Dear Scripps Faculty and Staff,
There are no sufficient words to express my sorrow and horror about the impact of the fires on our communities.聽 My thoughts have been and continue to be with you as these devastating wildfires and fierce winds continue to impact our area. Sadly, I already have heard from members of our community who have been evacuated and/or lost their homes.聽 It is simply devastating.
I empathize with the deep anxiety and uncertainty you likely are feeling. Whether you have lost your home, had to evacuate, experienced power outages, are hosting displaced family and friends, and/or worried about what’s happening around us 鈥� this is an incredibly difficult time. Your well-being and safety are our absolute highest priority.聽 Please take care of your yourself, your family, and your loved ones first and do what you need to stay safe.
Facilities issued an important update on campus conditions and safety measures. Fortunately, only minor damage has occurred on campus.聽 If you observe additional damage or safety concerns on campus, report them according to the procedures outlined in their message.
罢丑别听Watch Duty App聽provides real-time updates about local conditions, emergency alerts, and evacuation notices during natural disasters. Download the app or go directly to the website at聽聽to stay informed and connected.聽 Please remember that you also have the following resources available to you:
Emotional Support and Mental Health Assistance
- If you are experiencing stress or emotional distress, you can access Optum Care’s 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by calling聽(800) 234-5465. This service offers confidential support and access to mental health professionals to help you navigate challenging situations. You can also visit聽聽and use the access code:聽claremontcolleges.
Financial Assistance
- Through TIAA, employees may be eligible for an emergency hardship withdrawal or loan from their 403(b) account. For assistance, contact聽Evelin Mairen, Senior Benefits Administrator at TCCS Human Resources, at聽(909) 607-3780聽or via email at聽[email protected].
Community Support
- 罢丑别听American Red Cross聽provides information and resources for disaster relief and assistance in your area.
- 罢丑别听Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)聽may offer financial assistance, housing support, and other resources for those affected by the declared natural disaster. Visit聽聽for more information or call聽1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
- Local Emergency Management Offices聽may have additional resources, including shelters, food distribution centers, and recovery programs. Check your county or city鈥檚 emergency services website for details.
Housing Support
- 罢丑别听TCCS Real Estate and Housing Office聽offers assistance with off-campus housing rentals, providing support and resources to help employees find suitable accommodations. The office is open聽Monday鈥揊riday, 8:30 a.m.鈥�5:00 p.m.聽For assistance, visit their website at聽聽or contact聽Katie Timmerman听补迟听(909) 621-8039听辞谤听[email protected].
Additional Support
- If you need to take time off or require additional assistance beyond what is listed, please reach out to聽Human Resources ([email protected])聽to explore available options.
To reiterate, your well-being and safety are our top priority.聽 Please reach out to your supervisor and/or Human Resources ([email protected])聽for support so we can determine how best to assist you.
Take care of yourselves in these devastating times.聽 My thoughts are with all of you impacted by these horrific events.
Sincerely,
Amy