The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major upheaval in everyone’s lives and schedules. During this time, we are helping to address needs that are arising as a direct result of the pandemic and resulting shutdown. We are working to determine if there are gaps in service in our community and to help area non-profits best serve their clients when those needs are discovered.
One of those discovered needs resulted in a $30,000 emergency grant to Warsaw’s homeless shelter, Fellowship Missions. In talking with Eric Lane, FM’s Executive Director, we learned that they were experiencing difficulties in implementing the strict self-isolation recommendations for persons displaying symptoms of COVID-19. If any resident showed symptoms, FM was required to lockdown the facility for two weeks or until the resident tested negative for the virus. This created a significant issue for those residents who are employed, as well as for staff members.
The creative solution to this problem was for FM to rent out Camp Crosley in North Webster for a period of time. The move has given the residents the ability to spread out amongst several cabins while the staff has continued to provide existing programming designed to help residents learn skills that will help them become self-sufficient and independent. Those residents who are currently employed have remained in the Warsaw location so they can continue working. Finally, the move has now allowed the shelter to once again take in new residents in need of services, which was not possible at their primary location.
K21 is thrilled to continue to serve the health and wellness needs of the residents of Kosciusko County!
