*** En español abajo *** Dear friend, We hope this message finds you safe and well. As we head into week two of Napa’s Shelter At Home order, we are all feeling the impact of the coronavirus threat on our daily lives. Community and connectedness are more important than ever – and so we wanted to reach out, first and foremost, just to connect and wish you comfort as you and your loved ones adjust to a new reality. As a trusted UVFC supporter, we know you care deeply about our community – and so we also wanted to share with you some of the things that the Family Centers is doing to support our neighbors during this difficult time. What UpValley Family Centers is Doing Even as we all practice social distancing, we know it’s more important now than ever to come together and support our neighbors. We just have to be a little creative, and adjust the ways in which we do that. Our offices may be closed, but our Case Managers are ready to assist any clients who are being impacted by the coronavirus situation. They’ll continue to connect families and seniors with wraparound services, and help them access resources that can help relieve the impact of layoffs, reduced work hours, school closures, and/or isolation inside the home. This includes connections to health and mental health resources, as well as safety net services and emergency financial assistance. Case Managers will be using the phone for much of this, scheduling in-person meetings as needed and appropriate while maintaining the recommended 6 feet of distance from one another. Anyone in need of assistance is encouraged to contact us at (707) 965-5010 to be placed on a waiting list for a phone appointment. Requests for emergency financial assistance can also be sent to us at efa@upvalleyfamilycenters.org. Our VITA tax assistance program is on hold, as the IRS has extended the filing deadline until July 15. Thankfully, this frees up our Economic Success team in the short term to help community members apply for much needed safety net benefits. Anyone who still needs to file their taxes is welcome to leave us their name and contact information, and we will be in touch to schedule an appointment when we are ready to reopen the VITA clinic. We are here, as always, to provide support, information, and resources to anyone in need of assistance. Our phone lines are active, and all staff continue to work, from home, supporting our community in every way they can. How You Can Get Involved Our community is strong because we show up for one another. We’re deeply grateful for everyone who has reached us to ask how they can help. Staying at home may feel like a passive act, but it is a powerful and compassionate way to help “flatten the curve” – protecting those of us who are most vulnerable to the virus, and ensuring that our healthcare system is equipped to take care of anyone who gets sick. If you are looking for additional ways to help, we offer two additional options: Donate. As our community begins to feel the economic, social, and psychological impact of this crisis, our work is more important than ever. Please consider making a gift to support the UpValley Family Centers at this time. Connect. Reach out to your neighbors and loved ones via phone, email, or social media. If anyone in your network is in need of support services or emergency financial assistance, please invite them to call us at (707) 965-5010 or email efa@upvalleyfamilycenters.org. Be well, be safe, and be in touch. We stand with you and our community now, as always. Thank you for everything you do. Gratefully, Jenny |