Dear friends and neighbors,
As our state’s efforts to distance and minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus continues, we’re seeing an increased demand for our food services. Our food pantry had its busiest day ever last Thursday – the volume we would normally distribute in
one week was shared
in just one day
. In our meal delivery, we’ve increased the number of
daily meals delivered from 200 to 375
in just three weeks, and we’re getting calls every day from neighbors requesting this service.
We expect demand to only increase until this is all over. The need is urgent, and we know we’ve asked a lot of our community.
But, if you can spare a few dollars,
now is the time we need it most.
Now, even though this week has been especially difficult and the road in front of us is awfully long, I still see hope all around me. I see Center staff and volunteers coming together in new ways to support our families. I see corporate partners stepping up to donate food to our pantry. I see young people asking what they can do to help and then taking action.
I hope you see that GCC is here and will continue to be here to support our community, and I hope you know that whatever you’re doing to prop up your neighbors, your families and yourselves is enough.
Wishing you strength and good health,
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Becky Steinhoff, Executive Director
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Spring Greening
What is more hopeful than new growth? GCC Transition Academy educators, Jason and Keith, have been hard at work tilling the land, pruning fruit trees and caring for seedlings in preparation for our gardens. Tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, herbs, flowers – all to be potted up for planting in the garden beds outside very soon. They are taking videos and pictures of their work to use in distance learning lessons and assignments for Transition Academy youth. Rumor is the GCC chickens are also making appearances in their content!
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IN EDUCATION
Distance Learning & GCC
MMSD began its distance learning this week, and Center staff were ready to support families. From our littlest preschoolers and 4K children up to our high school students, they’re providing educational materials, social-emotional support and resources to help our kids and families navigate this uncharted territory. They’re also having regular one-on-one check-ins with our families to ensure they truly know that GCC is still here for them.
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GCC Lussier LOFT staff shown video conferencing as they plan new virtual offerings for youth.
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FAMILY SUPPORT
You Really Came Through
How many times can we say WOW? It's coming out of our mouths a lot these days for a very good reason: this community is unbelievable. We told you we needed to get games and craft supplies to our families. We created an Amazon wish list, and in less than one week,
that wish list was 100% fulfilled
.
You are incredible!
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OUR PARTNERS
A Texas-Sized Donation
We have to give a HUGE shout-out to
Texas Roadhouse
, who donated a massive amount of potatoes, sweet potatoes, red peppers and broccoli for our food pantry.
They even donated lunch for the staff working in the pantry!
Demand for our food pantry service is growing every week. Donations from partners like these, along with monetary donations from community members like you, are making an indescribable difference.
Thank you so much!
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Dough-Nation Success!
Last night,
Ian’s Pizza Garver
hosted a (distance) Dough-Nation event benefitting GCC. A portion of their sales all evening came back to the Center – and wow, did you all show up! Ian's Garver was pleased to report they were "slammed" all evening. To everyone who ordered and endured a longer than usual wait,
THANK YOU!
Your care for community really means a lot.
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT
In This Together
Kids are incredible. Want proof? Check out
In This Together Studio
. Organized by Danika Laine Brubaker with the help of her 9-year-old,
In This Together Studio
is collecting and selling art created by kids to benefit organizations working on the front lines of COVID-19.
GCC is proud to have been the first beneficiary of their efforts, receiving a gift of more than $300.
We promise to put this generous donation to good use.
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FOOD OPERATIONS
Drive-Thru Food Pantry
All are welcome – no need to call ahead. Food is distributed in the Ironworks building parking lot, 149 Waubesa Street, Madison.
Tuesday
9:30 a.m. – noon
Wednesday
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday
12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Neighborhood Dinners
The Center is managing a distribution of nearly 300 meals per day, along with groceries on Fridays.
Wednesday & Thursday –
individual dinners
Friday –
2 family-style meals + a pantry bag of groceries
For delivery in
Darbo/Worthington and Brentwood neighborhoods:
1.
Your address.
2.
How many meals you’d like for Wed., Thurs. & Friday
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“
Thank you so very, very much to everyone there. Living at Rethke Terrace Apartments, you all have been a godsend. Again thanks to all.
❤
”
- Randy
We’ve starting to get repetitive, but we’re going to keep saying it:
We’re part of the most amazing community.
Even though these days and weeks are difficult, time and time again, we’ve seen the absolute best from our neighbors. Thank you does not express how grateful we are for your continuing support. We're humbled. We’re inspired. We love you all.
* Consider yourself hugged. *
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Information is changing rapidly.
Goodman is constantly reassessing how we can help our community. Most up-to-date operations can be found at:
goodmancenter.org/corona
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GOODMAN COMMUNITY CENTER
Ironworks:
149 Waubesa Street
Brassworks:
214 Waubesa Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53704
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