Our Guiding Principles:

• Follow the Executive and Emergency Orders made by the State of Michigan.

• Meet in person whenever possible.

• Be creative, and be flexible.

Our Goals:

• Our youth will know and experience the love of Christ through the service of YWD staff.

• 100% of our youth will complete their coursework for this academic year, moving to the next grade at the conclusion of this year.

• We will take every precaution to ensure our youth and their families will be kept safe from exposure to Covid during their time with us.

Our Approach:

General

• Staff complete all clerical work at home and will meet together virtually whenever needed.

• Programs are to be held in person so long as State Guidelines allows, in accordance with the guidelines listed below.

• All youth will be required to wear masks at all times, have temperatures taken, and sanitize hands in order to participate in any in-person programming with YWD.

• When meeting in-person, seating must be set up beforehand with 6 ft. of distance between them.

• Staff will work with youth outside whenever possible.

• If the weather requires indoor space to be used, staff must take the following precautions:

  • Sanitize all surfaces.

  • Open windows or circulate air with central AC/fan.

Transportation

• Transportation will only be provided when absolutely necessary. 

• If families cannot provide transportation, the following guidelines must be adhered to when transporting youth:

  • Vans must be sanitized prior to and after transporting youth.

  • Only youth from one household may be transported in one of our vans.

  • Windows must be down, or air must be on to circulate air in the vans.

  • Students must have their temperature taken prior to entering the van.

  • Masks must be worn at all times.

  • Social distance must be maintained as best as possible.

Bezalel

• Bezalel meets in-person in two-hour blocks, one household at a time.

• During these two hours, we provide students access to technology and wifi, academic tutoring, dedicated reading time, a snack, and recreation time.

The Plug

• All program staff walk alongside a small group of 5-7 High School youth.

  • Staff must make weekly check-ins either by phone or text for the explicit purpose of discussing academics and general well-being.

  • Each small group meets twice per month. These meetings will be virtual until the State Guidance changes.

  • If small group takes place in person, all previously listed precautions must be taken into account for both meetings and transportation.

• The Plug Coordinator will check in with all parents bi-weekly to ensure that no one in the family is exhibiting Covid symptoms.

• The Plug will continue virtual Thursday night meetings via Zoom.

The landscape is constantly shifting and our staff have been incredible in adapting to this ever-changing reality. But more importantly, our God has been so faithful in showering us with His grace and seeking after His children.

Despite the barriers that Covid has created, the Spirit is moving.

As Paul says in his letter to the Romans, we have the unshakeable assurance of knowing that “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 8:38-39). May we each seek His love in our own lives, and pray together that His mercy would be proclaimed throughout the world.

In His Grip,

Kyle Cascarelli and your family at YWD