I think we can all agree, 2020 has been a helluva year!
Here at Safe Harbors, it was an alarming time early in the pandemic, with COVID-19 spreading quickly and lethally through The Cornerstone Residence. Immediately, our primary focus became the mitigation of the insidious virus and the health and wellness of our residents. With our partners, Independent Living, we quickly mobilized a command center to conduct 100% wellness checks seven days a week; assess the health of our residents and ensure they were aware of the resources available to them. Most importantly, we were reassuring everyone that even in the times of isolation and uncertainty, no one was alone. As a result of our vigilance, in early May, the last known case of COVID-19 was expunged from the building and we have remained free of the virus since!
Like so many organizations, Safe Harbors has had to significantly adjust the way we create and distribute content to engage our community through visual and performing arts, while balancing federal and state guidelines to mitigate the spread of the virus. We have also strived to be sensitive and responsive to issues of isolation, health, uncertainty and social, racial and political upheaval.
While this year has been a challenge—we have been successful at remaining true to our mission. Beginning in May and throughout the past six months, we have provided a robust calendar of on-line programming that reflects the diversity of our community.
We celebrated the little things, as we were able to safely open the door to our Ann Street Gallery to small, masked, socially distanced audiences.
We feel proud that even during the pandemic and an arduous year, Safe Harbors continues to foster the spirit of human connection and celebrate the ability of the arts to nourish even the most weary of souls.
In the months ahead, we will continue to navigate this new terrain, keeping the health of our residents, staff and community paramount, while providing relevant, responsive and reflective arts to our community.
Undoubtedly, this year has been about the strength and resilience of our community and so, we thank you for your support through this time, when it is more critical than ever!