What. A. Year.

The past 12 months will go down in the history books as one of the most unprecedented, far-reaching, and bizarre years in history. Many businesses suffered and the rest had to pivot to completely new ways of doing things. Of course, the mental health world was uniquely impacted as mental health concerns spiked in the wake of the biggest global health crisis in our lifetime. 

PDG was just one mental health provider among thousands that adjusted operations to meet the needs of 2020. We’re proud of our dedicated and adaptable team members, our effective and compassionate managers, and the executive team that prioritized staff and consumer health above all else. 

Let’s look back at everything PDG did in 2020…

PDG Pivots to Remote Work

Once COVID reared its ugly head in early 2020, PDG management quickly transitioned its staff to an almost 100% remote working setup, with regular weekly check-ins, online operations, and telehealth appointments with consumers. Our amazingly dedicated forensic staff continued seeing clients in person while donning PPE and following all possible safety measures. Interviewing and new hire onboarding was also adjusted to require the least amount of in-person contact.

Telehealth & Virtual Appointments

As part of transitioning to a remote workforce, PDG instituted telehealth appointments for consumers over the phone and via video meetings. This change maintained the high standards of regular Mental Health Care Coordinator visits while keeping both consumers and staff safe.   

Staff Engagement & Training

Many businesses learned the staff engagement is critical for a remote workforce. PDG took this seriously in 2020, with online Motivational Interviewing training for all staff, the launch of internal social site Facebook Workplace for PDG, and regular virtual get-togethers where staff could share insights, ask questions, tell jokes, provide book reviews, connect with each other, and much more. The staff holiday party went virtual as well with a cookie decorating contest, ugly sweater contest, and holiday book exchange!

Student Loan Assistance Program

This year also saw the launch of PDG’s student loan assistance program. This program allows PDG to help current employees with student debt and is the first of its kind at PDG! PDG leadership is excited to extend this opportunity to its valued employees this year and in future years. 

Consumer Day Program & Thanksgiving Meals

Of course, Day Program looked very different in 2020. Along with sharing coping skills and mental health management strategies, Day Program Coordinators worked hard to also maintain a strong social connection among participants through virtual activities like a summer picnic, scavenger hunts, bingo, and talent show. 

This year PDG was also determined to provide a Thanksgiving meal to its consumers, despite having to cancel our big Thanksgiving feast. The extremely generous Chef Ashish Alfred, arranged for The Alfred Restaurant Group to donate over 500 prepackaged Thanksgiving meals to PDG consumers. We’re so grateful for Chef Ashish!

The Crabs Started Trotting 

Our usual annual fundraiser couldn’t happen in person this year – and crabs just aren’t the same when they’re virtual – so PDG hosted an online Turkey Trot, raising thousands for mental healthcare and future consumer resources. 

In addition, PDG continued to host its regular Holiday Food Drive and other consumer goods drives, taking health precautions to ensure all donations were safely collected.  

Funding & Mental Health Financial Support

Through several state and local programs, as well as community partners like Caesars Entertainment, PDG earned seven (7) different awards and grants in 2020! These gifts were fundamental in maintaining service excellence, engaging employees and promoting retention, and directly providing resources to consumers. PDG is so thankful for the state programs put in effect this year as well as to community partners that make all the difference! 

Top Workplace for the 5th Time 

For the 5th consecutive year in a row, PDG was named a Top Workplace by the Baltimore Sun. Every year, the award is based on a third-party staff survey that assesses workplace culture. PDG is proud to have its great workplace culture recognized once again!

Whew! PDG has successfully finished another year bringing award-winning service to Maryland communities and helping individuals with mental illness. We couldn’t do it without the commitment of our team and our community partners. Thank you for the part you played and here’s to 2021!