Lynda Newman didn’t expect to find the letter in her mailbox Tuesday morning.
“We are pleased to share that Lifetime Assistance will allow families to visit their family members outside,”she said as she read it aloud.
Now, that is about to change.
“Families may begin the process of scheduling visits on June 8th,” she said.
There will still be restrictions in place.
“We have to make an appointment a week in advance,” she said. “We can sit on his deck six feet apart. We can’t hug him and we’ll both have masks on.”
But Newman says this is a good sign. As other industries like restaurants, barbershops, and salons have opened up, Newman and many other families have wondered when or if they’d be allowed in-person visits with loved ones.
“I understand and the safety of everyone is important,” said Newman. “But it’s very hard for a parent to not see their children and give them a hug.”
She has two other children; Lisa lives at Heritage Christian Home and Jackie is at CDS Group Home. Neither of these locations have announced in-person, outdoor visits yet. Seeing Michael is a start, but Newman is hoping the announcement comes soon for all group homes.
“It’s a step in the right direction,” she said. “I don’t know what the other agencies will do, but I’m looking forward to seeing him face-to-face and not through window.”
— 13 WHAM