HERRIN (WSIL) -- Keeping the mind and body stimulated is important for those staying at home and for clients of Our Directions in Herrin.
Before COVID-19, a normal day for Our Directions included providing opportunities for clients with developmental disabilities.
"We keep everybody really busy. We go out in the community a lot. We do lots of volunteer work. We also provide a job coach for individuals as well to work out in the community," said Our Directions nurse Morgan Kash.
Since the clients can't interact with each other, Director Verna Webb says her direct support personnel have created virtual activities.
"It lists from five to 10 activities that we challenge them to do. And the challenge is not just to do it, but to record it and post it either on Facebook and YouTube," she said.
Those daily challenges vary from washing your hands to exploring nature; hoping all 90 clients get involved.
"First week too we had them dancing--a glow dance. The second week was fun. We planted plants, potato painting. Random act of kindness, that's so cool 'cause you do something or make something and then take it over to a neighbor's house, or you drive it somewhere and drop it off," said Webb.
Webb and Kash say these challenges wouldn't be successful without their direct support personnel.
"Having our DSPs, they've really stepped up, and they're truly the front line for our clients, right now, keeping them healthy and safe at home," said Kash.
They hope these activites make their clients feel closer to each other.
"They're all doing the same activities, so it's keeping them a sense of togetherness, which is really cool," said Kash.
Verna Webb says Our Directions just applied for a grant to get more resources for their clients.
To join in on the challenges, .
