Monday, March 23, 2020
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The information appearing in this email is for general informational purposes only. Reference to any product, service, event or program is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement by The Glades Initiative.
SPECIAL NOTE: In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), many events and meetings have been cancelled. For those events still listed, please contact the venue directly to confirm if it will still happen. (No need to call The Glades Initiative, as we have noted the cancellations that we currently know about.)

~~~  This Week ~~~  
 
Mon, March 23-27  11:00 am    School Feeding Sites Open, Read post below for location closes to you 
 
Glades Area
The Glades Initiative Continues Providing Services

The Glades Initiative is still open and continues to provide services to residents who need assistance with online applications in our office located at 141 SE Ave C, Belle Glade, FL 33430. We provide services in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. 

Our Food Bank and food services will also continue. Next food distribution for residents in need is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 10 a.m. 

We are taking safety measures and implementing social distancing, limiting the number of clients in the office at one time.  

Please call the office at 561-996-3310 if you have questions or need our assistance.
Nonprofits are Eligible for Emergency Funding - See Application Here

A consortium of funders including The Community Foundation, Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County, Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, Lost Tree Foundation, Quantum Foundation and United Way of Palm Beach County, have launched a common grant application for nonprofit organizations seeking emergency assistance to provide basic services for area residents as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants will be coordinated among this consortium of funders.

Click here to learn more
School Feeding Sites Open During School ClosureCLOSUREFOOD

School Food Service will continue serving meals to District students throughout the school closure. Nutritionally-balanced 'Grab and Go' meals will be offered at school locations around the District. The meals will be distributed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and are FREE to anyone under 18 years of age (under 22 for ESE students), regardless of financial need. In accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations, students must be present in order to receive the meal.

WHEN: Monday, March 23-27, 2020 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Gove Elementary, 1000 SE Ave G, Belle Glade, FL 33430
WHERE: Pahokee Elementary, 560 E Main Pl, Pahokee, FL 33476
WHERE: Rosenwald Elementary, 1321 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, South Bay, FL 33493

Click here for a list of school sites distributing food Monday, March 23-27, 2020
Click here for a list of school sites distributing food after Spring Break, beginning March 30, 2020
Click here for more info
List of BG Businesses That are Operating

From the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce: "In an effort to keep everyone informed as much as possible during this very difficult time, the Chamber of Commerce has compiled this list of local businesses that are open and operational as of 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2020. Please note that this is subject to change and this list will be updated as information is provided to us here at the Chamber of Commerce. If anyone has an update, or would like to be added or removed from the list, please email us at info@bellegladechamber.com."

Click here to learn more
Healthcare Access for Undocumented in the Time of COVID-19

From United We Dream: "Although undocumented people are usually not eligible for health insurance, even through ACA, we can still receive health care through free/low-cost clinics that serve the uninsured. Undocumented people are welcome and will not be turned away from free/low-cost clinics."

Click here to learn more
PBC School District: Preparing for Digital Remote Learning

From The School District of Palm Beach County: "The School District of Palm Beach County is making every effort to ensure that our students' educational opportunities continue while at home, as the Governor's office and the Florida Department of Education have mandated schools remain closed through at least April 15. Virtual instruction will launch on Tuesday, March 31. Teachers will prepare on Monday, March 30, after Spring Break."

Click here to learn how to prepare for digital remote learning
Steps to Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 if You are Sick

FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW: If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have it, follow the steps below to help protect other people in your home and community.

Click here to learn more
Access 2020 Census Online

It's quick and easy. The 2020 Census questionnaire will take about 10 minutes to complete.
It's safe, secure, and confidential. Your information and privacy are protected. Your response helps to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services.

Click here to learn more
CareerSource Expands Assistance for Expected Surge in Unemployment Claims

From CareerSource: "CareerSource Palm Beach County is continuing to serve our communities at this critical time by offering in-person services for unemployment claims at its Central Career Center in West Palm Beach and its West Career Center in Belle Glade."

Click here to learn more
Listing of Online 12-Step Meetings

Learn what meeting resources are available online for persons in need of a room. 

Click here to learn more
Apply to PBC Summer Camp Scholarship Program

Palm Beach County's Youth Services Program has a list of 120 camps that are everywhere--from Boca Raton to Riviera Beach to Jupiter to Royal Palm Beach to the Glades--and all of them can be attended for free! Just apply for a County Scholarship, which provides full tuition and fees for families that meet certain eligibility requirements.

Click here to see the full list of camps
Palm Beach Clerk Suspends In-Person Services

From Palm Beach County Clerk: "The Clerk & Comptroller, Palm Beach County will be suspending in-person, non-essential services effective Tuesday, March 24, consistent with the executive order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis for Palm Beach County to prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. With coronavirus COVID-19 dominating the world news, please know that my focus is on your safety and the safety of my employees. Many of the services we provide in our offices are also available online."

