HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. — While these are difficult times for everyone, small nonprofits and businesses like Pine Mountain Settlement School are particularly impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Due to school closures and statewide bans on food service and event hosting, Pine Mountain has lost more than $100,000 in revenue in 10 days.
As a result, Pine Mountain Settlement School has been forced to conduct an emergency layoff of all non-essential staff, and for a period of two weeks, a reduction to half-time for all essential staff. The layoffs and work reductions will be effective March 29, 2020 and the situation will be closely monitored in order to determine the soonest opportunity for a return to normal operations.
Although all indoor facilities will be closed to the public, campus grounds and hiking trails will remain open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. Preston Jones, executive director of Pine Mountain Settlement School, reminds people that “the historic campus is as beautiful as ever, with more and more wildflowers emerging each day, from a long winter’s rest.” He also reaffirmed, “may this be a reminder that there are seasons in nature and in our lives which are simply beyond our control, and that there are unique blessings in each season, if we are willing to stop and look for them.”
If you would like to help in this time of great need, you can make a tax-deductible donation to the school.
Updated information will be provided as it becomes available and can be found at PineMountainSettlementSchool.com.
Add Comment