As we surpass 100 days since the Tender Heart world changed drastically, we wanted to share how we’ve been keeping our brains sane, reaching out to our group members and our plan moving forward. Covid-19 has brought a tremendous change to each of us and we hope you and your family are remaining safe, sane and finding ways to enjoy this time!
What Tender Heart Staff Has Been Up To:
Trisha from our Bay City Team shared:
“I was missing our clients and the opportunity to be creative with them. I decided to make a paper book wreath and gave it to my mom. She loved it! About a year ago we did a smaller version of this in red, white and blue when Karen showed us how.”
Jess from Clarkston Team:
“Being in quarantine hasn’t been the easiest. One thing we’ve found as a family that makes us feel better and maintaining a positive attitude is spending time outside. Whether it’s going on a nature walk, riding bikes, or a picnic, we find that being outside can brighten up our entire day. ☀️”
Lynn from the East Team:
“There are two things that I have found really helpful during this time. The first is seeing the words of Written to Speak on social media. My cousin, Tanner, is an amazing author, poet, and speaker. I am inspired with his words of hope.
The second thing that is giving me some peace right now is walking. This is often my only time alone. Whether it is walking outside or using the Walk at Home videos on YouTube, it helps clear my mind.
Susie from the Detroit Team:
I decided to work on a project for my neighborhood and it’s been very successful. I’ve raised almost $800 and I’ve been donating it to local food banks.
What is an added bonus and I find so uplifting is all the creativity! I’ve taken over 80 pictures so far!
… Check us out on Facebook to read what every staff member shared!…
How We’ve Been Keeping In Touch
The thing we miss most is seeing our group members; if you’ve seen one of our groups, you know we spend a lot of time talking and laughing within our groups. Not being able to see our group members, to check in on them, to hear their stories and engage in thoughtful conversation, has been extremely difficult. Our teams have been visiting facilities to have window-visits across Michigan!
And our Grand Blanc team made special shout-out visits for their facilities! Check them out here on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=192453052072136
And How We Are Moving Forward…
In these uncertain times we have been hearing that residents need more support than ever. We are dedicated to the mental health of every client and are excited to announce that we will be piloting a telehealth program! We will begin to pilot the telehealth program the week of July 6th.
We can’t wait to see all our clients again, but until then we will keep striving to adapt our services with best practices.
So with that, we want to leave you with some words of wisdom Ashley (co-owner of East and supervisor) received from some of our group members throughout the years:
“On a client’s 101 birthday, I asked her “What’s the secret?” And she told me “ Eat a piece of chocolate every day, be nice to yourself and others and enjoy some wine every now and then.”
One woman had been married for 70 years before her husband passed away and I told her (at the time) I was a newlywed and asked for marriage advice, she told me “Love deeply and don’t sweat the small things and share the things you love with him.” I said “what about my ice cream.” She said “Yes, even your ice cream”