Click here to learn more
SBA Updates Criteria for Requesting Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses

From the Small Business Administration: "As part of the Trump Administration's aggressive, whole-of-government efforts to combat the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and minimize economic disruption to the nation's 30 million small businesses, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza issued revised criteria for states or territories seeking an economic injury declaration related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)."

Click here to learn more
A Message from Community Connections for Life

Click to read a message from Community Connections for Life regarding change due to COVID-19 virus.

Click here to learn more
POSTPONED to OCT 3: Black Gold Jubilee Events 

All Black Gold Jubilee events have been postponed until the fall, including the Gospel Sing, Night Golf, Children's Fishing Tournament, 5K Run/Walk, the Parade, and all activities held on Torry Island, Saturday, April 4th. The Harvest Queen/Jr. Harvest Queen, Tiny & Little Mr. & Miss and Tween Contests will tentatively be rescheduled for May.

CONTACT: Please follow the official Black Gold Jubilee and Belle Glade Chamber FB and website pages for any updated information.
Dolly Hand CAC Cancels All Theatre Performances

From Palm Beach State College: "The three theatres at Palm Beach State College campuses in Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens and Belle Glade are cancelling the remainder of their performances for the season in response to concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak and to help keep their patrons, staff and volunteers safe."

Click here to learn more
Farm Worker Participants Wanted: Understanding How Relationships Affect Your Health

From University of Florida: "Researchers at the University of Florida, together with Farm Worker Association of Florida and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation are investigating the impact of key indicators of social support and social networks on the burden of mental stressors (social isolation, depression, and anxiety) and physical health status of farm workers." Earn a gift card with your participation.

Click here to learn more
Applications Accepted: Leadership Engage Class 2021

Each year's Engage class is made up of 50-55 motivated, informed and diverse professionals who are selected for their leadership and service within Palm Beach County and beyond. Participants meet for one full day each month, from September to May, and travel as a group on a bus to all parts of the county as they explore program topics such as agriculture, public safety, and healthcare. 

Applications due
WHEN: Monday, April 27, 2020 | 5:00 p.m.

Click here to learn more
EveryParent Special Edition: Keeping Your Kids Busy

From EveryParent: "The coronavirus pandemic has caused schools to close in Palm Beach County and across the country, causing students to stay at home and parents asking the question: What should I do with my kids all day? Look no further ... EveryParent has you covered!"

Click here to learn more
CSC: Monday Morning Update, March 23, 2020

Read the latest from the Children's Services Council: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update.

Click here to learn more
Job Opportunities

In the Glades                                                 
Other Areas
PBC Telephone Town Hall

From Business Development Board: "As part of our mission to stimulate the economy and facilitate job creation, we will continue to provide additional updates and programs to keep you informed on the most up-to-date developments affecting our business community."

WHEN:  Friday, March 27, 2020 | 2:00 p.m.
CONTACT: Kelly Smallridge, President and CEO, Business Development Board, 561-835-1008, ksmallridge@bdb.org

Click here to learn more
Previous Postings - The Glades Area
Earned $66,000 or Less Last Year, File Taxes for Free!

From the United Way of Palm Beach County: Was your 2019 household income $66,000 or less? You can receive free tax preparation assistance at one of our several VITA locations throughout the county! Our VITA Program gives you three choices to electronically file your tax return. All options are confidential, safe and free.

VITA Site at Community Partners Prosperity Center
WHEN:  Tuesdays and Thursdays until April 14, 2020 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (English/Spanish)
WHERE: Community Partners Prosperity Center (located within Bridges at Belle Glade), 33 West Avenue A, Belle Glade, FL 33430

VITA Site at West County Senior Center
WHEN:  Mondays and Saturdays until April 13, 2020  | Monday 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: West County Senior Center, 2916 State Road 15, Belle Glade, FL 33430

Click here to learn more
211 HelpLine Assists Callers with COVID-19 Info

211 HelpLine staff have been fielding numerous calls from people looking for information and resources regarding the COVID-19 "Coronavirus." 211 has been monitoring information from the CDC, the Florida Department of Health, and local officials.

Click here to learn more
Reporting Price Gouging in Florida

Attorney General Ashley Moody activated Florida's Price Gouging Hotline after Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in response to positive coronavirus test results in Florida. The hotline will receive complaints about retailers that illegally markup prices of sanitizer, respiratory masks and cleaning supplies

"We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Florida very closely and following the Governor's state of emergency declaration, our price gouging laws are now in effect. I have a rapid response team ready to immediately respond to allegations of price gouging and our Consumer Protection Division continues to look for scams by fraudsters who would use this situation to rip-off Floridians," Moody said.

