Wyckoff Children's Retreat Hosts COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

WYCKOFF, NJ — Residents and staffers at Eastern Christian Children's Retreat received a COVID-19 vaccination Friday at the organization's main campus in Wyckoff, signaling what officials say are brighter days ahead.

ECCR Medical Director Dr. Gregory Costello said the vaccine is most important for residents, who are at a high risk for complications if they contract COVID-19.

"This vaccine will not only protect them, but will also be the very first step in getting our residents back to normalcy. We are closer to the end of this pandemic than from the beginning, and this vaccine will get us to the light at the end of the tunnel much faster," said Costello.

ECCR provides residential services for 95 people across their 14 group homes in Bergen and Passaic County.

Residents from homes outside the Wyckoff location were vaccinated Friday morning, many in their transport vans they travelled in.

CEO Daryl Rogers said the vaccination clinic was done in partnership with Walgreens.

"It has been a long year and receiving the vaccinations was a big relief to family members, guardians, residents and employees. At ECCR, we are thrilled to finally turn this corner and we look forward to happier and healthier days ahead," said Rogers.

The event was "well attended," Rogers said, and he wasn't just talking about those receiving vaccinations.

Fifth District Rep. Josh Gottheimer was on-hand for the clinic Friday, as were a handful of others.

"I want to thank all the staff and frontline health care workers at Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat for not only administering the COVID-19 vaccine today, but also for providing such a valuable service to those with special needs," said Gottheimer. "It’s imperative that we continue to vaccinate everyone we possibly can so that we can reopen our country, economy, and ultimately defeat this virus."

Gottheimer wasn't the only one to acknowledge the work done by ECCR staff throughout the pandemic, as Sen. Cory Booker sent a letter to Retreat officials.

"As we begin to feel the warmth of brighter days, the work performed by the Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat (ECCR) during this pandemic is emblematic of the charitable endeavors it has always pursued. In the midst of the public health crisis, ECCR has continued to serve the unique needs of people with disabilities, helping to ensure their health and well-being while also fostering a safe and supportive environment for them," he wrote.

"Through your tireless efforts, you have embodied a deep commitment to a higher cause that has uplifted the lives of countless individuals. Please know that your work serves as an inspiration to fellow New Jerseyans and that I am grateful for all that you have done and continue to do."

ECCR employees 300 staffers, each of whom have navigated new health and safety protocols throughout the course of the pandemic.

Those protocols include:

• Temperature taken upon entry into Bushman Building
• Required masks
• Staffers working closely with residents must wear face shields
• Quarantine based on suspected exposure
• No visitors or volunteers allowed entry

In an October video, CEO Daryl Rogers called 2020 a year of "trying times", adding that the coronavirus challenged the organization "in ways we've never been challenged before."

Now, officials, residents and staff believe they're finally on the home stretch.

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