We learned much about ourselves since March 18, 2020.  On that day, we were forced to close our doors for the first time in our 25 years of service to Princeton.  We certainly did not take that decision lightly and it was the last thing we wanted to do.  At that time there was much we did not know about the virus, and how to protect our staff and our clients.  These were…and are unique times.

The work did not stop, in fact it accelerated.  During the last 8 weeks we have worked with our partners to establish a virtual service for our clients including online workshops, labour market newsletters and updates, job postings, and virtual services direct to each client.  The learning curve was intense.

To pivot a direct service organization and create a virtual service required hard work, creativity, collaboration, and technology.  We assembled working teams addressing collating and interpreting Government announcements, creating virtual workshops, providing clients with virtual access to information, and transitioned how we interacted with our customers.  Goal setting & Teamwork accomplishes much.

We needed to check our resiliency.  This pandemic was about to create a myriad of difficulties for our operation, and perspective and balance was important.  Our ability to be resilient protected our mental health capacity which was challenged and we felt it.  We understood that in order to make it through, not only this current state but the “new normal” state that faces us at the other end, we needed to protect ourselves.  We needed to be able to absorb a tremendous amount of information and that required mind health.  Dr Bonnie Henry’s steadfast advice was the underpinning of this learning.  Be calm, be kind, stay safe. 

Moving forward, we don’t have the big picture…yet.  As most may not.  We know we are here to serve our community, and we will be figuring out how that can be done and what our next steps are.  We know challenges lie ahead for us, and we will continue to creatively solve our problems, one step at a time.  After all, that’s a tried and tested process for getting through difficult times.  Find what’s in your control, and work that angle.