Community Resources
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Dear WSPS families:
It can be really scary to learn that an illness such as Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading all over the world. Some feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty are normal during a pandemic. Our anxious, worried minds and tense bodies can easily go into panic-mode when left to their own devices. Fortunately, being proactive about your mental and physical health can help you and your family stay strong and connected.
*Way to take care of yourself and your family include:
● Reading ONLY news from reliable sources (and taking breaks from the news).
● Recognizing the things you can control, such as good hygiene, getting plenty of sleep, and regular meal times.
● Taking measures only if recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
● Practicing self-care: watch movies, move your body and exercise, play with your children, connect with loved ones, and set limits on media consumption.
● Seeking professional help from a licensed mental health professional if necessary.
~ WSPS Counseling Department
Additional Resources for Managing Feelings at Home:
Camp Kinda (FREE)
a different kind of camp for a
different kind of summer
Camp Kinda is a free virtual summer experience designed to keep kids in grades K-8 engaged, curious, and having fun—even if they're stuck at home. It's like summer camp... kinda.
Food Resources
School Breakfast & Lunch
Window of Time for Student Pick-up of Meals: Monday - Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 1: 00 p.m.
Student Meal Pick-up Locations:
Memorial School - Parking lot
Mittineague School - parking lot
Coburn School - Parking lot
Boys and Girls Club - Parking lot
Fausey School - Parking lot
Birch Park Circle - Parking area
Tatham School - Parking lot
In an effort to reduce the number of people congregating, upon arrival at the site, parents/guardians will simply provide their child/children’s names, school and grade level. Surrounding school districts are also offering grab-n-go meals as well:
Springfield Public Schools M-F 11am-1pm (14 schools) ALSO free books!
Holyoke Public Schools: 10:00-12:30 (6 schools)
Chicopee Public Schools: M-F 8am-1pm (13 schools) and at the police sub station (ages 21 and under)
Food Source Hotline - 1-800-645-8333 (SNAP info. and other information on where to find food resources in MA. 160 languages available) Apply for SNAP 992-6204
Parish Cupboard - 1023 Main Street
West Springfield Emergency Food /Pantry hours are from: 9:00 - 11:00
Groceries can be picked up 1x monthly. If they are new families they need to bring mail with their name and address post dated within the last month.
Margaret's Pantry Holyoke - Open 10-12:30 M-F. Must be one person at a time. Will need ID, mail and SS for all children. Please do not come if sick. 413-538-8026
Neighbors Helping Neighbors - Holyoke Wednesdays 12:30-3:30 6:30-7:30 30 Carew Street 413-437-7593
The Gray House - Curbside distribution. Please do not arrive before 9 a.m.
22 Sheldon Street, Springfield, MA
413.734.6696
Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
2nd and 4th Friday of each month, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Salvation Army Holyoke Corps - Providing grab & go bags outside of the building.
413.532.6312
271 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-Noon
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. for baked goods & vegetables.
>MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
Behavioral Health Network: 413-246-9675
Crisis: (413)568-6386
>REFUGEE & IMMIGRATION SERVICES
Ascentria Care Alliance - 425 Union St. West Springfield 413-562-6015
Multicultural Resource Center - 425 Union St. West Springfield 413-726-1352
>FREE INTERNET
“New Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service, which is available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month plus tax. Apply by April 30, 2020.”
https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19
>JOB LOSS & UNEMPLOYMENT
Small Business Assistance for COVID-19
EOLWD and DUA are also filing emergency regulations that will allow people impacted by COVID-19 to collect unemployment in the following circumstances:
The workplace is shut down and expects to reopen in four or fewer weeks. Workers must remain in contact with their employer and be available for any work their employer may have for them that they are able to do, but do not otherwise need to be looking for work.
An employer may extend the period of the shut-down to eight weeks, and the employees will remain eligible for the longer period under the same conditions described above.
If necessary, DUA may extend these time periods.
Apply for Unemployment Benefits
Assistance for Restaurant Employees
> HEALTHCARE
Governor Baker’s Order on Telehealth Services states that there is no prior authorization needed on any medically necessary doctor’s visits. The full order is available here
From MassHealth: Find resources and information related to the coronavirus for MassHealth applicants, members, and providers. Masshealth has also made it possible to obtain 90 days of medications without authorization
>AA/DRUG TREATMENT
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids:
In this uncertain time, we know that you may be concerned about keeping your families and your communities safe and healthy. We are dedicated to ensuring you have the support you need to address substance use and addiction — from prevention to recovery.
Our free and confidential helpline services continue to be open and available. Specialists are ready to help if you are having difficulty in accessing support for your family. If your loved one struggling with addiction faces care or treatment challenges resulting from COVID-19 circumstances, we are here to guide you.
You can connect to us in the following ways, with support available in English and Spanish. We’re available from 9:00am-midnight ET weekdays and noon-5:00pm ET on weekends.
Text Message to 55753
Send an Email
Call 1-855-378-4373
> WEST SPRINGFIELD CARE COALITION
Nikki Lewis, Coalition Coordinator
Email: nlewis@wsps.org
Through our collective voices, leadership expertise and resources, we will provide education and prevention efforts to address and eliminate underage alcohol and substance use and promote safe, healthy lifestyle choices.
Follow CARE on Facebook and Twitter - 01089cares
> PARENTING SUPPORT
Parental Stress Line: 1-800-632-8188 24/7 - All Languages available
Community and Family Engagement West Springfield: 413-495-1863
Diaper Resources: The Open Pantry Springfield
2460 Main St. Springfield 413-737-5353 Tuesday, Wednesday, Fridays 11:00 am -2 pm
Must have - photo id, proof of address, and health insurance or social security card for each child.
Google Classroom Instructions for Parents
> FUEL/UTILITY ASSISTANCE
Eversource is suspending disconnections statewide for two months
From Columbia Gas:
We know this could be a time of financial hardship. So, we've voluntarily suspended shutoffs for nonpayment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we're offering to customers who indicate either an impact or hardship as a result of COVID-19 our most flexible payment plans, and we will suspend late payment charges until May 1.
Fuel assistance - VOC 300 High St. Holyoke 413-552-1554 https://www.valleyopp.com/energy-assistance/fuel-assistance
Resource link provided by Springfield Public Schools: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2979680672074743&id=261289357247235