MSS remote services bring people together from far and wide

Courtesy of MSS

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the temporary suspension of day programs in Minnesota, MSS knew that the people in its programs were still going to need additional support while at home.

The nonprofit quickly pivoted and created a series of engaging remote classes so people could feel connected and engaged while staying safe. MSS brought tablets to those who did not have the technology to join in, so everyone was included. Class topics include current events, cooking and nutrition, health and wellness, exercise, art, music, gardening, games, trivia, acting, self-advocacy, and more.

Once staff were able bring some people back to socially-distanced in-person services, MSS began hybrid programming, where people at home could remotely join the activities everyone else was doing in-person. The St. Paul-based provider with six locations is investing in additional technology to make hybrid classes as impactful as possible.

Feedback on these remote classes has been overwhelmingly positive, and MSS will continue to offer them for the foreseeable future to people not ready or able to come back to traditional services.

“Virtual classes open up many new opportunities for relationships because people can interact with others from any of our programs/locations,” said Chris Salter, director of quality assurance for MSS. One parent shared these words of appreciation:

“The Zoom classes have given me a greater appreciation of the ‘roles’ you folks play in the lives of the clients and it inspires me; the creativity of the classes has been amazing to experience. I’ve been given the gift of getting to know both employees and clients from all the centers through the classes and that is something I will miss inordinately when the world returns to ‘normal.’ It makes me sad to think I may not have the opportunity to interact with these folks again.”
 Parent of person served at MSS