March 16, 2020
Dear Families,
I wanted to provide you with an update regarding our Club’s programs, services, and hours of operation. After meeting with Congressman McGovern; community, health and city leaders; my incredibly committed team; as well as my mission-driven board of directors, we have decided to be open. We listened to our parents, many of whom said they would lose employment without childcare. We listened to health care professionals and first responders who said they would be unable to provide critical services if they had to stay home with their children.
In order to provide a safe environment for our children, we will need to change our operating model, and limit the number of youth served. As advised by professional health experts, we will immediately abide by the following recommendations:
• No more than ten children and two staff in each room;
• Cleaning and disinfecting of all rooms at least every two hours;
• No use of playground equipment or sharing of supplies;
• Wash hands frequently;
• Stay home if you, your child, or someone in your household is ill
Beginning tomorrow, March 17, 2020, our following sites will be open (the hours are subject to change, as this situation is evolving):
1. Plumley Village: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (must be current Club member residing in Plumley Village);
2. Great Brook Valley: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (must be current Club member residing in GBV);
3. School Age Child Care at Harrington Clubhouse: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (must be enrolled in our licensed school age program).
PLEASE NOTE: We are not able to accommodate members who attend our drop-in youth development program at the Harrington Clubhouse at this time. This is due to our inability to keep to the recommended ratio of ten kids per room.
In addition, to these programs, we will also provide the following services to all Club members:
• A “Grab-and-Go” lunch at our Harrington Clubhouse (outside of our entrance). This food will be available for Club members who are currently unable to attend our in-house program. Date and time of this program TBA.
• Food pantry – we are working with corporations and individuals to have our emergency food program ready by Monday, March 23rd.
• Distribution of school supplies – we will have supplies available by Monday, March 23rd. We are also soliciting donations for new laptops, tablets, and computers. These items will be lent to families who are without technology for their kids to complete their schoolwork.
• Case management for our youth and teens. Our caseworkers will reach out to their mentees via phone, letter, and tele-conference, to check in and provide support. Members and families can also contact us at info@bgcworcester.org and 508-754-2686.
As this situation is ever-changing, we will keep you informed if there are updates regarding programs and services. We wish we could do more, but we have to balance the needs of our families with the obligation to safeguard the health of our kids and staff.
Be well and stay safe,
Liz Hamilton, Executive Director
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