The regularly evolving role of technology in Hillside’s work dramatically accelerated with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Use of Hillside’s TeleCare virtual conferencing tools skyrocketed, literally overnight—from approximately 60 sessions per month to 350 per day, enabling staff to maintain secure remote connections with youth and families. Meanwhile, nearly half of Hillside’s 1,800-person workforce successfully transitioned to remote-work scenarios in a matter of days. Leaders and staff are continuing to explore how to apply lessons learned during this period to future service pathways.
For parents like April Coffey, whose son Anthony has received virtual support in remote sessions from his Hillside youth care professional during COVID, these innovations have made all the difference. “It would be difficult juggling all this and having to leave the house and meet the providers face-to-face,” she said.