COVID-19 UpDATES

An important video message

The past four months have been strange and unsettling for everyone. EmployAbility remains dedicated to helping those with IDD, even during a global pandemic.

Here’s a video message from Brendan Ferrara, CEO/President of EmployAbility, as he discusses the challenges we’ve faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and our commitment to our program participants.

When will the EmployAbility campus reopen?

Due to the recent spike in local COVID-19 cases, the Open Houses have been postponed to a later date.

Additionally, we will not be re-opening the EmployAbility campus for program participants on Monday, July 20th, as we had hoped.

The entire staff is just as eager as all of you are to have everyone back on campus – laughing, learning, and working together.

Our job coaches continue to support those program participants in our Supported Employment Services (SES) program who are working in essential jobs in the community via virtual technologies.

We encourage all program participants who can to attend our Virtual Sessions, which are held daily. If you are not receiving the details on these events, please e-mail Danielle Frizzell ([email protected]) for the Academy schedule and Jannett Seabrooks ([email protected]) for the Enrichment Center (Day Hab & Community Access Groups) schedule.

How are programs and services continuing while the campus is closed?

All on-campus services are currently suspended until further notice, however many of our programs are offering virtual services during this time:

Supported Employment Services: In person and virtual job coaching will be provided for those participants who are working, on a case by case basis. Job Seekers instruction will be offered remotely via computer/video or telephone conference services for SES program participants.
The Academy: will be offering some virtual instruction and educational resources via computer/video or telephone conference for Academy program participants.
Community Access, including Day Habilitation: will be offering some virtual educational and enrichment resources via online tours and activities for CAG and Day Hab program participants.
Case Management: is maintaining support services and ISPs through virtual tools.

Why did EmployAbility suspend on-campus programs?

We are committed to balancing the needs of our community, while maintaining an environment that is safe for our program participants, their families, and our staff.We have been closely monitoring developments related to COVID-19 since early March.

We review the latest updates coming from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Georgia Department of Health, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), Georgia Department of Health (DPH), Service Providers Association for Developmental Disabilities (SPADD, Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL), the City of Savannah, and Governor Kemp’s Office.

What is EmployAbility doing to keep those on campus safe?

EmployAbility is following the recommended COVID-19 procedures from organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Georgia Department of Health, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), Georgia Department of Health (DPH). As more is known, we are updating our best practices to reflect current information.

View EmployAbility COVID-19 Response Handbook

Will the suspension of on-campus services be extended?

EmployAbility will continue to follow the recommendations of public health and government officials. Will keep our program participants informed as appropriate and with as much notice as is possible

How do I contact someone if I have questions or concerns?

Current program participants or family members should reach out to Ms. Shenequa Gresham, Director of Day Services, via email at [email protected].

Donors, volunteers, or media should contact Ms. Laura Lane McKinnon, Director for Organizational Advancement, via email at [email protected].

All other inquiries can be sent to [email protected]

Will EmployAbility be hosting its annual charity golf tournament on May 1, 2020?

After carefully considering all of the complexities and variables, it was decided that our best option will be to cancel this year’s tournament, rather than to postpone it.

How can I support EmployAbility during this challenging time?

Since much of our program revenue is attendance based, there will be a significant negative financial impact to our organization as a result of our temporary closure. We are closely monitoring the availability of federal, state, and grant funds to offset the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis, but the generosity of the community will be very important to us during this challenge.

Your donations are always appreciated and at this difficult time, they can provide much-needed support as we navigate this difficult situation.

Here are two ways you can support us now: