New CDC Guidance - Individuals who are Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19

We know that the COVID-19 vaccines help protect you from getting very sick, but we are still learning how the vaccine will affect the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. We also know that taking precautions are still very important even if you have been vaccinated.

All three approved vaccines in the United States are 100% effective in protecting fully vaccinated people from death and serious illness related to COVID-19. It is also strongly believed that fully vaccinated people who are asymptomatic (not showing any symptoms) will not spread the virus and are overall, less likely to spread the virus. This means many of the day to day activities are safer for those who are fully vaccinated.

People are considered to be fully vaccinated:

Two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine; or
Two weeks after a single-dose vaccine (ex. Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen).

What has changed for fully vaccinated people:

Fully vaccinated people can now safely visit indoors with other fully vaccinated people without masks,
Fully vaccinated people can now visit indoors with unvaccinated people from ONE other household without masks, unless they (or anyone they live with) have an increased risk for becoming sick
If a fully vaccinated person has been around someone who has COVID-19, they do not need to quarantine or get tested unless they have symptoms, or live in a group setting (like a group home). Even if you are fully vaccinated, if you notice that you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested as normal, as well as stay home and away from others.

Things fully vaccinated people should still be doing, as usual:

Continue to Wash hands and use hand sanitizer often, wear a mask in public places, practice social distancing and avoid crowds or poorly ventilated spaces.
Avoid medium or large get-togethers.
Delay travel. If you must travel (as in an emergency), follow CDC requirements/recommendations.
Watch for symptoms of COVID-19; get tested and stay home/away from others if you do start noticing symptoms.
Follow any guidelines at your workplace, school or any other public places.

For more information on the CDC Guidelines, see here.

Inspirational Story: Dani & Missy’s Sleepover

A few weeks ago Dani Worcester had her first sleepover with her friend Missy (Katcho) since the COVID-19 pandemic began! Both Dani and Missy (including their families) have been vaccinated. We caught up with Dani and had her tell us all about their fun (and safe!) evening together.

Hi Dani! How long has it been since you’ve seen Missy?

A long time, like a year since we have done our overnighters.

Were you two able to talk virtually during the last year or see each other safely?

We would play our favorite dice game, ‘Must Bust’, by Zoom, but that was about it.

Tell us about your sleepover! What were your favorite activities that you did during the sleepover? Did you have anything special for dinner or breakfast?

We had so much fun! We were so excited that we squealed and jumped for days before our sleepover and then the whole time she was here. We did Wii Bowling from 8:30 in the morning until 3:30 in the afternoon. Then we watched a movie. My dad made our favorite pancakes for breakfast and we laughed the whole way through. Then my mom took us over to Missy’s parents’ house and I stayed there for two nights! They have had all their vaccinations too. I was so happy!!!

How does it make you feel to be able to see your friend in person? Are you excited to be able to spend more time with her?

I feel very very happy! And very thankful and blessed. I missed spending time with my best friend very very much. We laugh a lot together.

How does it make you feel now that you are vaccinated? What are you looking forward to? Will you be seeing other friends who have had the vaccine?

I am very happy that we got vaccinated. I even got to go see my 90-year-old grandma yesterday! She and I are the very best of friends and I missed her so much it would make me want to cry. We would work on crossword puzzles over the phone together but we couldn’t see each other because she doesn’t have a computer or a smartphone. So I really missed her. It made me very sad. But now I can visit her and even give her a little hug! It makes me want to dance!

Do you and Missy have another sleepover planned soon?

Yes, we will get together later this week again. And then very soon, Missy is moving into her new place and I get to spend the night with her in her new house!

*Missy (left) and Dani together again, in the sunshine*

Huge thanks to Dani, and Dani’s mom, Lynne, for sharing this heartwarming story with us. It is so wonderful to hear that customers are able to start getting back to the fun and normal things they used to do, before the pandemic. If you would like to share your story about how your life is getting back to normal, or any story about you, please e-mail ekuth@communitypath.org. We are always thrilled to share what you have been up to!

Customer Satisfaction Survey

Last week, we sent out our annual customer satisfaction survey! This year, we included a section about COVID-19. We are eager to hear your thoughts about the support and services we provided over the last 12 months. We strongly encourage you to fill this out and send back to us, we use your feedback to make our service better for our customers, so your comments really help!

This survey is anonymous, however, there is a number at the bottom of the survey to identify specific Personal Agents (PA’s). This identifier allows us to give general feedback to PA’s to help with performance and recognition.

Please return your responses on or before April 30, 2021.

Thank you for being a part of Community Pathways and for taking the time to help us provide the best possible services!

Economic Impact (Stimulus) Payments

Many people have already received their third COVID-19 stimulus payment. These may come directly to your bank account, or on a debit card or it may still be on its way. For FAQ Regarding the Economic Impact Payment, see here.

I get SSI or SSDI benefits. Am I eligible for the stimulus payment?

Most likely. The IRS recently announced that these payments will be sent on April 7, 2021. You can track your stimulus check status here with the IRS starting this weekend, April 3-4, 2021. If you haven’t received your payment by this date, keep an eye on the mail, as it may be coming via paper check or pre-paid debit card.

For more information on SSDI/SSI and the most recent stimulus payment, see here.

How do I know the check is from the IRS? Why did I receive a check or pre-paid debit card instead of a direct deposit?

