• About Us
• Advanced Philosophy of Care
• Mission, Values and Service
• Our Commitment to Safety
• Our History
• Senior Leadership Team
• Devereux Board of Trustees
• Annual Reports
• Devereux in the News
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Recognizing Our Employees
• Celebrating Our Devereux Families
• Sharing Messages of Hope

Building a healthier tomorrow: Erin Clemens explains why she wanted to receive the COVID-19 vaccine

Erin Clemens, who receives services through Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Pennsylvania, waited the recommended two weeks after receiving the second dose of her COVID-19 vaccine to do something she had not done since the beginning of the pandemic – give her mother, who also was fully vaccinated, a great big hug.

Clemens says she decided to roll up her sleeve and get the vaccine for three reasons:

• To do her part to end the pandemic
• To protect herself and others
• To safely see her family in person once again

She describes the moment she hugged her mother as a bit surreal. “It seemed like I shouldn’t be hugging her, but I knew I could,” Clemens said. “Being able to do that gave me hope that maybe we can get through this. We all just need to follow the guidelines – and get vaccinated!”

Adjusting to a new reality

Clemens participates in Devereux Pennsylvania’s Community Adult Autism Partnership Program (CAAPP), which provides individualized and innovative community-based support services for adults with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities.

She admits the past year has been challenging, but with the support of her CAAPP team, she has learned how to cope with the stress of daily life.

“Some tasks, such as using the drive-thru at the bank or making doctors’ appointments, were easy enough that I was able to figure out how to do them on my own, or with virtual support to help me do them on my own,” Clemens explained. “However, other tasks like maintaining my apartment proved to be more difficult without in-person guidance. I decided to take it easy and wait for that support. Also, in the beginning, I really thought I needed to stick to a routine. Then, I finally understood that I needed to create a brand new routine. While I still followed my morning schedule – waking up at the same time every day, taking my medicine, getting dressed and putting on my shoes – I had to find new hobbies like sewing face masks and studying braille to keep myself busy.”

Optimistic about the future

Clemens says she is grateful to all those who have been working on the front lines to combat the pandemic, and now that COVID-19 vaccines are available, she remains hopeful about the future.

“I miss a lot of things,” Clemens shared. “I would love to visit the Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia. I want to take a trip to New York City with my friend. I want to see the professors and staff at Delaware County Community College where I graduated just a year before the pandemic began. Most of all, I miss visiting my family, especially my grandma who lives in Kentucky and my niece and nephew in Colorado. I’m hopeful that if enough people continue to follow the guidelines and get vaccinated, I’ll be able to do those things again soon.”

Learn more about Devereux Pennsylvania. Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

Latest News

		Teeing up for a good cause: ‘Devereux Golf Cup’ raises more than $35,000 for Devereux MA/RI The annual “Devereux Golf Cup” was a hole-in-one for Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island. More than 70 golfers hit the greens at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln, Rhode Island, for the event, which raised more than $35,000 for the organization’s therapeutic foster care program in Rhode Island.
		Putting others first: Devereux celebrates direct care staff during appreciation week Devereux’s committed and compassionate direct care team members work tirelessly to enhance the quality of life of the children, adolescents and adults in their care. During Direct Support Professional Recognition Week – Sept. 8-14 – Devereux is honoring its more than 2,800 direct care staff.
		Devereux/TCV Community Services opens Day Academy in Homestead to serve Mon Valley region Devereux/TCV Community Services, one of Allegheny County's most respected nonprofit organizations, has opened the Devereux TCV Day Academy – Homestead, an Approved Private School, in Homestead, Pennsylvania.
		Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Helping those in crisis feel safe, supported During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, Devereux is joining other organizations in raising awareness about this national public health issue and spreading the word about actions we can all take to be part of the solution and support youth and adults at risk of suicide.

More Stories