Challenging times spark innovation and community social responsibility

May 8th, 2020

5/8/2020: A Message from President and CEO Rick Sebastian

Each day of this crisis, we are reminded of the devastation COVID-19 is having in our communities throughout the state. As we look to a safe and methodical return to business and the activities we miss and cherish, access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is more important than ever and, unfortunately, still difficult to access.

Like many not-for-profits, we at The Kennedy Center —now in our 69th year of support and service to individuals with disabilities — were hit with a PPE shortage and struggled to obtain PPE for our frontline workers providing direct care. However, difficult times often spark innovation and the opportunity to pivot.  

The Kennedy Center has built a relationship with a woman-owned, small business, to acquire and distribute affordable, certified CDC PPE for ourselves and hundreds of not-for-profits, small businesses, churches, first responders, health care workers and local and state governments.  We also offer this opportunity to all community members.  

The Kennedy Center, throughout our history, has demonstrated an unbridled commitment to serve and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities.  Sourcing and distributing much needed and low-cost PPE is one more way we bring value and impact to our communities and provide employment opportunities for people who have disabilities. 

To order PPE from The Kennedy Center, please visit our e-commerce store at https://palmandable.com/.  We will be offering additional products in the coming weeks, including masks for children and hand sanitizer. Please feel free to reach out to us at 203-275-5627 or email [email protected] with any questions. 

As we all continue to navigate these challenging times, The Kennedy Center is humbled by the support so many have shown, and we are grateful we can do our part to get our state moving and thriving once again.