Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been sharing the stories of our partner agencies in the Quincy Metro Area who have stepped up in unique ways to provide needed services during the crisis. We’ve been inspired by their efforts and honored to have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the great work that can be done when dedicated organizations engage in collaboration and innovation. However, what we haven’t yet shared is the work that CHNA 20 has done to provide assistance and relief to the community. We have had our own role in caring for public health during this time, and have taken an active part in caring for our community.
Caring for the Community during COVID-19: Lessons Learned
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, CHNA 20 has been highlighting the stories of our community partners and their heroic efforts to continue serving their clients despite the many challenges presented by the pandemic. As an organization that strives to make meaningful connections between agencies to improve public health outcomes in the long term, we feel it’s vitally important for us to take some time to step back and examine the lessons that have been learned during this time. What has worked well? What surprising insights have agencies had due to changing their models? What do community partners want to take forward with them into a “new normal” that will hopefully change public health for the better?
Caring for the Community during COVID-19: Quincy Community Action Programs (QCAP)
“It was so wonderful to hear a friendly voice after our ordeal. And without a delivery, we didn’t know how we were going to get food.”
Fred* and his brother George* share a home in Weymouth and, in their late seventies, are both in frail health. For the past few years, they’ve faithfully visited Quincy Community Action Program’s (QCAP) Southwest Community Food Center. But in 2019, both brothers fell ill and were hospitalized. The toll on their health left them vulnerable during the pandemic. Both Fred and George contracted COVID-19. Fortunately, their friends at QCAP were able to help as the brothers recovered from their long illness.
Caring for the Community during COVID-19: South Shore Health
“Working at the hospital was really eye-opening for me,” says Karen Peterson, Community Benefits Coordinator for South Shore Health. “When things happen, you see the best and worst of people...I was fortunate to see the best of people. From the many donations we received to the appreciation from patients and visitors, there has been so much positive.”
Caring for the Community during COVID-19: South Shore YMCA
Throughout the height of the pandemic, the South Shore YMCA became an extension of other community agencies to help stretch capacity and provide resources to those in need. Although their facilities were closed to the public until early July, they were able to utilize the buildings in other ways to help fill critical service gaps.
Caring for the Community during COVID-19: Father Bill's & MainSpring
As challenging as COVID-19 has been for the average person navigating lock downs, social distancing and concerns about personal and public health, it’s been much more difficult for those who don’t have stable housing. Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) has been on the front lines with people experiencing homelessness during the crisis, working to adapt their own models to ensure everyone’s safety during a critical time.
Caring for the Community during COVID-19: Wellspring Multi-Service Center
“Our model has completely changed,” says Vinny Harte, President and CEO of the Wellspring Multi-Service Center, a Hull organization providing wraparound services designed to address all of the factors contributing to and/or hindering individuals’ paths to independence. In the face of COVID-19 restrictions, the center has had to totally redesign its service delivery models. In-person activities such as counseling and adult education have been re-imagined as online events; the food pantry has become a food delivery service to minimize the need for clients to leave their homes.