Dear Friends,
In the midst of so much change and disruption to our professional and personal lives brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to reach out to all of our supporters to provide an update as to on-going operations at James Island Outreach in serving our clients and community.
First and foremost, the health and well being of our clients, volunteers, and staff is of immediate and primary concern. To that end, we participated in a conference call yesterday with the majority of the food banks and pantries throughout Charleston County and the surrounding area to address guidance for continued operations while abiding by the CDC guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Effective immediately we’re suspending day-to-day operations at James Island Outreach. We will continue to monitor the situation and heed the advice of federal and local agencies as to when it will be deemed safe to renew operations and face-to-face engagements with our clients and volunteers. However, this does not mean we’re not working or assisting our clients. Our Executive Director and staff are monitoring our phones and voicemails to assist clients on an as needed basis. Our voicemail at the outreach is set-up with the most current messaging as to updates and current operations. Every message is being returned, and arrangements will be made for clients in immediate need of food assistance. In addition, we’re contemplating hosting a drive-through type distribution of food on a coming Saturday if this is needed and can be communicated and executed without putting people at unnecessary risk.
These are truly unprecedented times, and we will remain vigilant, but not fearful. Our hopes and prayers are with each and every one of our supporters and our community at large that no one is directly impacted by COVID-10. We are asking you during this time to continue the support you have so graciously provided in the past. This will ensure that we are able to continue our mission of supplying help to those in need in our community. We’re deeply grateful for the continued and on-going support provided from each and every one of you and look forward to continuing the journey together.
God Bless,
Kevin Tingley
Chairman of the Board JIO
Scott Graule
Executive Director JIO
843.762.3653