Dear Accord Stakeholder,

In an effort to protect the safety of persons who receive our branch-based services and our staff, we temporarily closed our branches on March 20, 2020 with an intention to open them again on March 30, 2020. The temporary closure occurred in an effort to comply with the mitigation guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

To be clear, no one associated with Accord has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus. However, yesterday’s announcement by Governor Walz directing Minnesotans to Stay at Home, requires us to extend our temporary closure of branches until Monday, April 13, 2020. We regret having to do so, because we know that the persons we serve are relying on us to empower them to earn an income or become more fully engaged in our communities.

We are awaiting further guidance from the Minnesota Department of Human Services regarding ways in which we may continue to provide limited, more individualized services to those we currently serve, whom are extremely isolated. If you or your loved one are experiencing extreme isolation, please send me an email.

Those individuals whom receive Employment Services without branch-based programming will continue to receive services from our Employment Consultants. Unless persons we serve are working in essential critical businesses, as defined by the Governor’s directive, our services will be provided by telephone, FaceTime, email, and other electronic methods. We know that many people served by our Employment team have experienced reduction in work hours or job loss. Our goal is to get you back to work.

As you know, we are all experiencing a very fluid situation. We will keep you informed if there is a need to change our plans. It is our honor to be a part of your life. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this critical time.

Please feel free to reach out to me at 651-248-4590 or [email protected] if you have questions. Best wishes in staying safe and healthy.

Sincerely,
Bob Brick
Executive Vice President