April 13, 2020
To: All WACOSA stakeholders
From: Steve H.
Re: Possible upcoming press release
I wish to contact all of our stakeholders to share a potential press release you may see in one or more St. Cloud Times news outlets. The title of the release, along with corresponding bi-line is:
WACOSA IN ST CLOUD CALLS TO SAVE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR MINNESOTANS WITH DISABILITIES THREATENED BY COVID-19, LEGISLATIVE SOLUTION PROPOSED
“Without emergency funding to cover fixed costs during closures, day service providers may not reopen, removing programs that have helped people thrive for four decades or more.”
We are not certain this release will be printed by the St. Cloud Times. In the event it is, I wish to clarify for our many community partners that this release was not approved for release by WACOSA. The public relations group contracted to conduct such business for our MOHR state association did not take the precaution of allowing WACOSA to vet all parts of this piece prior to its release. The title, bi-line and some of the article’s content could leave the impression that WACOSA may not reopen following the current COVID-19 pandemic. Please rest assured WACOSA is weathering the current challenges and is prepared to reopen once we are convinced the health and safety of our stakeholders will not be compromised. The decision on a date to reopen will be made that considers the unique needs of each of those we serve, along with guidance from our state and federal authorities.
We here at WACOSA trust you are continuing to remain healthy and follow the call for proper social distancing, good hand-washing and sheltering in place as much as possible as we ride out this challenging time. We look forward to the day we can reintroduce services and miss our clients, staff and many other stakeholders very much. As always, please continue to monitor WACOSA’s various social media outlets for up-to-the-moment information and details regarding WACOSA and our services.
Thanks!