Family Resources

You are Not Alone!

Our school psychologists have created a monthly video check-in video series to help you address some of the stressors and issues associated with the COVID pandemic. You will find the playlist of videos HERE.

Attendance

To report your child's absence, call your child's school Main Office. Main Office Directory

Alcohol and Substance Use

Experts advise against using substances such as marijuana or alcohol to help reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness while social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak. Marijuana and other inhaled substances including cigarettes and e-cigarettes or vaping devices can be acutely dangerous because of the stress they place on the pulmonary system. Alcohol use can affect the general health of the body, leading to potential outcomes like sleeping less, and a weakened immune system.


COVID Reporting

Report all positive or probable COVID-19 cases to the District Nurses via the email address COVIDWAWMNurses@wawmsd.org. Include your child’s name, school, telephone number, email address and a brief summary. A District nurse will follow up with you using the information from your email.

COVID-19 Testing

If you think you've been exposed to COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms or need to learn more about testing:

  • Call your Primary Care Physician.

  • If you do not have a Primary Care Physician, click HERE for testing information.

Financial Resources

With people losing jobs and hours at work, many families are under increased financial stress. HERE is a link that provides some outstanding resources. A guide to filing for unemployment benefits can be found HERE. When you click that link, you can file your application for unemployment benefits. Then, each week, you will need to file a claim certification. You must continue to file a weekly claim certification for each week you would like to receive benefits. CLICK HERE to access the Wisconsin Department of Workplace Development handbook on unemployment benefits — for everything you need to know.

Food Program/Meal Distribution

In partnership with Sodexo, we're providing free, healthy grab and go meals to any child 18 years and younger from Monday - Friday while schools are closed. Drive through or walk up service is available. Children do not need to be enrolled in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District or live in the communities we serve to be eligible. Any child or adult with a child in need of meals is welcome. HERE

Homelessness

Shelters remain open and serve those in need. HERE

Hunger Task Force

Hunger Task Force has created a list of confirmed, trusted sites that are providing food safely and reliably. The map below lists public senior sites, school meal sites and outdoor emergency food distribution sites in Milwaukee. Search by zip code in the upper left hand corner to see a list of all the sites in your area. Then, click on individual sites to see details: days and times of service, type of program, etc. This resource is updated daily. Check with your local community food pantry directly for hours of operation. Click here to view the interactive Google map

Stress & Anxiety

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful for people of all ages. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following:

  • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.

  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns.

  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

  • Worsening of chronic health problems.

  • Worsening of mental health conditions.

  • Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

Take time to actively manage stress:

  • Take care of your body– Try to eat healthy well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

  • Connect with others– Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships, and build a strong support system.

  • Take breaks– Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Try taking in deep breaths. Try to do activities you usually enjoy.

  • Stay informed– When you feel that you are missing information, you may become more stressed or nervous. Watch, listen to, or read the news for updates from officials. Be aware that there may be rumors during a crisis, especially on social media. Always check your sources and turn to reliable sources of information.

  • Avoid too much exposure to news– Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do enjoyable activities and return to normal life as much as possible and check for updates between breaks.

211

By calling 2-1-1, you can be connected with thousands of nonprofit and government agencies in the area. The 211 social services hotline can be called at no charge 24 hours a day. Operators will provide callers with information on a wide variety of non-emergency family, financial, health and social service issues.

Suicide Prevention

Look out for these common signs of distress:

  • Feelings of feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration

  • Changes in appetite, energy, and activity levels

  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

  • Difficulty sleeping or nightmares

  • Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes

  • Worsening of chronic health problems

  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

If you experience these feelings or behaviors for several days in a row and are unable to carry out normal responsibilities because of them, talk to someone -- parents, teachers, counselors, clergy members, or doctors can help. You are not alone.

  • Teen Crisis Line: (414) 271-9523

  • Suicide Prevention 24-Hour Crisis Line: (414) 257-7222

  • Suicide Helpline: (800) 273-8255

Violence in the Home

With heightened levels of stress and more time at home, incidents of family violence may increase. If an incident begins, try to remove yourself to a safe place and call for help. Dial 911 for immediate help for you or someone else.

If the incident is over, call 414-933-2722 for 24/7 support through Sojourner Family Peace Center: HERE

If adolescents need a safe place to stay, and there are no options with other family or friends: