Dear Colleagues:

Events of the past few weeks related to COVID-19 have been frightening, challenging, and uncertain for all of us. Although I would like to assure everyone that we will be fine, I have struggled with what to tell you. The ever-changing flow of news coverage and guidance makes it seem as though there is little left to say. It is tempting and maybe even necessary to reiterate what you are already hearing and of the actions we are taking, but instead, I really want to speak to your heart and not just your mind. I would much rather talk to each of you personally, but social distancing and time constraints do not afford us that option, so I am hoping this communication will suffice for now.

Disasters in California are not new, yet this one feels different. Some of us respond with conviction and confidence, some of us display real and raw emotion, and some of us retreat. In any case, there is no right or wrong way to express ourselves, and I would suspect most of us share the same fear and concern. Undoubtedly, our feelings are exacerbated by the lack of predictability and the uncertainty we are faced with. I have repeatedly asked myself what I could possibly say that would add some predictability, bring some certainty, or even do away with some of the unknown. However, I do not have all the answers and am just as concerned as I am sure each of you is. My emotions have run the gamut, causing me to speak confidently at times and with deep concern at others, especially when my three year-old grandson runs to hug me or my 89 year-old mother calls to express her worry. I want to be sure they are safe.

To say we live in uncertain times is a gross understatement, and to say that we are helpless is just as untrue. Our normal has been disrupted, our comfort zone has been eroded, and our future seems rather uncertain. And, in spite of it all, I am convinced we will emerge a stronger community and a stronger DOR family.

It might seem impossible that we will come out of this crisis, but we will. I know that to be true, in part, because of what we are all doing, including:

• We are responding to the health crisis before us, and each of you is doing your part to ensure we are following the guidance to keep each of us and our community as safe as it can be in these times.
• We are applying maximum flexibility where reasonable and viable to reimagine how we provide services to our consumer and communities.
• We are applying that same flexibility to support telework, workplace social distancing, and rotating schedules to be supportive of everyone.
• We are supporting the state’s response as we have with other disasters.
• We know that government provides what the market cannot or will not provide; thus, our citizens rely on our essential services, and it is the public policy of the state to continue to operate effectively during this emergency. The public expectations include: Government Leadership, Emergency Management, Social Services/Education, Information Technology/Communication, Public Safety, Medical/Health, Critical Infrastructure, Food Supply, and Environmental Protection.
• We are developing operational plans to get us through the times we are in, ensuring we are meeting the need of individuals with disabilities who require our services to stay employed, continue living in their community of choice with purpose and dignity, and continue the path to employment so they can be lifted out of poverty.

I have come to realize that we are on two tracks running concurrently. One track continues to highlight the lack of predictability and uncertainty of this health crisis. The second track is beginning to provide clarity to possibilities and opportunities for how we serve our consumers and our communities.

Times of uncertainty require that we bring forth our best selves and be respectful of each other, which I know each of you do. As we learn our new normal, I remain convinced that Californians who desperately need our services could not have a better team to explore today’s possibilities and bring about tomorrow’s opportunities.

Thank you all for what you are doing, and more importantly, for what you will do to keep us moving forward. Stay safe and stay strong, and let us all take care of each other. Know that together our collective work is shaping a brighter future. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not remind you that DOR leadership is here for you with resources if you are struggling and that the California Department of Public Health is providing continued guidance during this event. 

Joe Xavier
Director