Wendell Foster is one of many nonprofits that’s been hit hard by the spread of COVID-19. As mandated by Gov. Beshear last week, Wendell Foster was forced to close its outpatient rehabilitation facility and day training program as coronavirus cases escalate across the nation, state and county.
Vice President of Development Maggie Price said these programs’ cancellations could result in some of Wendell Foster’s staff being laid off.
“As far as folks who will be laid off — I can’t give a number yet because everything is still in transition,” Price said. “Some will be moving to other positions and some will [choose to be laid off]. We want to keep all of our folks because they’re family. It’s unfortunate all the way around.”
Price said it’s not just unfortunate for the clients and staff at her facility, which provides individuals with developmental disabilities the tools, education and therapies to achieve their goals, but that it’s also unfortunate for other local nonprofits such as Puzzle Pieces and Girls Inc., which have been mandated to shut their doors for the time being as well.
Price said things are changing hour-by-hour for Wendell Foster and that she and her team meet multiple times a day to discuss the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic and the future of Wendell Foster.
“I hate to say it’s out of our hands right now, but it kind of is,” she said.
Clients who live full-time at Wendell Foster have not been forced to leave, Price said, and the staff has been providing fun activities for them — such as playing music in the sensory park — despite all of the programs being canceled.
The response from clients’ families has been positive since the closure, Price said.
“Some families are calling us to tell us, ‘We’re with you, we love ya,’” she said. “There’s been lots of people who’ve put signs and posters on our windows to show support and encouragement.”
One of the hardest things about this whole situation is the unknown, Price added, saying it’s difficult not knowing how long this pandemic will last and how nonprofits will be affected in the long run. But nonetheless, Price said she’s proud of the way Wendell Foster has handled the changes.
“We want to do things the right way, and I think we are,” she said.
Wendell Foster will update its clients once a date for reopening its services has been set. Those who have questions or concerns can call 270-683-4517 and will be directed to the appropriate personnel.
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