Kroc Center makes changes to keep members, community healthy and safe

Since the Coeur d'Alene Salvation Army Kroc Center reopened May 16, things have looked a bit different from how they did before a global pandemic turned the world on its head.

Recreational class sizes are smaller. Indicators throughout the center remind members to physically distance themselves from others.

On Monday, the center implemented new rules for staff members to wear masks whenever they're on the floor or directly engaging with the public. At the front desk and at the coffee stand, plastic shields now protect friendly workers from virus-tainted molecules, so they can breathe easier and share their smiles without masks if they choose.

One thing that hasn't changed is the focus on safety, which has always been a No. 1 priority for the Kroc.

"Our goal is to run the center as operationally normal as we can while honoring the safety and well-being of our staff and our members," assistant center director Stacy Barney said Monday. "We have enhanced what was already a good sanitizing and cleaning system."

Center director Kip Sharbono said a few local physicians and representatives from Panhandle Health District toured the facility to evaluate the procedures the center has in place before it reopened with scaled-back capacities.

For example, instead of a three-hour recreational swim, people are welcome to register for a one-hour swim "so we can get people through and ensure it’s a safe platform,” Sharbono explained.

Classes, including spin and swimming, as well as the Kroc's "Play Care" children's center, have been reduced to about half their normal sizes for distancing and safety. Rather than nearly 60 kiddos, the play center will only take 30, and children must be healthy. Those who appear to be ill, even slightly, will not be allowed to check into Play Care. This includes sniffles, runny nose, cough, fever or other indications of illness.

“We will hold steady at 30," Barney said. “We, as much as anybody, want things to get back to normal, but as we continue we’re making adjustments or dialing things back."

Kroc Church did resume live worship for six weeks after reopening, but with COVID cases continuing to climb, Kroc officials have decided to close Sundays and dedicate them to deep cleaning. That began Sunday and is expected to last through Sept. 13. However, online services are being offered and 10 a.m. Sunday church service streams on www.facebook.com/krocchurchcda, Kroc Church's Facebook page.

No performances are happening in the Kroc Theater at this time. The next performance scheduled is in January.

Sharbono said the Kroc has been in touch with the local school district to offer support where needed. The Kroc also has received funding to provide support for people in need of child care and day camps. The camps are also being limited, but functioning with as much normalcy as possible.

"We had to implement some unique protocol with rotating and using smaller groups," Sharbono said. "We still have some space in our peewee camps."

The Kroc has been closely working with St. Vincent de Paul to help fill the needs of homeless and income-limited populations.

"They're having an increased need and an increase in who they’re providing meals for,” Sharbono said. "We want to make sure we partner with them. They do an outstanding job and that's our role here — to be a supplement, to come together as a community."

The emergency resource center the Kroc activated at the advent of the pandemic is still operating and continues to be open and active.

"We see a handful of calls throughout the week," Barney said. "People in need are using that funding and those resources."

The virtual classes the Coeur d'Alene center is offering include Zumba, gentle yoga and Pilates fusion. The classes are free for Kroc members and $12 for the public. Those interested need to register in advance.

“We're offering those across the territory in support of the other Kroc Centers across the west that aren’t open yet," Barney said. "It’s been a nice way to connect with peers and add value to their memberships."

And speaking of memberships, the Coeur d'Alene Kroc is launching a summer membership drive starting today.

"The promotion tied to it is we’re waiving the registration fee, which is up to $75,” Barney said.

The membership drive is slated to go through Aug. 14.

"We’re grateful for our membership who has stood with us and who are coming and building this community back. We appreciate the grace they’ve shown us as we make adjustments," Barney said. "I know from an operations perspective, I am grateful for their ongoing support and the fact that they keep coming through the doors every day so we can keep serving."

Info: www.kroccda.org