Spreading Holiday Cheer

Christmas is always an exciting time at NCS. Before the pandemic, our traditions included decorations, talent shows, and big holiday meals together. When the recent COVID surge forced us back to social distancing, NCS staff stepped up to ensure that our clients still had a merry holiday.

To start the season, masked residents spread out to help staff trim the trees and hang decorations with holiday music and movies on in the background. Louis Nine House hosted a visitor from the North Pole, Louise Nine, the Elf on the Shelf, who made the rounds to surprise staff and residents. (Check out Louise’s highlight video below.)

A few days before Christmas, Louise Nine (Ann Shalof, CEO) and a fellow elf (Pearl Chin, Director of Finance and Administration) surprised staff and tenants when they visited every NCS site to deliver treats and spread holiday cheer!

Since we weren’t able to gather for large community celebrations, we planned socially distanced festivities. At Louis Nine House each resident ordered from our special holiday menu for a personal grab-and-go meal.

Even with efforts by NCS staff to brighten the holidays, some residents struggled. Options Vocational Specialist Elaine Gorsline shared that several tenants expressed feelings of loneliness and stress. “We provided them with a safe space to explore their talents and provided advice... on the importance of self-care, self-worth, and mental health.”

The holidays this year came with some challenges for all of us. But NCS’s staff worked hard to engage our residents and make sure that everyone had a festive time.