DANS Calls for Provincial Recognition of its Employees
BRIDGETOWN, NS, May 19, 2020 /CNW/ - Diverse Abilities NS is calling on the Provincial Government to extend the Essential Health Worker Bonus Program to its employees and to recognize their tireless efforts and dedication to providing essential services to over 600 individuals with diverse abilities in our province.
"We were extremely disappointed to see the announcement of the initiative to provide essential service workers with $2,000 bonuses in recognition of their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic did not include our employees, says Joyce d'Entremont, CEO of the Mountains and Meadows Care Group in Bridgetown and Chair of Diverse Abilities NS. "The population our organizations serve is extremely vulnerable to serious illness, complications, and even death from this devasting virus due to the aging demographic and co-morbidities that exist. Our staff have been working extremely hard and doing everything possible to support our program participants throughout this pandemic and to keep them healthy and safe. Their extraordinary efforts deserve the same financial recognition as their counterparts in other health sectors."
Julie Hoeg, Executive Director of the Sunset Community in Pugwash and the Vice Chair of Diverse Abilities NS, adds that the association has reached out to government several times to seek clarification on whether the approximately 2,000 Nova Scotians employed by the province's Adult Residential Centres/Regional Rehabilitation Centres would be included in the bonus program, however, confirmation has not been received.
"Our employees are reporting to work every day, even in the face of their own fears regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and they are going above and beyond to meet the needs of our program participants," says Hoeg. "They are unsung heroes and without their hard work and dedication we would not be able to keep our facilities open. Accordingly, we are requesting that government give them the recognition they rightfully deserve and add them to the Essential Services Workers Program."
Diverse Abilities NS is a membership-based association comprised of organizations from across the province who provide a continuum of progressive services and supports that are designed to empower people with diverse abilities to make their own choices, participate in decision-making, and to be contributors to and participate in their local community. Collectively, the members of Diverse Abilities NS serve more than 600 individuals with moderate to severe intellectual and physical disabilities, chronic mental illness, addictions and acquired brain injuries.
SOURCE Diverse Abilities NS
Joyce d'Entremont, CEO/Administrator, Mountains & Meadows Care Group and Chair, Diverse Abilities NS, Office: 902-655-4489 ext 801, Cell: 902-824-4537, [email protected]
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