We are all living in a new world, trying to get used to a new normal that seems to change daily. SEA staff members are operating under current Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation guidelines that say we can have no in person contact with any consumers who are active with OVR. We have been doing a lot of phone calls and Zoom video meetings. We have been supporting people who remain laid off from their jobs at restaurants or who have voluntarily taken leaves of absence because of the virus.

Please don’t ask us when this will all end so life can return to normal. We are hoping for a sooner rather than later resolution the same as you are. Until that happens, we are trying our best to get preliminary work done such as completing Person Centered Employment Plans for our newly referred consumers, helping people choose online continuing education classes to enhance their work readiness, setting up benefits counseling services, and doing interview practice including how to look and sound good during video interviews.

For those who feel they can safely work right now, jobs are available for package handlers at UPS, Clicklist order pickers at Kroger, and similar work. Hospitals and nursing homes and really just about everywhere needs cleaning and sanitizing crews. Meat packers are in demand at JBS. We will help as much as we can to complete online job applications, arrange for OVR to provide you with TARC3 tickets or work clothing, and whatever else can be done without in person interactions.

So, be safe everyone! Wear your masks in public. Wash your hands. Don’t hang out in big groups. Stay 6 feet away from others in public places. Stay home if you can, especially if you are in a high risk group. As Kentucky’s governor says, “We’ll get through this together”.