Your check will come in a white envelope, from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. It will look similar to your tax refund check, but in the memo field it will say “Economic Impact Payment”.

If you did not receive a direct deposit into your bank account, the IRS may not have updated banking information for you.

How will I recognize the stimulus debit card? How do I use it? Will there be fees I have to pay?

The envelope will have the U.S. Treasury logo and a note that says: “Not a bill or an advertisement, Important information about your Economic Impact Payment”. The return address will be: “Economic Impact Payment Card, PO Box 247022, Omaha, NE 68124-7022.”

The debit card will have the Visa logo on the front, and the issuing bank is MetaBank. You will see “Money Network” on the back of the card.

You can use the prepaid debit card to make purchases online and at any retail location where Visa is accepted. You can also get cash back during a purchase with the card, transfer the funds to your personal bank account or withdraw money from an ATM. Note that there is a $1000 ATM withdrawal limit per day.

The card will have instructions with it, but you may also go online to eipcard.com to find out how to avoid fees and find an ATM without fees.

What should I do if the debit card is lost, stolen, or thrown away by accident?

If you have lost or thrown out the stimulus debit card, you’ll have to call (800) 240-8100 for a free replacement. You will get a menu of options to choose from.

You should first choose Option 2 (for lost or stolen card).
Then choose Option 1. Using the keypad, you will be asked to:
- put in the last 6 digits of your social security number
- put in your zip code
You will then be transferred to a customer service representative. The person will have you answer some security questions before a replacement card will be sent to you.

I already received an EIP debit card. Will the latest stimulus payment be loaded on that card? How long will the money be available?

No. You will receive a new debit card with the latest stimulus payment. Once you activate the debit card, the money will remain accessible to you until the card is emptied.

Remember no one should be asking for you to do anything to receive this money. If you are worried about something being a scam, talk with your PA.

Easter Craft – Foam Cup Bunnies (via One Little project)

Source: One Little Project — *Source:* *One Little Project*

Easter is coming up this weekend, and we are making foam (or paper) cup bunnies to hold our small Easter treats! These can also be used as party favors or even as a small planter!

You will need:

1 white cup (styrofoam or paper)
2 googly eyes
White and pink craft foam, construction paper or card stock
Black gel pen
Pink sharpie
Scissors
Hot glue (or white glue)

To make your bunny:

Cut out two oval shapes for the bunny’s feet and two long, pointy ear shapes for the ears. Finally, cut out a small pink oval for the nose.
Use a pink sharpie to color the ears and feet.
Attach the eyes, nose, ears and feet to the cup using a glue gun (or white glue).
After your bunny dries, fill with treats and enjoy!

Watch this video on how to make your own foam cup bunny!

Upcoming Events

Community Vision’s “Care Providers 101” – Finding and Managing Care Providers

Community Vision is hosting a 4-week class for individuals with I/DD who also have Brokerage and/or County Services! Classes will be taking place virtually (via zoom) every Wednesday in April.

Topics will include:

Understanding your care needs
Creating and posting job descriptions
Interviewing applicants
Training workers on your needs
Correcting work that isn’t up to your standards
How to say no

Date & Time: Wednesday April 7, 14, 21 and 28 / 2:30PM – 4:30PM

Location: Zoom – links will be sent after registration

Register here!

JobsNow & Incight – Get Ahead: How to Excel in Video Interviews!

Source: Incight Event — *Source:* *Incight Event*

Preparing for online interviews can be stressful. Join this JobsNow/Incight hosted virtual event on how to connect with the virtual world. In this event, you will learn great tips on how to perform your best in an online interview. There will be a panel of recruiters who are hiring through virtual platforms, so you can gain insights from their knowledge!

Date & Time: Tuesday, April 13th / 10:00AM – 11:30AM

Location: Zoom – links will be sent after registration

Register here!

Portland Parks & Rec Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation (AIR)

April Classes (Paid)

The classes below are all hosted by AIR, will be virtual and have a fee associated with them. If you have any issues registering by the links below, you can call AIR at 503 -823-2883, Mondays and Wednesdays 1-3PM.

Zoom Cooking with Dawn

Take a cooking class from your own kitchen! Learn a new recipe, with step-by-step coaching from Dawn. Ingredient list will be emailed to participants a week before the class. Let AIR know if you have food allergies. Zoom link will be sent out when you register!

Date & Time: Every Wednesday in April / 4:00PM – 5:30PM

Cost: $15 for 4 classes

Ages: 16+

Register here / Course number 1127976

Zoom Creative Arts

Spark your inner creative! Get detailed instruction while you explore different art projects. Art supply bags are available Mondays and Wednesdays 1:00-3:00PM before the first week of class. Zoom link will be sent out when you register!

Date & Time: Every Thursday in April / 2:00PM – 3:00PM

Cost: $15 for 4 classes

Ages: 16+

Register here / Course number: 1127977

Zoom Bingo Bonanza

Your favorite bingo game just got an upgrade! Cards will be mailed ahead of time – just supply your beans! Pick up prizes during officer hours, Mondays and Wednesdays between 1:00PM – 3:00PM. Zoom link will be sent out when you register!

Date & Time: Every Friday in April / 2:00PM – 3:30PM

Cost: $15 for four sessions

Ages: 12+

Register here / Course number: 1127975

Newsletter: Friday, April 2nd