Big Acts of Kindness
At a time when our lives have seen dramatic change, it is reassuring to know that some things never change… acts of kindness. While the Coronavirus pandemic has altered life as we know it, at HGH’s community-based homes, life goes on in a loving, structured routine, albeit one that encompasses tremendous sacrifices.
HGH supports close to 4,000 people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Among these individuals, are the almost 200 residents they support 24-hours a day, in their 31 San Diego-based group homes. Men and women, like caregiver Aimee Morrison, are leaving their families to care for persons who have no other way to survive and stay healthy. These hero caregivers are selflessly devoting their time to their home-bound residents, some of them working double and triple shifts, for the sake of this vulnerable group of people.
“Aimee is an excellent example of the outpouring of leadership we see here at HGH,” President & CEO, Mark Klaus shared with GB Magazine. “Our caregivers, nurses, transportation staff and many others from our team are on the front line, ensuring that our clients are well cared for and safe. I couldn’t be prouder of the compassion and dedication displayed by our staff, whether they are working from home or directly with our clients.”
The East County community is rallying as well, with donations of food items, protective wear, cleaning supplies, and monetary support. It all started with an act of goodwill from the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and HGH Board member Stacey Poon-Kinney, of the Trails Eatery. These friends and community partners of HGH delivered over one ton of fruit, vegetables, bread, meats and other perishable items and paper products for the residents.
David Walker of Avista Technologies, who sits on the HGH Board of Governors, and business associate Rich Franks of Hydronautics, donated much needed protective wear – Tyvek suits and gloves – for the nursing staff who attend to the resident’s medical needs. Professional Medical Supply has also made available difficult to find supplies like N95 masks, thermometers and disinfectant wipes. “They have been a major contributor to our support efforts for our clients during this crisis,” says Jody Dye, HGH Quality Assurance Manager.
Other members of the community have donated hand-made masks and gloves for the employees. Family members like the Andersons have sent monetary donations expressing their gratitude for the work HGH is doing during these difficult times. And Randy Jones, former Padre’s pitcher, also sent a video message of encouragement to let HGH know their efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Mark Klaus shared, “I can’t begin to express my gratitude for the outreach and compassion I’m seeing from our Board members, donors, and our community partners. I am indebted to their sacrifices and charitable giving. These are trying times that can either break our spirits or pull us together. In the aftermath of this awful crisis, I look forward to building on this incredible framework of generosity and the great sense of community.”
Should you care to support these vital needs, please contact Kaye Kelley, V.P. of Marketing & Development, at (619) 938-2856.
www.guidinghands.org
