ISLAND FALLS, Maine — A small gesture can sometimes go a long way, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
That is why officials from the Green Valley Association decided to place signs on client homes in Island Falls and Patten May 22 to boost the spirits of both its staff and clients.
“We just wanted to do some small little thing to show our appreciation for all the hard work our staff is doing.” said Jeff Hamm, executive director of Green Valley Association. “It’s a tough time. Our staff is asked to come out of their homes, when others are staying home. We don’t have that choice as we have to check on the people we care for.”
According to the group’s website, Green Valley Association is a not-for-profit organization that assists people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities in living fulfilling, meaningful and successful lives by offering them the support necessary to live, work and recreate as a valued member of their community.
Staff members have a number of homes in Island Falls and Patten that they must enter on a regular basis to check on clients. Those staff members have done their jobs, Hamm said, without complaint since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic back in March.
“It’s a small gesture of what we want to do,” added board member Kala Rush. “I think showing our appreciation for them [the staff] is long overdue.”