CONTACT: Price gouging can be reported by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com
Information for Seniors and Others at Higher Risk from Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. Take everyday preventative actions now. 

Click here to learn more
POSTPONED: Jekalyn Carr at the Dolly Hand JEKALYN

Due to COVID-19, the Jekalyn Carr concert for Sat. March 14 was postponed until a date in the future to be announced. All tickets already purchased will be honored at the rescheduled date. 

WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2020 | 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center, 1977 College Drive, Belle Glade, FL 33430
CONTACT: For more information, call the Dolly Hand box office at 561-993-1160.

Click here to learn more
CANCELLED: Glades PATCH Meeting - Open to All PATCH1 PATCH

From PATCH: Due to the recent COVID-19 (Coronavirus) public health emergency and to ensure the safety of the PATCH Board members and our guests, effective immediately PATCH meetings will be suspended until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for your cooperation. Please be well.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 17, 2020  | 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: The Glades Initiative, 141 SE Ave C, Belle Glade, FL 33430
POSTPONED: Dialogue to Change: PBC Criminal Justice DIALOGUE

The dialogues will focus on engaging a diverse set of community stakeholders to determine ways to address local drivers of jail over-incarceration; address racial disparities in incarceration; and work through systems to improve the overall behavioral health and well-being of our community. The commitment for dialogue participation is for FIVE consecutive weeks.

Healthier Glades dialogue
WHEN: Beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
CONTACT: Barbara Cheives, 561-351-6864, barbara@convergeandassociates.com

Click here to learn more
CANCELLED: Apply for Passport During Special Saturday Hours PASSPORT PASSPORTS

Apply for your passport during special Saturday hours on March 7 and 21, in Belle Glade. No appointment is necessary.

WHEN: Saturday, March 21, 2020 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: West County Courthouse, 2950 State Road 15 Room S-100, Belle Glade, FL 33430
CONTACT INFO: 561-996-4843
 
Click here to learn more
Free Swimming Lessons for Glades Area Children, Adult Presentations and Water Safety PracticesSWIMMING

The Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County will once again be providing free, water safety swimming lessons this summer for non-swimming Glades area children ages 2-12 - at Pioneer Park Aquatic Center. Attend one of 2 adult presentations where parents can learn more information about these lessons, as well as general water safety practices.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 | 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bridges at Pahokee, 170 South Barfield Hwy #102, Pahokee, FL 33476
CONTACT: 561-924-9225

Click here for dates, available sessions and more information
South Bay Jaguars Registration

From South Bay Jaguars: "Creating a positive outlet for the youth in the city of South Bay and others who would love to be a part of a more structured program. We are a part of Pop Warners where Scholastics comes first. Our coaches are cleared level 2 background screening, certified through USA football & YCADA Cheerleading and Pop Warner Coaches Clinic. We are a program through Kings Tutoring and Mentoring Foundation Inc and the youth well bell assisted year round and not only with football/cheer. We Also provide FREE Sports PHYSICALS."

WHEN: Tuesday, March 31, 2020
COST: $99 registration fee until March 31, 2020; $175 after

Click here to learn more
POSTPONED: Second Chance Workshop: Sealing and Expungement

(This event has been postponed from its original March 21, 2020 date to May 16, 2020) Sponsored by the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc., Career Source, and FRRC - residents will have the opportunity to meet with attorneys regarding the possibility of restoration of rights, reinstatement your driver's license, employment opportunities, as well as community ID.

WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 2020 | 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Belle Glade Library and Civic Center, 725 NW 4th St, Belle Glade, FL 33430
CONTACT: Please RSVP on or before March 13, 2020 by calling Jenny Rodriguez at 561-655-8944 ext 120, or jrodriguez@legalaidpbc.org

Click here to learn more
Earn Community Service Hours by Watching Films

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office offers Community Service hours to anyone who watches either or both of the enclosed presentations.

The 911 Good Samaritan Law presentation is 12 minutes long and offers the viewer an hour of community service by typing their name on a certificate.
http://www.pbso.org/violentcrimes/goodsamlaw/index.html

The Vaping Dangers presentation is 15 minutes long and offers the viewer an hour of community service by typing their name on a certificate.
https://www2.pbso.org/VapingeCigarettesCourse/story.html

Please share with your children or anyone who needs Community Service hours.

CONTACT: Susan M. Klarich, Ph.D., Klarichs@pbso.org
Palm Beach County Library Offers Temporary E-Cards

The Palm Beach County Library System is offering free temporary e-cards for
those who do not have a card and are unable or reluctant to visit a branch to
help limit the spread of the coronavirus. Members are encouraged to use our
virtual services.

