During this COVID-19 crisis, Rise team members are finding alternative ways to support people than their usual face-to-face meetings.

Maria has worked successfully as a housekeeper at a hotel in Stillwater since January 2019, but when room bookings slowed dramatically, Maria and most of the hotel staff were laid off. Employment Consultant Kelly Klinke, who works at Rise Cottage Grove, now connects with Maria over the phone.

A valued and dedicated employee, Maria really misses her job, her daily routine, and the positive relationships she has with her co-workers. As a result of not working these past several weeks, Maria is experiencing high anxiety, panic, and other mental health issues. She is also really concerned about how she will pay her bills.

Admittedly not close to her group home roommates, Maria relies on Kelly’s calming conversation and support now more than ever to get through this challenging time. She calls Kelly several times a day, seven days a week for reassurance.

“Maria gets confused and doesn’t really understand a lot about the virus or frankly even her own risk as someone who has diabetes,” said Kelly. “She tells me over and over how excited she will be to be back to work, how much she misses me, misses cleaning and all her friends at work. She is bored and lonely, and really needs to connect with someone she knows cares about her and whom she trusts.”

Kelly has also assisted Maria in applying for unemployment benefits. “She should have that first payment any day now so I hope that eases some of her financial worries and the anxiety she is experiencing,” Kelly added. “Until then, I am happy to continue supporting Maria as she needs me to and however I can.”

Maria has worked successfully as a housekeeper at a hotel in Stillwater since January 2019, but when room bookings slowed dramatically, Maria and most of the hotel staff were laid off. Employment Consultant Kelly Klinke, who works at Rise Cottage Grove, now connects with Maria over the phone.

A valued and dedicated employee, Maria really misses her job, her daily routine, and the positive relationships she has with her co-workers. As a result of not working these past several weeks, Maria is experiencing high anxiety, panic, and other mental health issues. She is also really concerned about how she will pay her bills.

Admittedly not close to her group home roommates, Maria relies on Kelly’s calming conversation and support now more than ever to get through this challenging time. She calls Kelly several times a day, seven days a week for reassurance.

“Maria gets confused and doesn’t really understand a lot about the virus or frankly even her own risk as someone who has diabetes,” said Kelly. “She tells me over and over how excited she will be to be back to work, how much she misses me, misses cleaning and all her friends at work. She is bored and lonely, and really needs to connect with someone she knows cares about her and whom she trusts.”

Kelly has also assisted Maria in applying for unemployment benefits. “She should have that first payment any day now so I hope that eases some of her financial worries and the anxiety she is experiencing,” Kelly added. “Until then, I am happy to continue supporting Maria as she needs me to and however I can.”