The last few weeks have been stressful for everyone in our nation, state, county, and communities. Many businesses, nonprofits, and houses of worship are shuttered. Our schools are closed, hospitals and medical facilities are overwhelmed, and we are all feeling uncertainty, stress, and anxiety during this unprecedented time. As we contend with the coronavirus pandemic, the most vulnerable children, families, and communities are facing greater challenges than ever before.
Although COVID19 has implications for our work, we are committed to continue providing much needed services. Per the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Governor’s office and the Union County Department of Health, we have temporarily closed our office and are working remotely. The following is a list of services we continue to provide directly or through our partner organizations.
UWGUC staff and staff from our partners at Rahway Community Action Organization, PROCEED, Inc, Jefferson Park Ministries, Second Street Youth Center, Family Community Development Corporation, and the Elizabeth Coalition have maintained services through the Family Success Centers and the Family Support and Prevention program. Working remotely, staff continue to:
- Provide Information & Referral Linkages & Advocacy
- Process Flex Funds (emergency financial assistance) requests by appointment only
- Provide Emergency food assistance (food pantry, vouchers, gift cards) by appointment only
- Coach families with children in how to address educational and/or health barriers
Our Nurse Family Partnership program continues to visit and provide services to clients. Home visits are being conducted via telehealths.
UWGUC has partnered with the Healthy Plainfield Coalition, the Plainfield School District, and the FoodBank of Central New Jersey to provide over 800 weekend meals packets to vulnerable Plainfield families.
Lastly, we have established the COVID19 Emergency Fund and we are working with our corporate, foundation, and individual donors to provide financial relief to residents who have been financially impacted by the virus and are in financial crisis. As we develop the program and funding becomes available, we will provide more information. To give to UWGUC’s COVID19 Emergency Relief fund
uwguc.org/covid19
.
We will continue monitoring new developments as they are made available and with our partners, we will continue to serve the community during this crisis.
