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Woods Team Members Shine at Social Innovations Awards

March 4, 2021

In an evening for community innovators to shine, staff at Woods Services, and Woods affiliate Tabor Services, were among those whose work was in the spotlight at the 2021 Greater Philadelphia Innovation Awards hosted by The Social Innovations Journal. The Jan. 21 event, presented virtually this year due to COVID-19, honored social innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers whose leadership, social impact and efforts in their communities make Greater Philadelphia a thriving region of innovation and opportunity for all people. The awards are presented annually by the nonprofit online magazine and voted on by the public.

 

We know how valuable our Woods team members are, and it was exciting to see their work for our residents and clients recognized publicly through the magazine and in front of the nearly 150 community leaders brought together via Zoom for the ceremony. The Woods stars honored on awards night are Karen Wilkins from Tabor Services, Dawn Diamond and the COVID Task Force members, and Kym Talerico and Avi Saltzman of Yellow Daffodil Flower and Gift Shop. Among the innovations they were nominated for are: tranquility rooms for employee well-being and retention, outdoor learning spaces created to maintain resident quality of life during pandemic lockdowns, and a program that provides work experience, develops confidence and independence, and even launched a jewelry line.

 

Read more to learn about these exciting, innovative, and award-winning programs underway at Woods and Tabor Services.

 

Innovations Improve Quality of Life during the Pandemic

We have all spent much time talking about and managing the coronavirus pandemic this past year. The “COVID-19 Innovations” category was an opportunity for organizations to share information about effective innovations in dealing with the outbreak. Woods and its COVID-19 Task Force members, led by Dawn Diamond, Darlene Barnes, Dr. Stephen Kolesk and Tine Hansen-Turton, deployed innovative strategies throughout the pandemic to prevent the spread of the virus to our residents and employees, including early adoption of masking, testing and other infection control measures, and converting some services to a virtual platform. Building outdoor classrooms, and creating a nature trail and an animal-assisted therapy program were innovative ideas for providing learning and exercise, and maintaining quality of life and engagement during a period of mandated isolation. Woods was honored with the category’s third place award.

 

Tranquility Rooms Transform Work Environment at Tabor

Karen Wilkins, chief human resources officer at Tabor Services, a member of the Woods Affiliate network, received third place honors in the “Healthy Food Access and Healthy Workforce Innovator Award” category for her efforts to ensure a supportive and nurturing work environment for employees. Focused on addressing workforce turnover that can result from a stressful and emotionally demanding job, such as with child welfare social work, Karen led a team of staff, maintenance workers and construction experts to transform the work environment by adding three Tranquility Rooms. The modified space features soothing sounds, accommodations for free in-person and virtual yoga classes, and massage chairs.  In addition, a trauma-certified psychotherapist with child welfare experience is available for free private and confidential counseling for all employees in need. Karen understood the importance of a supportive organizational culture and how it would help families served by Tabor. Her efforts also contributed to Tabor Services achieving a 98 percent staff retention rate in fiscal year 2020.

 

Yellow Daffodil Experience Builds Confidence and Independence

Yellow Daffodil Flower and Gift Shop’s manager, Kym Talarico, and employee Avi Saltzman were recognized in the Workforce Development Award – Innovation in the Social Mobility Category. The nomination showcased Woods’ commitment to creating the broadest possible work opportunities that enable individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to contribute to the world around them in powerful ways. Product development, merchandising, sales and inventory are among the transferable skills taught at Yellow Daffodil. The work experience helps participants develop their self-confidence and gain independence. The runner-up award celebrated the environment of discovery Kym creates at Yellow Daffodil, encouraging employees to try new tasks that often ignite their passions, and the way Avi, who created a successful jewelry product line for the shop called Aviology, has inspired and supported others to follow his lead.

 

Congratulations to Karen, Dawn and the COVID Task Force, Kym, and Avi. We are so proud of your accomplishments! Thanks for making Woods shine so brightly.

