries brought to them by volunteers.
• We have had 8 new volunteers enroll during the past 4 months, and they are already busy providing services.
• About 14 volunteers are calling clients and visiting with them by phone on a regular basis.
• We have connected almost a dozen clients with Let’s Connect, a local company that is devoted to providing regular telephone check-ins with isolated older adults.

Staying Safe During the Pandemic

Volunteers and clients are reminded of the CDC and Health Department guidelines for keeping safe during the Coronavirus pandemic:

• Wear a mask when you leave home. SCMAFC has free cloth masks; call 703-506-2199 to request one.
• Wash your hands thoroughly whenever you touch anything outside your home and use hand sanitizers often.
• When riding in a car with a non-family member, the passenger should sit in the backseat on the right side to allow social distancing.
• Drivers are urged to sanitize the portion of the car where clients are sitting before and after a trip.
• When taking a client to a medical appointment the driver should stay in the car and return at the appointed time for pick-up, without going into the waiting room with the client.
• Practice social distancing (keeping 6 feet apart) when interacting with others.
• Minimize trips outside your home and always visit with others outdoors.
• If you are experiencing any symptoms of the virus, do not request a ride from SCMAFC.

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