Anthesis is pleased to share that the 2021 COVID-19 Resilience Honoree is Cliff Belknap, who is a direct care professional in the Anthesis Day programs. Cliff Belknap began his career in 1994 when Anthesis was known as Pomona Valley Workshop. Throughout the years, Cliff has been a dedicated employee and passionate advocate for our program participants. He is compassionate, patient and kind towards all program participants with whom he works and remains so even when he is faced with the toughest behaviors. Cliff is well liked by all our participants and has some individuals that absolutely love going out with him. They would do so every day if they could. Cliff is always cheerful and flexible in how he serves the Anthesis participants. Whether it there are changes to the group of participants he has for the day or changes to the program day itself, Cliff is always accommodating. Cliff’s extensive experience is a valuable asset to management and to co-workers who wish to learn from him. He is generous in offering guidance and support to anyone who asks.
Throughout the years, Cliff has seen a number of changes both good and challenging such as: cuts to wages to help Anthesis and staff members survive the 2008/2009 economic downturn; the addition of the transportation program to provide better service to our participants; implementing a rotation schedule to the ADC and RASS so that our instructors and senior companions get to know all of our day program participants; wage restoration; organizational re-branding, and the closing of the Anthesis WAP program. Cliff has been through all of this and more while at Anthesis, and he has done so with patience and positivity.
With all the changes that Cliff has been through, one of the biggest challenges he faced was the transition to providing virtual services. Cliff proved to be an inspiration to all staff members at Anthesis as he has shown his dedication to helping the participants grow through this difficult time. Cliff is always willing to learn new technology like Zoom and Case Magic. His ability to adapt to changes is one of his many strengths.
Program participants love “Cliff’s Rockin’ Sports”; a live Zoom session that includes up-to-date sports information that Cliff commentates on while he is playing the guitar with live conversations. During the live session, participants interact, share their opinions, and ask questions. Cliff also provides remote services via face-to-face home visits, research activities, and he also puts together activities for his assigned individuals and drops-off activities weekly. Cliff has always maintained a great rapport with the individuals we serve, so much so that participants have requested Cliff to support them during this COVID-19 pandemic. Due to his reliability, dependability and flexibility, Cliff has also developed strong relationships with care providers and family members. Prior to the pandemic direct care staff did not communicate with families. Before, all communication went through Anthesis’ case management services, but due to changes brought on by the pandemic, Cliff not only provides program services for our participants, but also assists with their personal shopping needs. Cliff has shopped for costumes, gifts, groceries, and more to support the participants and their families.
This has been a tough period for Anthesis participants, staff, and management and through it all Cliff has found the bright side. Thankfully, he has not been shy about sharing his positivity with all involved. Cliff looks for and shares the positive in all scenarios. Cliff’s dedication to the Anthesis Day Programs is truly wonderful as he is willing to step in and provide services to participants outside of his assigned group when their assigned staff member is absent. He is always willing to help others, and he does not hesitate to jump in whenever or wherever necessary. Throughout his tenure, and especially during this challenging past year, Cliff has does not complain and maintains a positive attitude. It is for all of the reasons above that he is so deserving of Anthesis’ COVID-19 Resilience award!