Click here to learn more
Host a Free Health Education Workshop in Partnership with Lake Okeechobee Rural Health Network

Is your organization, neighborhood, meeting group, or church interested in sharing health information and local resources with Glades area residents? Lake Okeechobee Rural Health Network (LORHN), a non-profit organization, is looking for new partners to help recruit participants for a health education workshop. A minimum of eight individuals are needed to get started; LORHN will coordinate everything else.

Workshops include:

CONTACT: Tiffany Parrish at 561-844-4220 x1500 or tparrish@hcsef.org if you have questions or would like to schedule one.
Clerk's DIY Videos are Your Guide to Understanding the Court System

Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when you are representing yourself in court. Our DIY On Demand video series gives you a step-by-step guide to the legal process, providing you with all the information you need to help represent yourself in court. Videos are available on a variety of topics, including:
* Divorce;
* Eviction and Landlord/Tenant Disputes;
* Child Support Enforcement;
* Collecting Money Judgments; and
* Sealing or Expunging Criminal Records.

CONTACT: DIY videos can be viewed from anywhere and at any time. The video library is available on-demand at the office's YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/ClerkPBC

Click here to learn more
COVID-19 Response Fund

The COVID-19 Response Fund will strategically address the immediate and mid to long-term needs of our region's most vulnerable residents. The collaboration between government, business, and philanthropy raised nearly $500,000 in less than 48 hours.

Click here to learn more
Cancellation of CJIS Meeting

From Southern Service Area CJIS consultant: "Tallahassee announced late Friday that we will not be holding any meetings where a large group will gather at this time. With that we will be cancelling our upcoming CJIS Meetings schedule for 3/31, 4/1, 4/2 & 4/14. We will reschedule at a later time. Thank you for your understanding."

Click here to learn more
Fall 2020 Jim Moran Institute Executive Programs

Free training programs for business owners, CEOs, and nonprofit leaders. Applications accepted through March 31, 2020

APPLICATION DEADLINE
WHEN: Tuesday, March 31, 2020 

Click here to learn more
Nonprofits First Cancels all in-Person Events

From Nonprofits First: As the situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) unfolds, the health and safety of our community is our top priority. Following precautionary guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Governor DeSantis' office, Nonprofits First is cancelling all in-person events through the end of March.

Click here to learn more
Many Clerk Services Available Online

From Clerk & Comptroller Palm Beach County:  With coronavirus COVID-19 dominating the world news, please know that my focus is on your safety and the safety of my employees. We plan for emergencies such as this, balancing safety with continuing to provide services to our community. Many of the services we provide in our offices are also available online. Visit  www.mypalmbeachclerk.com today.

Click here to learn more
CSC: Monday Morning Update, March 16, 2020

Read the latest from the Children's Services Council: Meal sites, health tips, and more!

Click here to learn more
Job Opportunities

In the Glades                                                 
Previous Postings - Other Areas
POSTPONED: Strategic Steps to Growing Your Business Certificate Program-SCORE

For business owners looking to take the next step, a five-workshop series covering topics such as: Financial Management, Grow Your Business with People, Marketing Your Business, Growing Your Sales, and Managing Operations.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 24, 31, 2020 
WHERE: SCORE Learning Center, 500 S Australian Ave, Suite 115, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
CONTACT: Richie Repetti, SCORE Palm Beach, wpbadmin@scorevolunteer.org, 561-833-1672

Click here to learn more
Posting Information: eBlast and Volunteers
Anyone wishing to add their local announcements or events is welcome to submit their information by Friday to be posted the following week. Please include a brief summary of the information to be posted with your contact name, phone number, and/or flyer. Advertise

*If you want to submit a posting please email us at updates@gladesinitiative.org
or (561) 996-3310
.*
 
If you would like to submit your volunteer opportunities on our site below, please email us at volunteer@gladesinitiative.org

Check the Glades Community Calendar 
for additional activities scheduled in
the Glades area
:
Check out Volunteer Opportunities at the Glades Initiative or opportunities with our Partners in the Glades
Donate to the Glades Initiative, Inc.

 
 

SOLICITATIONS UNDER THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES REGISTRATION #CH16445 BENEFIT THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THE GLADES INITIATIVE, INC. INFORMATION ABOUT THE GLADES INITIATIVE IS AVAILABLE AT (561) 996-3310, OR AT www.gladesinitiative.org 'A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES AT WWW.FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COM OR BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.' The Glades Initiative, Inc. a not for profit tax exempt organization receives 100% of each contribution.