Direct-support workers at Christian Horizons continue their unsung care of those in need.

Elizabeth Mabie
Spur Ottawa Correspondent

In this time of COVID-19 pandemic, Christian Horizons provides an essential service through their team of direct-support professionals: workers who value and assist people with disabilities through their day-to-day routines.

While the people that Christian Horizons serves often spend much of their time among others and going outside to enjoy what their communities have to offer, government-enforced social distancing has drastically changed their daily patterns.

“I’d say the biggest challenge is keeping the residents occupied,” says Henry Orford, a direct-support professional, in Ottawa. “A lot of them are heavily dependent upon their routines, which have been disrupted as a result of provincial lockdown or because of residential quarantine restrictions.”

“Also, there may be a limited understanding of the cause of such changes, which resulted in the staff now coming into their homes with masks and gloves, while keeping their distance,” adds Heather Moran, a direct-support worker with Christian Horizons in Kingston.

The East District of Christian Horizons (covering Ottawa and Kingston) currently has 350 direct-support professionals working the front lines. Concerns about the virus compound stress in a job that can be challenging at the best of times, and further limit what activities workers can participate in, outside working hours.

“We don’t necessarily have control over these things, but we have our faith in God.” Photo courtesy of Christian Horizons.

To protect their employees and those they serve, all those using Christian Horizons’ services regularly have symptom and temperature checks. Direct-support workers must undergo self- and peer-health screenings during their shifts, as well. Employees also received specific guidance to follow in case a colleague or someone in their care begins to show signs COVID-19 infection.

“Christian Horizons’ leadership is equipping us to do our jobs so that staff can focus on creating good days for the many people we support, who need community now more than ever,” states Moran.

In addition to relying on their organization’s direction, many of the staff at Christian Horizons are grateful for and relying on their faith, believing God will guide them through.

“For me, it’s just another day of work,” says Orford. “We don’t necessarily have control over these things, but we have our faith in God. In the midst of all the chaos, He’s our peace. Knowing that, it gives me the confidence to go about my daily business, because I have hope in Christ.”

Moran says she sees God at work in the communities she serves, through things like strangers sewing masks for her and her colleagues. She has sensed God working in supply deliveries and in how she has seen people in the community aid one another.

While direct-support workers quietly continue providing for those in need of daily care, far away from the media’s attention, they do ask for one thing: prayer.

“Pray that the fear, isolation, panic, sickness, and even the death will not overtake us [or affect] choices on how we live,” asks Moran. “May we touch the soul of [those we serve] by providing hope and love.”

“I pray that I’ll be an effective witness to the people around me, and be aware of the opportunities available,” Orford adds. “I pray for the people that I’m caring for, and for those I work with, that they’ll have peace in God.”