Page 5 - 2020 CFS Public Report

DEAR COMMUNITY MEMBERS,

WE AT CFS THOUGHT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO SHARE A BIT MORE ABOUT ALL THAT HAS HAPPENED
DURING THIS PAST YEAR AS A RESULT OF AND IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19.

We wish to thank everyone for their flexibility and resiliency as we traverses
these unchartered waters together, committed to one another, for the
health, safety, and well-being of all.

As 2020 comes to a close and as 2021 unfolds, no matter the kind of year you
had, we think it is important to find things for which to be grateful.

One area of gratitude is the way the team at CFS and SCOE stepped up to
meet the challenges presented by COVID-19 and operating our programs so
differently than ever before, while still staying mindful of self-care and the
health and safety of those we cherish. It was no small feat and simply
commendable. How CFS continued to educate children, support parents, and
develop professionals no matter the distance or frequency of contact was
second to none!

The services from CFS to others impacted lives and communities. While the
new term ‘essential’ was used to categorize us, we have always known that
the work we do for those we are honored and privileged to serve is of
utmost importance. As we think back over this crazy and challenging year,
we remember all the great work done on behalf of children, families, and the
child care community inside and outside our county. Disinfecting supply
delivery, food box distribution, personal protective equipment availability,
increased enrollment for essential workers in other industries, expanded
child care vouchers, virtual conferences, wellness and care activities, and
supporting staff working from home are just a few examples of how we, in
CFS, pivoted so well. Beyond that, we had center-based, home-based, and
FCCHs providing services during the shelter-in-place, which informed us and
led the way on safely re-opening other programs and effectively supporting
children and families. We saw this in both our public and private providers.

Among the multitude of things to do differently, the one many of us will
focus on is listening to our bodies and encouraging others to do the same.
By that, we mean not coming to work when ill. As we have learned, it is not
some badge of honor to do so and it can very negatively impact others.

In closing, we wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and we
continue to pray for wisdom, health, and safety for all of CFS, for those we
serve, and for our loved ones at home and work.

Remember CFS, “Be yourself [because] everyone else is already taken.”
~Oscar Wilde
Thanks and take good care,
Tony