Coronavirus Impact on InCommunity and How You Can Help

InCommunity, like other nonprofits, is facing much uncertainty during #COVID19. Our Annual GALA, our largest fundraiser of the year, has been postponed until August, all volunteer projects have been canceled, and we have an increase in individual needs. People with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) are still in our care and need support. Here at InCommunity we remain committed to our mission of enriching the lives of individuals who have disabilities, which means that we are committed to the safety and health of our individuals and staff.

On Tuesday, March 17th, InCommunity closed its 6 day programs and all of the individuals supported in residential, crisis and respite care have been “sheltered in place” since then. All families have been asked to refrain from visiting our group homes during this pandemic and all staff and individuals are being screened daily. Our nursing department is working closely with staff, offering precautions to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all and procedures should someone in our care become ill.

InCommunity has developed new initiatives to connect with and support the more than 2000 individuals served and their families. We have launched a Facebook Live Stream information session for staff and families that occurs weekly to update our internal and external stakeholders on the state of the organization. In addition, InCommunity is reaching out to families and donors to see if there is a need for groceries or meals and how InCommunity can help.

On Tuesday, March 24th, InCommunity launched its “Streaming Access to the Arts”. This is a collaboration of artists and musicians who will offer curated live stream concerts, workshops, and exercises on our website & social media, connecting with communities via live stream, allowing all the ability to access the arts during this time of quarantine. Connect with Arts InCommunity and enjoy some of the Arts from the comforts of your home: https://www.facebook.com/ArtsInCommunityGa/

InCommunity has launched a supplies and donations fundraiser to help gather much needed medical and wellness supplies for our individuals and staff. To donate visit: https://incommunityga.ejoinme.org/coronacrisis

InCommunity has also set up an Amazon wish list for supporters to donate items our homes need, as well as, items that will help our individuals stay occupied during shelter in place. Items purchased through Amazon by our supporters will be shipped directly to our home office for distribution. If you’d like to purchase items from the list visit: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3125PW1T4RZJT?ref=cm_sw_em_r_wl_dp_7nBToG0d4jUzl

During this trying time for all, we cannot thank our Direct Support Professionals enough for the care that they have continuously provided for our individuals and all that they are doing to maintain a sense of routine and normalcy and providing love and support while sheltering in place. The support InCommunity provides is health care and in times of crisis, health care professionals are looked to by the people we support as a pillar of strength and a necessity. InCommunity will not fail at this and we will continue to support the individuals in our care during this time, but we need your help. Thank you to our many supporters and families, we are all in this together and we will prevail!

For more information on InCommunity programs, services and events, please visit: www.incommunityga.org