Fellowship Square provides affordable housing and services for older adults.

JUNE 2020

IN THIS ISSUE

Safety Precautions Neighborhood Assistance Program Call a Senior Program Needs You Resident Life Christy's Corner Welcome New Board Member FY21 Board Officers COVID-19 Resources

UPDATE: COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS

Safety is Our Top Priority

Fellowship Square continues to monitor the situation with COVID-19. Residents are tired of staying indoors. They are anxious to have visitors and welcome people into their homes. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 virus is still highly contagious and people 60 years and older with underlying health conditions are at the highest risk.  We cannot let our guard down for one minute.  Residents are urged to be careful and follow the CDC recommendations to keep themselves and their neighbors from getting sick: Every person must wear a mask while they are in the common areas of the building including the front lobby, the elevators, the hallways and other spaces where they may come in contact with others. If someone is not wearing a mask, Management will provide one to them.  Everyone is expected to maintain a six-foot distance from one another.  Common areas in the building remain closed. No more than two or three people in the elevator at one time. Only essential guests delivering medicine or groceries, and home health aides, are allowed in the building.  Computer rooms are open but have limited hours. The computer equipment and seating areas are sanitized after each use.  Should a confirmed case of COVID-19 be diagnosed in the building, we will notify the local health department and follow their protocols for containment. We will alert all residents, staff and essential visitors in the building if there is a confirmed case, though the identity of the person will not be disclosed due to HIPAA regulations. Fellowship Square apartment buildings are independent senior living facilities and provide no health care or medical assistance. If a resident needs medical help, they should contact their doctor or health care provider, or call 9-1-1 if experiencing an emergency.  We hope everyone is doing their best to stay positive during this difficult time.  If you have any questions or concerns about Fellowship Square’s safety measures, please contact Christy Zeitz , CEO, by email  czeitz@fellowshipsquare.org  or by mobile number 703-981-1119.

CONSIDER A GIFT

Could You Use a NAP?

Fellowship Square’s fiscal year ends on June 30 th —just a few days away! June 30 th is also the end of this round of the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) . For Virginia residents, the purpose of NAP is to encourage businesses, trusts and individuals to make donations to approved 501(c) (3) organizations for the benefit of low-income persons. In return for their contributions, businesses, trusts and individuals may receive tax credits equal to 65 percent of the donation that may be applied against their state income tax liability.    These state tax credits are available for all Virginia resident donors who make a minimum contribution of $500 ($616 for a business or a Trust) on a first come, first served basis.  For more information, please contact Judy Singer , Director of Development, by email:   jsinger@fellowshipsquare.org  or by phone: 703-860-2569 for more information.

Thank You for Your Support!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Are You Fluent in Chinese, Korean, Farsi or Russian?  Volunteers who speak these languages are needed to help call Fellowship Square residents who are feeling isolated and alone due to the current pandemic. We’re seeking adults and high-school-age teens (age 14 +) to call and offer companionship and check on any urgent needs.  Your calls can make a substantial impact on their wellbeing!

Sign  Up Today!

COMMUNITY SUPPORTER

With Many Thanks

Twice in June, the congregation of  Greater Mt. Nebo African Methodist Episcopal Church   supported the delivery of 110 ‘heat and eat’ meals to the residents of Largo Landing Fellowship House. The meals were prepared by the World Central Kitchen .  We are grateful for your support!

RESIDENT LIFE

Fellowship Square Residents Find Ways to Stay Busy

Lake Ridge Fellowship House Our new  Lake Ridge Fellowship House  Service Coordinator, Christine Shriner, wanted to spread some cheer on SMILE POWER DAY . Residents found yellow smiley balloons, smiley post it notes, and signs hung up around the building. It was obvious that the residents were pleasantly surprised… many were seen smiling even though they were all wearing masks. It only takes one SMILE to change someone’s mood and make someone’s day! Pictured at left, Ms. Heather Mosley.

Pictured above: Mr. Sam McClung, left; Christine Shriner, Lake Ridge FH Service Coordinator, center; and Mr. Headley Thompson, right.

Lake Anne Fellowship House Two  Weeks ago ,  Lake Anne Fellowship House   began its i ndoor  g ardening  p roject. Ms .  Rui Jin Wei  h as the first plants to bloom. Ms .  Wei has been  gardening  on  and off  for a number of years  and  was very happy  for the  chance to grow plants once  again.

CHRISTY'S CORNER

One Step Forward

A month ago, the actions of four police officers lit the nation’s powder keg of racism and activists took to the streets demanding change and reform. Much like previous generations, thousands of Americans felt they could no longer remain silent on deep-rooted social injustices that have affected generation after generation of Black Americans. Like all of us staying at home and continuing to practice social distancing, Fellowship Square residents watched the protests from afar, trying to understand the complex issues between law enforcement and the black community. While permanent solutions of equality continue to elude us, we know the hard work begins at home.  At a time when there is much introspection about how we treat one another, the pandemic continues.  At Fellowship Square, we remain vigilant. Businesses are beginning to open but Fellowship Square remains closed to non-essential visitors. We know our 800 residents are the most vulnerable group for serious complications and death from the virus, and our duty and commitment to them will continue to do what is needed to keep them safe and comfortable.  Management staff, Service Coordinators and volunteers have stepped up their efforts to ensure basic needs are met. We have seen an outpouring of support from the community with donations of masks, food and other supplies that have helped to bring some comfort to residents. We continue to make phone calls and communicate with residents as best as we can. We can always use volunteers to participate in our “Check In and Chat” program – making calls to residents to say “Hello” and have a casual conversation to help keep them company. We persevere and continue to do our best. We evaluate the changing circumstances and information from government authorities and make sure we are following all recommended protocols. We will reopen our doors when it is safe to do so. Until then, thank you for your ongoing support. Your well wishes and donations of critical supplies have sustained us and continue to put hope in our hearts that we will get through this – together. Thank you.

Christy Zeitz CEO

WELCOME!

Lake Anne Fellowship House  Welcomes New Board Member

Alistair Garden is originally from Chester, Connecticut, a very small town nestled in the Connecticut River Valley.  He left home to attend the University of Maryland and graduated with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2017.  Since then, he has been working as a geotechnical engineer for a consulting company in Ashburn, VA, and gaining experience on large-scale transportation projects.  Alistair lives in Herndon, VA, with three other roommates and is a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  He has a passion for reading, listening to music, and learning about history. On the weekends you can usually find him cycling, hiking, or camping, and also taking classes part-time at George Mason University in pursuit of a master’s degree in Civil and Infrastructure Engineering. Alistair is grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve older adults in his community and form friendships and connections with other team members and residents of Lake Anne Fellowship House.

CONGRATULATIONS!

FY21 Fellowship Square Board Officers

Fellowship Square’s fiscal year runs July 1-June 30. Carl Jenkins – President Dan Flavin – Vice President John Gray - Treasurer Lynn Thomas – Secretary

PLEASE NOTE:

Fellowship Square’s main office will be closed on July 3 rd  in observance of the July 4 th  holiday.

Read t he latest updates on the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

Reminder: If you have a Thrivent account, please designate Fellowship Square for donations 

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