Questions about the covid-19 vaccine? We had medical experts repsond

February 24, 2021

We created an anonymous survey that asked users to submit any questions they had about the covid-19 vaccines. Our medical experts, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Stephen J. Kolesk, MD, and Infection Prevention Nurse Darlene Barnes, MS, BSN, RN, responded.

Here are some of those questions and responses:

 

Will the vaccine be required to travel?

Although we are not aware of any country that has announced a mandatory vaccination requirement yet, numerous countries, including the United States, are considering requiring proof of covid vaccination, in order to travel. There is general consensus that proof of vaccination will be required to travel.

 

I had covid over Christmas break, should I wait the 60 days before receiving the vaccine? Also, I heard the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is a one shot and less side effects, is that true?

The waiting period to get the vaccine after being infected with the virus, is two weeks after covid symptoms or diagnosis without symptoms. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is only one shot and its possible side effects are not yet known… We recommend getting vaccinated against covid by any approved vaccine as soon as you can.

 

Can we stop wearing masks if vaccinated?

The vaccines can prevent you from getting the disease, with up to a 95 percent effectiveness rate, however it is still unknown whether vaccination prevents transmitting the disease, therefore wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and frequent hand washing are all still recommended, even after vaccination.

 

Does the vaccine work against all strains?

Early data shows that the vaccines may be slightly less effective on the new strains, but still provide significant protection.  Because these new strains are much more contagious than the original, it is all the more important to be vaccinated as soon as you can.  As the virus spreads, it mutates. The more we can control the spread, the less mutation will occur.

 

Can the vaccine affect someone who is already pregnant?

The Centers for Disease Control and other public health experts recommend that pregnant and nursing mothers be vaccinated.  We encourage women who are pregnant or nursing to consult with their healthcare practitioners before deciding whether to take the vaccine.

 

I’ve heard the Pfizer vaccine is effective on white people and the Moderna is effective on black people?

This is not true. There is ZERO evidence of this.  In fact, in the trials, both vaccines achieved 100 percent effectiveness in black study participants.

 

Has the vaccine been approved for people with serious allergies? Specifically, anaphylactic reactions to food allergies? 

This is a great question. If you have had an anaphylactic reaction to a vaccine, this is a situation that needs to be discussed with your health care provider before you take the vaccine. If you have had a severe allergic reaction to the polyethylene glycol or polysorbate ingredients in the covid vaccine, you should not get the vaccine.

 

How can this vaccine be made mandatory if the CDC has not given it full approval?

The federal government does not mandate (require) vaccination for individuals. They do make recommendations for best healthcare practices to keep individuals healthy. The Equal Employment Opportunity Council (EEOC) has confirmed that an employer can make vaccination mandatory. For some healthcare workers or essential employees, a state or local government or private employer, for example, may require or mandate that workers be vaccinated due to the requirements of their job.

 

What risk do I have of getting covid after I’m vaccinated if I’m around people that haven’t been vaccinated? And if I don’t get it, can I still carry it home to my family if I’m around those who aren’t vaccinated?

The vaccines can prevent you from getting the disease, with a 95 percent effectiveness rate, however it is still unknown whether the vaccination prevents transmitting the disease, therefore wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and frequent hand washing are all still recommended, even after vaccination.

 

Will I have to get one yearly like the flu shot?

The length of time the vaccine lasts is unknown at this time but it is likely to last at least one year if not more. Long term studies will be necessary to determine this.

 

How are individuals who are overweight and/or have other health problems effected by the vaccine?  I also wondered if there was any way to safeguard against delayed long term effects of the covid 19 vaccine, since I don’t know if there is any way to gather evidence determining of this?

Any long-term effects of the vaccine are unknown at this point. We do know that people with certain conditions, like being overweight, or having diabetes or high blood pressure, are at a higher risk for complications from contracting covid, therefore people with those conditions are highly encouraged to get the vaccine.

