Dear Team,

We want to take a moment to acknowledge the challenges that come with extreme cold weather and to thank you for your flexibility, professionalism, and dedication during these times. As of 1/22/2026 we HAVE decided to be CLOSED FOR PROGRAMMING on Friday, 1/23/2026. 

When programming is canceled due to severe weather, that decision is made first and foremost to protect the safety of the individuals we support. Many of our clients are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures due to medical needs, mobility concerns, and transportation limitations.

While programming may be paused, our work as an organization does not stop. As a licensed service provider, we remain responsible for maintaining standards, meeting compliance and documentation requirements, and ensuring our programs are prepared to resume as soon as it is safe to do so. For this reason, staff are still expected to report to work unless otherwise directed.

Please know we will never ask staff to do something unsafe. There may be times when programming is closed and staff are asked not to come in due to safety concerns. Those decisions will be communicated clearly when they occur.

On days when clients are not onsite, staff time may be used for important behind-the-scenes work, including (but not limited to):

• Completing or catching up on documentation
• Training and professional development
• Program planning and preparation
• Cleaning, organizing, and maintaining program spaces
• Administrative or team support tasks

We understand that coming in under these circumstances can feel frustrating, especially when weather conditions are difficult. Please know this expectation is not a reflection of distrust or an attempt to “fill time.” As you know, there is always a great deal of important work to be done, and these days help make it possible to stay caught up and prepared.

Options when programming is closed but staff are still asked to work include:

• Reporting to work as scheduled (tasks will be available) You MAY not need to stay the whole day. 
• Using PTO
• Taking the day unpaid

Please note: Staff regularly scheduled for 35+ hours must either work or use PTO in order to maintain their status and benefits.

If you have concerns about safety, travel conditions, or expectations for your role, we encourage you to speak directly with your supervisor so we can address them thoughtfully.

Thank you for the care, flexibility, and commitment you bring to this work—on all days, both seen and unseen. What you do truly matters, and we appreciate you.

With gratitude,
Sonia