Encore Developmental Services in DeWitt County is glad to have their clients returning its Executive Director says they are also seeing an increase in first-time clients.

On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Stephanie Coonce indicates they are starting to get more and more of their clients back. She says things are going well so far.

Many clients are returning to Encore for the first time in months after having spent the better part of a year in isolation due to COVID. According to Coonce, that isolation and its impacts have varied from individual to individual.

The evolution of Encore's facility on Route 10 on the east side of the community continues. Coonce indicates because they are seeing an increase in clients, they are having to add barriers and other things to make sure they keep everyone safe.

Between CARES funding a federal grant, Encore can make cosmetic changes to its facility but Coonce also notes the mitigation requirements are also creating staffing challenges. She notes they are needing additional staff with all the requirements on them.

According to Coonce, none of their clients have had COVID to this point and she credits that to the diligence in keeping their facility clean but also to those individuals for following the protocols and mitigations in the last year despite the challenges it has brought to bear.