Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being’s priority has been to continue to meet our mission to build a community action tank for child friendly policies, while also adhering to public health and safety best practices. This position was central to our decision in March 2020 to physically close our indoor convening spaces and reduce access to Co-Locating Partners office suites. These principles also shaped the Center’s June 2020 re-entry plan which expanded our outdoor open-air capacity and virtual convening opportunities. Once again, we focus on these health standard and community voice as Deaconess Center enters our next stage of re-entry.
Starting Thursday, April 1st Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being will enter a Phase 1 re-entry for Co-Locators and Convenings. Deaconess Center’s Co-Locating Partners will be allowed to return to business operations under CDC recommended policies and procedures. Face coverings will be required by all staff, guest, and vendors while on Deaconess Center’s Campus and physical distancing protocols must be observed. Deaconess Center will remain closed to indoor convenings and will be only accessible by appointment with Co-Locating Partners. Co-Locating Partners have collectively established these health standards and individual Co-Locating Partners can still elect to remain in a telecommuting schedule or work offsite. Please see the list below for contacts for each of our Co-Locating Partners for more information about individual re-entry procedures.
Open-air and virtual convenings
As the work for child well-being has evolved in the past year, so has the Center’s ability to support our partners. Starting April 1st, Deaconess Center will once again offer access to outdoor open-air convening spaces for limited gatherings that must follow CDC recommendations. These open-air convening spaces are now a pivotal resource in our time and are the reason the Center will continue to make them available. Deaconess Center will also maintain support for partners to access our successful virtual convening platform through our Zoom Meeting and Webinar programs. To learn more about outdoor open-air convening spaces or virtual convenings email conveningdesk@deaconess.org
Join the movement
Finally, as mentioned in the Foundation’s March newsletter there are currently opportunities to join the movement of Deaconess Center by volunteering directly with the Center. Our volunteers are shaping the Center’s work both on our campus and in our virtual convenings and there are several ways to get involved. If you or others are interested in volunteering with Deaconess Center complete the Volunteer Application Form or contact David Nehrt-Flores at (314) 356-2533 or davidn@deaconess.org.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support as we build health and hope for ALL St. Louis children.
Where to Contact: Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being Co-Locating Partners
Deaconess Foundation | 314.436.8001
Unleashing Potential | 314.383.1733
Vision for Children at Risk | 314.534.6015