During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom has transformed Project Independence. On a given day, 75 participants from Project open their e-mail to read the schedule for the day, which might look something like this:

• 10:30 ~ Live Music with the PI Trio
• 2:30 ~ Bone Builders with Ted & Cindy
• 4 ~ Nature Program on Winter Wildlife
• 5:45 ~ Bingo Night!

Assistant Activities Coordinator Ted Davis has played a pivotal role in the success of this online program, which was created in March 2020 after our center closed for in-person activities. Ted leads exercise, provides tech support for participants, sets up volunteers to entertain us, and posts on our Face Book page, to name just a few.

A great problem solver, Ted is one reason so many participants are able to be part of our online programs, helping them get connected. A very appreciative family in Vergennes reports, “Our family member was depressed and angry when she couldn’t go to Project. We connected her to your Zoom sessions and it transformed her mood. I am so grateful.”

Others agree. Here’s what they’re saying:

“Just wanted to say that this morning’s zoom chat with Greg and his bees was really great. It was like a van trip, but better. More of us got to go and we got a close-up look at things. It was really interesting  and well done. I hope you can arrange more things like it.” — Participant

“The person I care for was so depressed and angry that she couldn’t go to Project before we connected her via Zoom.  It has transformed her mood to be part of it and I am so grateful.” — Caregiver

“I wanted to call to tell you that I was absolutely delighted to see some of my Project friends. I missed them and was worried about them. I was thrilled to see them, to see everyone. It makes my day, I so love seeing everyone!” — Participant