As we continue to navigate through our new normal, we are hearing some great stories about our CHS Team that we think are worth sharing. We will continue to post stories as we learn about them. We honor our employees, our heroes, for their dedication, strong values and great hearts. We think you will too.
Maintenance Team: Peter Chappelle, Devin Ibanez, Tim Nihan, Leo Rosa
On a typical week, our CHS Maintenance Team includes Peter and Devin. Responsibilities range from all types of indoor and outdoor work that can include painting, moving furniture and everything in between.
All that changed in March 2020. The Maintenance Team transitioned into our Covid-19 Team doubling in size with a more critical, focused role. Led by Ed Napier, Director of Maintenance, the team brought on Tim and Leo from other areas of the agency, now tasked with prioritizing work to support and insure the safety and well-being of our Individuals and staff.
The First Initiative
The team quickly identified that our infrastructure needed to be adjusted to establish safety protocols for all interactions. A distribution process was created to insure a no-contact delivery/pick up system between the team and programs. Large plastic containers were positioned outside of each home and used for drop off of medications, groceries, PPE and homemade masks from friends and neighbors. The team learned how to grocery shop for large households, transport individuals and staff to/from appointments and safe outdoor activities. And, of course after each transport, the vehicles were sanitized in preparation for the next travelers.
Next was handling all the fix-it jobs that are typically completed by our contractors. Entering each residence now required suiting up in full PPE gear to complete repairs. The team quickly learned how to troubleshoot and fix small appliances and plumbing, landscape at the farm and houses, clean and disinfect homes and some of our office spaces.
This team epitomizes what we call Heroes. They understand the work they do is important, why it is important, and accepted the challenge and rose to the occasion. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and selflessness this team has shown. Thank you Peter, Devin, Tim and Leo for helping us through one of the most challenging situations of our lifetime.