To First Bridge Centre Parents and Caregivers,

We want to thank you for your support and good wishes over the past week. At this time, we continue to be focused on the many urgent challenges we face individually, as a company and as a community. For each of us, these are challenging days and sometimes it can be overwhelming. We are thankful everyday for the community of individuals, families and staff that we have created at First Bridge Centre. 

The COVID-19 Pandemic continues to impact programs and services across the country. As a result of the recent government lockdown restrictions and service disruptions, we have had to make the difficult decision to temporarily furlough our employees who are most impacted. We will support those employees being laid off, help them access available government assistance, and work hard to ensure that we can welcome them back when the situation improves. 

This is an incredibly difficult time, but be assured that we are doing everything we can to ensure that First Bridge Centre and our exceptional team will be in a position to continue to provide our programs and services as soon as it is safe to do so.  

During this time, while your children are at home and without essential therapy and educational services, we will be rolling out a Telehealth programme in order to be able to provide consultation, coaching, parent training, and in some cases direct therapy sessions. We will be using a technology platform called Microsoft Teams, which can be accessed using any mobile device, tablet or laptop. These services will be delivered by ourselves and our Clinical Managers. Sessions may be scheduled at times that are convenient for you and may be outside of regular working hours and work days. 

We recognize this is an extremely stressful and uncertain time for everyone. While we encourage anyone who is able to to participate, we recognize that this model of service will not be suitable for everyone. In the coming days, we will be in touch with each family individually to discuss whether Telehealth services may be feasible and appropriate for you and/or your child. 

Please stay safe and healthy during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Sasha Zerkalova
Founder, CEO