PORTLAND, Ore. — The harsh reality of coronavirus is being felt by groups dedicated to doing good in the community.
That includes the Edwards Center. Its mission is to help adults with development disabilities with job training, employment and housing.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the programs that provide job training and community outings are suspended. The 20 residential facilities operated by the Edwards Center are open and fully staffed.
“We're trying to keep life as normal as possible for our folks there. I think everybody is tired of just staying home but we're trying to make it fun,” said Megan Evanson, a fund development associate with the organization.
While the residential facilities are fully staffed they’ve had to let go of some people in the administrative office. At last count Evanson said about 45 people had been let go. She said the hope is they can return when things get back to normal.
The Edwards Center also cancelled its first ever dinner and auction event. It was originally scheduled for April then moved to June before the cancellation.
Learn more about the Edwards Center here.