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TheSouthShoreMagazine.com 27 scanning and shredding work at financial services operations. Suddenly having to stay home and miss enjoyable routines was yet another tough consequence felt by individuals. RTR worked to combat residents' loneliness and concern with care packages and other creative means. Staff members rode in a car parade that visited every home, carrying with it balloons, music and posters. RTR also raised spirits by bringing #TheFrontStepsProject to the stoops of its residence homes throughout the South Shore. Patti Anne Photography held socially distanced photo shoots that created much-needed levity and highlighted the spirit of fellowship. In the midst of a quarantine lockdown, running 49 residences for individuals, many of whom require personalized care, was a tremendous undertaking. Safety considerations were RTR's top priority. "We could not allow employees to work in multiple homes because of the risk of cross-contamination. Sanitization practices and personal protection equipment (PPE) protocol were established, as well as coronavirus testing," says Director of Development, Erin Cohen. Despite best efforts, some individuals did develop the coronavirus and, again, RTR's employees showed their incredible commitment and caring. "RTR employees have been outstanding throughout the pandemic, continuing to provide great care to our residents," White says. "In addition, many have volunteered to quarantine- in-place at homes where there have been confirmed COVID-19 cases." Two staff members, Claudia and Elton, moved into a group home for two weeks in order to provide support for residents who tested positive for the virus. Claudia volunteered to stay away from her own home, husband and two young sons for that time. Elton, who has worked at the particular home for almost two years, devoted two straight weeks, as well. "We know these residents and we know they are afraid, so we're here for them," they said. Their acts of kindness inspired gratitude and the attention of WCBV Channel 5, which aired the story about Elton and Claudia's selflessness. White has been touched by the compassion he sees: "I am so grateful and appreciative for the efforts of my many colleagues here." The need for PPE and cleaning services, the rearrangement of its workforce and the overall financial fallout caused by the coronavirus pandemic has caused RTR to lose much-needed funding. Although it is a large nonprofit, it operates on a tiny margin. RTR receives a mixture of public and private funds, but the private funds create the flexibility that provides top-quality support and truly transforms lives. Philanthropic and volunteer support are crucial to its daily operations and long term success. In order to keep its services running, RTR also relies on its annual fundraiser, the Making Lives Better Gala, which is going virtual this autumn. In past years, the elegant event has been held at the Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy. This year, at 7 pm, gather a small group of friends for cocktails and join RTR from the comfort of home. The evening will feature its signature, heartfelt line-up: mobile bidding, an energizing live auction, RTR's signature mission-driven video, impactful speeches from White and the Chairman of RTR's Board of Directors, George Ford, and more. RTR is thrilled to welcome back meteorologist Michael Page as the evening's Master of Ceremonies. Xerox Business Solutions will be the Gala's top sponsor again this year, allowing this special night of outreach and awareness to take place. Stay tuned to learn about spectacular auction items you can bid on before the event. "RTR's need for support is perhaps greater this year than ever before because of the additional pressures placed upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic," says White. "While the Gala itself will look different than you're used to, the mission hasn't changed and we need your help!" With almost 800 employees, RTR is one of the largest employers in the region. Innumerable families depend on these employees to provide care, therapy and housing to their loved ones. The coronavirus pandemic has worked a great hardship on RTR and society as a whole. Still, RTR has weathered this tragedy with compassion, competence and leadership. Silver linings of hope can be seen in the heartfelt displays of goodwill RTR has experienced: quiet but heroic acts, fundraising efforts and donations. "We are deeply appreciative of the timely help we received from the United Way of Greater Plymouth County, the MA Emergency Management Authority (MEMA), the Chinese Christian Community of Boston and others who stepped up with financial support and precious PPE supplies during the surge," says White. RTR believes that everyone deserves a full and dignified life and provides support so that people with disabilities can take their place as productive members of their community. There are many ways to get involved with RTR, such as through employment, individual volunteering, corporate volunteering, donating and attending this year's virtual Making Lives Better Gala. When you support RTR, you get to be part of something bigger than yourself and you get to be part of an organization that serves some of the most amazing, but also most vulnerable, among us. If you are interested in learning more, visit their website at roadtoresponsibility.org, like their Facebook page or call 781.834.1300. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR YOUR SUPPORT. ROAD TO RESPONSIBILITY MAKING LIVES BETTER