Building Community during “Physical Distancing”

The Academy building is closed, the Academy community is open

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us to develop creative ways to maintain and build community.  The Academy, at its core, provides a network of human connectedness and unconditional support. We create community on a daily basis, as the remedy for isolation so often experienced by adults seeking mental health recovery.  Adherence to precautionary recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has required us to develop new ways to support the recovery process of Academy members. We would like to share the important strides we have made in recent days.

We changed our mindset by discovering our preference for the term “physical” distancing, rather than “social” distancing. Even though we are unable to physically gather at the Academy, we will continue to support each other through this crisis. Our goal is to further strengthen our community and reduce the effects of isolation, despite physical distancing guidelines. We have implemented Telehealth options, including virtual meetings via Zoom, instant messaging on our Slack platform, one-to-one telephone calls.

Our motto is: “Every member, every day.” We are striving for daily contact and support for our members, through a variety of communication options. We are developing creative ways to remain engaged with each other, stay productive and build interdependence.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created the unanticipated opportunity to realize the potential of the human spirit. We are striving to put our values into practice by meeting the current challenges with compassion, dedication and resilience. Our Academy community has banded together, members, families, staff, Board of Directors and volunteers – We Are Stronger Together.