July 6, 2020 - Please note that the safety plan has been linked to the announcement below.  Employees that have been contacted regarding phase I return, please check your email for instructions.  Planning Managers will be contacting all clients that have been contacted and decided to return, with information on the Phase I return. 

June 23, 2020 

Greetings to all who make up our WorkAbilities team! 

We received a bit of good news from the MN Department of Human Services (MDHS) that will allow us to take some small steps to re-open in a very limited capacity with new guidelines and service requirements.  Individuals who live independently or with their family are the first to be eligible to return. Individuals who live in a congregate setting licensed by the MDHS, such as group homes, licensed foster care or Intermediate Care Facilities, are not eligible to return during this first phase.  

We also must take into consideration our clients and/or their family members ‘at risk’ factors as outlined by the MN Department of Health (MDH) and CDC, their ability to self-manage social distancing and other hygiene and safety protocols and who do not require close physical assistance for personal cares or other activities of daily living.  

Conversations are being conducted with those clients and their family members regarding a safe return to WorkAbilities so they can make an informed decision about returning. We will respect whatever decision they feel is right for them at this time. 

We are planning a re-opening with a very small number of clients on Monday, July 13th.  The MDHS guidance states that we can provide a maximum of 3 hours of service per day. Clients will be assigned to a ‘cohort’  group, or team, of no more than 10 people, including employees.  To the fullest extent possible, these groups will remain the same.   We plan to bring back a small number of employees who have worked with the individuals who are returning during this first phase. 

Another requirement is the development of a Safety Plan which outlines the steps we’re taking to minimize the risk of anyone contracting the coronovirus.  Our Safety Plan will be distributed to the returning clients and their families and it will also be available on our website by clicking on the link "Safety Plan".  

In the short term, our program and services won’t look or feel the same as they did before, but we will do our best to offer engaging and meaningful work and activity!  As time passes, we will serve a wider range of individuals as our state continues to “turn the dial” based upon guidance from the MDH and the CDC.  

We ask for your patience and your understanding as we maneuver through these challenging times to rebuild our program … and we WILL!  

Luana Ball

Executive Director