What our youth really want is to not feel alone -- March 2020 eNews, part 2

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PROVIDING CONNECTION & TOGETHERNESS:

Side by Side's East Bay Response

Side by Side’s East Bay team is responding to the COVID-19 outbreak with heart and optimism, providing hope, connection, and even some lighthearted fun to our youth. As the past few weeks have unfolded, one thing has become clearer than ever: the most important “service” our youth need right now is a feeling of connection. “They just want to feel that they are not alone,” said Bernice Saavedra, supervisor for Side by Side’s Real Alternatives transitional housing program.

In addition to transitional housing for foster youth and youth on probation, Side by Side’s East Bay programs include mental health services through our Community Counseling program and the Our Space LGBTQ center. Many of the youth we serve through these programs don't have traditional family units and circles of support so the shelter-in-place restrictions impact them that much more. “In normal circumstances, Side by Side provides a safety net while youth work to build a future for themselves,” explained Saavedra. “Now more than ever, we must continue to provide that safe space and connection.”

How do we do that? Just like responsible parents, staff has stressed with their clients the importance of handwashing and how to apply social distancing practices to their lives. We’re also checking in via text, phone calls, and offering counseling services through Zoom TeleHealth services. Some staff engage with their clients through iMessage games to provide a bright spot of fun in what are now long days spent at home.

Here are some of the other creative efforts our East Bay staff have undertaken to provide support to our clients.

Virtual Events

Each month, Real Alternatives holds events to provide a social outlet for all youth in the program. This month, instead of canceling the event, we hosted a virtual event, and it was a huge success!

We asked youth to text photos of themselves preparing for the Shelter in Place order, along with three facts they have learned. We received many photos showing our youth with cleaning supplies, coloring books, crayons, and other projects. The photos were full of smiles. “I’m ready!” one youth said with a photo of herself and her supplies.

We even discovered a silver lining, many youth who do not usually come to the physical gatherings due to social anxiety participated in the virtual event! “It was a big success and showcased the relationship our staff has with these youth, Saavedra said. “We will continue to host virtual events and find other ways to stay connected in the coming weeks.”

The Our Space LGBTQ program has transitioned its Wednesday drop-in hours at the community center to a virtual meet-up and had a number of youth show up for the inaugural session. Diego Basdeo Fitzgerald, program manager for Our Space, reported that the youth “sure appreciated the space” given their current isolation at home and they are working to find the best time/day to continue the virtual groups.

Connecting Youth with School Resources

Education is always a priority, and we are working to help with needed technology for youth who are still in school. This might mean picking up computers or Chromebooks from schools, making sure they have WiFi at home, or helping them stay connected to their teachers while they navigate the new world of at-home classrooms and “distance learning.” While many youth appreciate the guidance of their Real Alternatives case managers to help them stay on track academically, one student proactively contacted his case manager for support, determined to maintain the 3.5 GPA he had worked so hard to obtain.

Empathy and Connection

Although challenging for us all, it’s important to remember that youth living in transitional housing are experiencing this social isolation in a very different way from many of us. They are not baking cookies with their mom or going on neighborhood walks with their dad or having family game nights. “It’s really important that we’re cognizant that their experience is different, and that we’re aware of different circumstances. What someone else can do when stuck at home is very different than the reality these youth are living,” said Noelle Moss, director of development and communications at Side by Side.

Paying for Rent and Basic Necessities

The Real Alternatives program pays for rent and basic necessities for all youth under 21, and that has not changed. For youth 21-24, the program normally subsidizes rent, while the youth cover the remainder with money they earn. But during these uncertain times, Real Alternatives is stepping in to cover their rent in full. “Employment is not a priority right now,” explained Saavedra. “It’s more important that these youth take care of themselves. There is a lot of stress. They need to know that they have a roof over their head, food in the fridge, and adults who care about them and are looking out for them.”

“I have been heartened watching both our staff and our youth rise to the challenges of recent events,” said Saavedra. “Growth is happening even in this climate. That’s a testament to the relationships between our staff and the youth, and it’s a beautiful thing to witness.”

How You Can Help

While we feel proud to be able provide these critically needed services to our community, your generosity today would help Side by Side ride out financial challenges that include reductions in expected revenue from canceled fundraising events and billing uncertainties due to necessary changes in our program services . Your contribution will also provide resources to support our clients and their families with critical needs that negatively impact their own resilience.

Your donation will also be doubled, thanks to a matching gift challenge from Side by Side's Board of Directors. Dollar-for-dollar, every gift up to $5,000 will be matched.

It's times like these when standing together is so important, please donate now to our Relief Fund.

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