300 Words…A message from Nancy Kukovich

I believe it was Oprah Winfrey who said “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”  And so here we are at the commencement of 2021, a new year full of new possibilities. 

If the first two weeks of January are any indication of the trajectory of this year for Adelphoi, then I’m certainly feeling hopeful.  Last week, we planned and executed a vaccination clinic for nearly 400 kids, staff and foster families.  This two-day event helped to bring us us one step closer to a safer and healthier future for those in our system of care.  For those of you who took the time and effort to receive the vaccination, my sincerest thanks.  You will be receiving instructions for administration of the second dose once we receive confirmation from our pharmacy.  And for those of you who wanted to but were unable to receive the vaccine that day, we are doing everything we can to make additional in-house opportunities available and learn about other community options. 

For those of you who are not comfortable with the vaccine, we will be working to understand and remove obstacles.  For some of you there is a deep, long standing view of vaccines and for some this is just too fast and more information is required and probably everything in between.  I’d love to know more about the kinds of information you need to make this an informed decision. We have access to some trusted experts who can weigh in. 

As I reflect on the past year, I feel fortunate to be leading an organization of staff who, despite their own pandemic challenges, stepped up in an enormous way to provide exemplary care to kids and families.  Your extraordinary efforts made a difference, and I’m happy to report that, despite the COVID crisis, Adelphoi was able to demonstrate positive financial results in 2020.  As a result, we have made funds available for pay increases for most staff in our system. 

Your supervisor will communicate with you beginning on Tuesday, January 19 to inform you if you will be receiving a pay increase and in what amount.  Increases will be included in the February 4 pay.  Please be advised that not all staff are eligible.  Fill-ins and substitutes are not included in this pay increase. 

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that 2021 marks Adelphoi’s 50^th anniversary.  We’ve made a tremendous impact on the lives of generations of children and families throughout these past 5 decades, and we believe that is cause for celebration.  While COVID may have some impact on how much we can celebrate in person, we still plan to mark the occasion with some virtual and interactive activities. More to come.

Despite everything that 2020 brought, I believe we have much to be thankful for.  Happy New Year to each one of you and your families.  I look forward to a happier, healthier and safer 2021!