 

How long should someone wait after getting the covid vaccines to receive another type of vaccine or injection-based medical test (flu, hep B, mantoux, etc)?

Per the CDC: Wait at least 14 days before getting any other vaccine, including a flu or shingles vaccine, if you get your covid-19 vaccine first. And if you get another vaccine first, wait at least 14 days before getting your covid-19 vaccine. If a covid-19 vaccine is inadvertently given within 14 days of another vaccine, you do not need to restart the covid-19 vaccine series; you should still complete the series on schedule.

 

What happens if you do not take the vaccine?

You put yourself, family and friends at risk for a serious and potentially deadly disease.

 

I was informed that the vaccine was manufactured with different DNAs from different ethnic backgrounds, and that according to your race you will add in DNA from either white or black?

THIS IS COMPLETELY FALSE.  Here is a good Forbes article that explains why this is not true.

 

Is the vaccine known to be safe for those with autoimmune disorders?

Yes. Here is what the CDC says:

No data are currently available on the safety and efficacy of mRNA covid-19 vaccines in persons with autoimmune conditions, though these persons were eligible for enrollment in clinical trials. No imbalances were observed in the occurrence of symptoms consistent with autoimmune conditions or inflammatory disorders in clinical trial participants who received an mRNA covid-19 vaccine compared to placebo. Persons with autoimmune conditions who have no contraindications to vaccination may receive an mRNA covid-19 vaccine.

 

What is the research of the effects/side effects (positive and negative) of the vaccine on fertility for women who plan to become pregnant within the next year? If there is little to no research, should a woman that is planning to become pregnant consider getting the vaccine?

Current guidelines state that you can become pregnant after the vaccine. There is no evidence that the vaccine causes infertility.  We advise talking this issue over with your health care provider. See also, these resources from the CDC and the The University of Chicago Medicine.

 

After getting the full dose of vaccine, will you get covid-19 again?

The protection provided does not start for 12-14 days after the second immunization. The vaccine is 95 percent effective, which means that 19 out of 20 people will be fully protected.  This is a much higher rate of protection that the typical seasonal flu vaccine gives to people. However, wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and careful and frequent hand washing are still strongly recommended for those who have been vaccinated.  If you contract the virus after being vaccinated, the severity of symptoms will be significantly reduced.

 

 

About Woods

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Health, Wellness & Therapeutics

In an effort to improve communication, daily living skills and educational outcomes for both … Read More >

Vocational & Adult Day Services

We are committed to eliminating barriers and creating possibilities for achievement.   We … Read More >

Learning

Our school programs help students meet educational, emotional, behavioral and medical needs, while … Read More >

Having Fun

We exist to drive greater achievement for the individuals we serve.  Whether living  on our campus, … Read More >

Continuum of Care

We offer our individuals a full continuum of supports through our affiliates and various programs … Read More >

Copyright © 2023 Woods | Routes 413 & 213 | P.O. Box 36 | Langhorne, PA 19047-0036 | Ph: 215.750.4000 | E: communications@woods.org

  • .
  • About Woods
    • Our History
    • The Woods System of Care
    • Meet the Woods Services Leadership
    • Meet the Woods Services Board of Trustees
    • The Woods Clinical Approach
    • News & Events
  • Services
    • Short Term Residential Treatment
    • Health, Wellness, & Therapy
    • Vocational & Adult Day
      • Holland Enrichment Center
      • The Woods Enterprises
      • Yellow Daffodil
      • Common Grounds Café
      • Woods Wear
  • Education
    • An Overview of Education
  • Research Institute
  • Work With Woods
    • Employee Testimonials
    • Benefits of Working at Woods
    • Staff Development
    • Teach with Woods
  • Support Woods
    • Make a Gift to Woods
    • Join the Heart of Woods
    • Give through your Donor Advised Fund
    • Give through EITC
    • Leave a Legacy
    • Honor a Friend or Loved One
  • Admissions
    • Tour Woods
    • Email Admissions
    • FAQ
    • Meet the Admissions Team