Vivian Largusa, East Bay Adult Day Program Director

At the start of the pandemic, FCSN Staff worked hard to make sure that the appropriate safety measures were being taken. Even before program closure, our team was already taking steps to ensure the safety of our clients. Many staff and clients had already begun to donate masks, and FCSN began health checks and temperature checks prior to being required to do so. After the closure, staff continued to work diligently to develop virtual classes and programs for clients to give our clients something to look forward to and participate in while at home. During that time, no one knew how long classes would remain virtual. Both clients and staff struggled with the new changes. Staff members needed to balance both assisting their families at home and providing the services planned for FCSN clients. Clients’ emotional and mental well-being suffered as a result of the sudden adjustment to a new online format and a new schedule. Several families were strained with simultaneously assisting their loved ones at home while managing their own professional jobs. In light of all these challenges, FCSN looked forward to welcoming everyone back to the center as soon as it is safe.

In order to ensure a safe and smooth return, FCSN has been working on planning protocols and safety procedures to guarantee all necessary precautions are in place.  We are happy to have welcomed clients to return to partial in person services in phases on 7/19/2021, 8/16/2021 & 10/4/2021.  Currently our clients are participating in hybrid classes: 2 days of in-person programs, and virtual classes for the remaining days. Our clients take turns attending programs depending on their assigned days as we strive to stagger attendance to promote safe social distancing. Although we have partially reopened our center, our biggest goal is to safely reopen and welcome back all of our clients 100% in person. 

Everything we have achieved so far could not have been done without the dedication from staff and the understanding and support from clients and families. Here’s to looking forward to reopening and welcoming all of our clients back safely, seeing our clients return and thrive with the support of our community and programs, and building a stronger FCSN family. Before, throughout, and after the pandemic FCSN will be here, supporting our clients, strengthening our community, looking forward to what the future holds.