Page 3 - CLH Foundation - Connected - Winter 2020

A REFLECTION ON 2020

What the first eight months of the COVID-19 pandemic

have taught me about CLH and the individuals we serve.

I won’t soon forget the date March 11, 2020 – it was the I have learned the breadth and depth of understanding
day COVID-19 became real for Ontarians. The speed that families and friends have had as they adapt to
with which the virus spread was something no one was changing guidelines that affected time spent with their
prepared for, but CLH responded quickly to reduce risks CLH-supported loved ones – I am grateful for their
and protect the individuals we serve from COVID-19. patience, kind messages of support, and donations of
From the start, CLH staff across the agency responded time and resources.
with the highest level of care and concern for supported
individuals, peers, and the larger community. I have learned what true passion and commitment looks
like, as demonstrated by all CLH staff. Their creativity,
We originally thought the changes we made in March dedication, and commitment to keeping everyone safe
would only need to be in place for a few weeks – well, while also adapting to very different work environments
weeks have become months, with no clear end in sight. has been remarkable.
Since March we have implemented literally dozens of
risk mitigation strategies, impacting everything from Above all, I have learned from the resiliency of those
community access, staff work locations, office closures, supported by CLH. They have remained optimistic and
limitations on family/friend visits, and of course infection upbeat during this extreme time of change in their day-
prevention and control measures – just to name a few. to-day lives and have not allowed these new and difficult
changes to negatively impact their lives. They have been
Through this pandemic I have learned a great deal about my inspiration and my motivation in negotiating the
COVID-19, about leading through a pandemic, about challenges presented by COVID-19.
generosity, and about community.
Recently I heard that in the last year we have all
I have learned that we have an amazing North Simcoe experienced ten years of change in these first months of
Community that continues to respond to the needs of the pandemic. I may not know exactly what the future
its citizens. This was exemplified through the provision looks like, but based on what I have learned from the
of masks, activity bags, care baskets, pizza nights, and community of CLH, I am confident that together we
handmade signs of thanks and encouragement. will thrive and remain focused on providing exceptional
services to individuals with developmental support needs.

Dean Johnson
Chief Executive Officer
CLH Developmental Support Services

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