THE SUSI Q IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS — AND OUR BUSINESS IS YOU.

 COVID-19 UPDATES
It's 2021! Things will get better. But this is no time to let down our guard.

Yes, the Susi Q is still closed and will remain closed until the pandemic has passed. But the end is in sight, so let's stay strong and be grateful for one another and the hometown we love.

Until we re-open, we invite you all to keeping visiting the Susi Q Without Walls, where we are as busy as ever helping our community weather this public health crisis. (Check out our growing number of Zoom programs.) In-person, one-on-one appointments also available on a limited basis. In these cases, we will strictly observe all public health guidelines. Just as importantly, our channels of communication are wide open. Here's what we want you to know: 

If you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, your essential first step is to call your health care provider to be evaluated. Do not go to the emergency room unless you are having an emergency or are directed to do so.

To reduce your risk of getting the coronavirus, stay mindful of public health "best practices." This is critically important if you also have any chronic health conditions. So: Shelter at home, maintain social distancing, wear a mask when you are around other people, and wash your hands before you leave home and when you return. (If you have visitors, ask them to do the same.)

Social isolation has serious side effects. So use your phone and internet to stay connected with friends and loved ones -- and with us. Facebook, Next Door, Twitter, Skype, and other social media are great platforms. But be wary of scams, conspiracies, and bogus medical advice. Use this time to get closer to people you know and trust.

Stay in touch with us. A great place to start is with Care Manager Martha Hernandez (marthah@thesusiq.org, 949.715.8104 ). Martha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and can connect you to all the resources of a caring community. If you are anxious or depressed, she can refer you to one of our skilled, compassionate mental health staff supervised by Kay Wenger, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.

Another great resource is Lifelong Laguna, which is managed by John Fay (johnfay@thesusiq.org, 949.715.8107). Its mission—to help you age safely at home in the hometown you love— has never been more timely. Lifelong Laguna  volunteers are taking the same precautions we all are. But they are ready to run errands and lend a friendly ear.

Our local partners are also working closely with Martha and John.

  • Until the center reopens, Age Well Senior Services is providing new nutrition programs: Get further details here.
  • Sally's Fund continues to transport seniors to medical appointments and help with errands like picking up prescriptions and grocery shopping. Call 949.499.4100 to make a request.
  • Laguna Food Pantry has a drive-through distribution program set up in its parking lot in the Canyon. The Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. Click here for the website of call 949.497.7121.
  • The City of Laguna Beach is working hard to keep us safe while reopening the town. Click here for the latest update.

Again: stay in touch! Everything we do is driven by your needs and concerns, and we welcome your thoughts during these challenging times! Email or call with any questions or concerns. (For a complete staff directory click here.) If you are not already receiving our "Living It Up" e-newsletter, sign up below in the footer.

For most of us, this will be a very different holiday season. But in 2021, it will get better and we will meet again. We can't wait!