June 8, 2021 

To our Second Helpings Staff and Volunteers, 

On June 7th, Marion County issued a new public health order about the use of masks and other COVID-19 prevention measures.  Much has changed in our community over recent months.  Vaccines are now widely available and positivity rates in Marion County are currently 4.1% compared to 16.8% six months ago.  While there is still work to be done to improve vaccination rates, more people are being vaccinated every day. 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have followed the science as it developed and consistently abided by the best public health practices in addition to local and state mandates.  We implemented new sanitation and prevention protocols and made major investments in our facilities to increase air exchanges and add scrubbers to improve air quality throughout the building.   

In recent days and weeks, we surveyed comparable organizations and employers, met with staff, and talked with many volunteers.  While no policy can satisfy everyone, we have tried to craft new guidelines that reflect the broad consensus of our Second Helpings community.  Of course, the situation is fluid, and we anticipate changes will continue to be made in the coming months. 

Beginning June 8, 2021, Second Helpings is making the following changes to our masking policy: 

  • Masks continue to be required for all unvaccinated persons inside the Second Helpings facility and when riding in a Second Helpings vehicle with another person from outside their household. 
  • Masks will be optional for fully vaccinated staff, volunteers, and currently enrolled students. 
  • Masks will continue to be required for all persons in shared Second Helpings restrooms. 
  • Masks will be required for visitors to Second Helpings including, but not limited to onsite “redirect” sessions, job training applicants, and visitors without appointments. 
  • Individuals will be considered fully vaccinated 14 days after their final dose.  Those who are between doses or have not yet passed the 14-day waiting period are expected to remain fully masked. At this time, Second Helpings will not be requiring proof of vaccination. 
  • For the purposes of this policy, “masks” include face coverings that are consistent with public health guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19. 
  • All Second Helpings staff, students, and volunteers are expected to comply with the requirements of local jurisdictions and policies of partner agencies and other businesses while performing their duties for Second Helpings. 

Second Helpings continues to encourage vaccination and will work with staff, students, volunteers, and graduates to promote vaccine education and remove any barriers for those who wish to obtain the vaccine. 

Masks will continue to be available at all Second Helpings entrances.  It is Second Helpings’ policy to support and respect individuals who continue to wear masks and other face coverings, and no one will be asked to remove them.   

Finally, I ask that everyone in our community continue to show consideration in interacting with others.  Staff, students, and volunteers should keep a mask with them at all times in anticipation of circumstances where a mask is required or where they may be talking or working with someone with a compromised immune system or other situation where masking would be a matter of reasonable caution and common courtesy.  

Above all, thank you for your work for Second Helpings throughout the pandemic.  You have been diligent in following COVID prevention protocols and provided critical support for our organization and our community during difficult and changing times.  I am grateful that we are able now to take this first step and hope that in the coming months we can again gather freely and celebrate our work together. 

Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions regarding these changes. 

With thanks, 

 Jennifer Vigran
Chief Executive Officer
jennifer@secondhelpings.org