WE SALUTE YOU!

Universal Institute has always attracted those who want to make a difference in the lives of others. The staff here feel a higher calling and always rise to the challenges in front of it. This happens every day, but it is especially apparent at this moment in our history. You are truly HEROES!

We care for an incredibly special group of people with some of the most complex needs in our industry and our teams routinely surround each of our clients with the extraordinary care they require. While we have certainly faced challenges in the past, this pandemic is unprecedented, and we know that our staff members are balancing understandable concerns for their families and friends, precautions for their own health, and changes to their lives outside of work. At the same time, we know that they continue to do everything they can to provide the level of care that our clients have come to depend on from this great organization.

Our current situation is unique in that there is no part of the organization untouched by this public health emergency. Nevertheless, our teams stand tall. They don’t back down: From the front-line direct care staff who lived – for months on end – with clients at the height of the pandemic; to the nursing teams who staffed and managed our Quarantine Zone (QZ) 24/7; to the therapy and day staff who continue to provide the ongoing activities and clinical services that our clients so desperately need; to the transport and maintenance teams who ensure that everything keeps moving and doesn’t break down; to our administrative teams who ensure that we are in compliance, keep employees paid, and have the necessary authorizations and funds to keep the lights on; and, of course, to our executive leadership team, who have methodically executed their duties in order to keep the organization moving forward under extreme stress. Words will never be able to adequately thank you for your dedication, your perseverance, and your heart. All of us across our organization are forever grateful.

In our 30-year history, we have not seen more dedication, innovation, and willingness to help than we have during these past few months. We have never been more proud to work with this wonderful team.

As we do everything in our power to keep everyone safe, our staff members are doing everything in their power to care for our very special clients in a rapidly-changing world where new information is arriving in real time. We all hope and pray that this pandemic will end soon, but until it does, we are all in this together.

Thank you for everything you do. You are a daily inspiration.

Adam Steinberg, President & CEO

Lisa Lasso, Vice President & CFO

Read Newsletter