Brian’s House Enterprises has been planning and strategizing how we would resume day programming services (vocational, employment supports, Community Participation Supports in our community, and Community Participation Supports in our facility) since its suspension in March. Immediately after the county was designated yellow, we put into effect the first wave of our transition plan to resume CPS activities in the community. We began with 15 individuals, then rolled out the 2nd and 3rd wave of our plan. Brian’s House Enterprises currently has 60 participating in community activities. Brian’s House Enterprises instructors have utilized parks, trails, outdoor scenic spaces, and other open-air public areas throughout the county. They have been creative in supporting clients in endless outdoor recreational, skill-building, educational, and physical activities. Recently, while still maintaining health and safety requirements, community activities have again expanded to include indoor activities such as visiting museums, attending programs at local libraries, gyms, art centers, and historical societies, to name a few.
For those who are able to follow safety guidelines and choose to resume activities in the facility, plans for resuming in facility programming are in the final stages. Similar to reintegrating activities in the community, facility programming will happen in small waves and over a period of time. This is to ensure individuals are comfortably adapting to the additional health and safety measures implemented.
For those who are not yet prepared to resume CPS in the facility or community, Brian’s House Enterprises provides remote CPS via zoom. Individuals have been able to see their friends, peers, and staff whom they have not seen since March. Socializing, sharing, fun, and interactive activities that include physical and educational aspects are a portion of our remote CPS programming.
Of our 24 individuals receiving small group employment supports, ten have been able to resume their work in the community thus far. Of the 32 individuals who receive community employment supports, 15 have either resumed their previous position of employment or started a new community job. The others continue to work with their couches to enhance their job skills, so they are prepared to secure community employment as the opportunities present themselves with the reopening of the community.
Although it has been an adjustment for all, our clients, instructors, and other Brian’s House Enterprises team members have adapted well to the additional health and safety measures. The extra steps and changes in their daily routines have not deterred clients from wanting to resume pre-pandemic activities. Whether in the community, remotely, or in the facility, it’s an amazing experience to witness the excitement of our individuals when they are finally reunited with their coworkers, friends, and peers.
