In recognition of how important the NYAPRS’ Annual Conference has been to so many us for so long, our NYAPRS board and staff are very pleased to announce that we will be going forward with a 5-segment virtual Conference this year. Our program is entitled “Rise Up! Community, Connection, Culture” in recognition of the isolating consequences of social distancing and quarantine required by COVID-10 as well as our long-overdue need to confront the pervasive impact of racism in ourselves, our systems and our society.   

At the same time, this year’s NYAPRS Conference will continue to offer a special time to reflect and connect and to restore and replenish our spirits during these unprecedented times. You can also count on us to feature that unique spirit of celebration and lineup of very special events and speakers that is our trademark.

Our virtual conference will be held via Zoom during 5 sequences over 4 days:

• the day of September 22
• the day of and evening of September 24
• the day of and evening of September 29
• the day of October 1

Please don’t miss this one: this conference is going to be one for the ages! We hope you can join thousands of others from around New York and the globe and join us to “Rise Up” together.

Ramirez June Initiative Webinar: Deaf Refugee Advocacy—The Benefits of Using Deaf Advocates for Deaf New Americans
Tuesday, August 25, 2020, from 11 AM - 12 PM

Please RSVP for the webinar here: https://forms.gle/F4h9bFdrwNwJaoDm6

The webinar will cover the unique issues deaf new Americans experience, services Deaf Refugee Advocacy provides, and highlight strategies and recommendations so that their practices and model may be replicated.

Webinar hosted by the Ramirez June Developmental Disabilities Navigator Initiative
Connecting New Americans with Developmental Disabilities to Resources and Services in New York State.

This webinar will be presented in English and American Sign Language (ASL). If any accommodations are needed or for more information, please contact NewAmericans@dos.ny.gov.

This presentation will be delivered by Diana Pryntz, Interim Executive Director and Co-Founder of Deaf Refugee Advocacy.

WWW.P12.NYSED.GOV/EARLYLEARNING

Baruti Kafele & Dana Benzo

Tim Hathaway & Tamaé Memole

Meriam Beloglovsky & Shannon Riley-Ayers

NO SMALL MATTER

NYS Council on Children and Families

NYS B5

Unlocking Transformation and Healing: Policy Options for Accessible Youth and Young Adult Mental Health Care

CLASP’s mental health work advances systems and policy change, with an explicit focus on how people’s race and ethnicity affect how they interact with the health system and receive services. We aim to look beyond the current system to reimagine what is possible to help communities of color thrive, recognizing the influence of intergenerational and cultural trauma on communities. As part of that effort, CLASP has supported U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s resolution to make July BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Mental Health Awareness Month. 

Over the past couple of weeks, we have released a series of briefs, Unlocking Transformation and Healing, that identifies policy options with broad applicability and strong potential to increase access to transformation and healing for economically marginalized young people. This series provides an overview of state and local policy options targeting community-based care, confidentiality, and cost.

• Unlocking Transformation and Healing: Overview of Policy Options for Accessible Youth and Young Adult Mental Health Care
• Unlocking Transformation and Healing: Community—Based Care Policy Options for Youth and Young Adults
• Unlocking Transformation and Healing: Confidentiality Policy Options for Accessible Youth and Young Adult Mental Health Care 
• Unlocking Transformation and Healing: Cost Policy Options for Accessible Youth and Young Adult Mental Health Care

BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month CLASP Resources:

• “Protest-Movement Building and Mental Health: A Conversation with Young Leaders”:  This panel explored the effects of witnessing injustice on mental health, how movement building can support young people’s healing, and more with young movement leaders who are advancing justice and healing in their communities.

Watch the Recording

• “Healing Intergenerational Trauma: A Conversation with Jazmine Wildcat”: This blog focuses on the need to destigmatize mental health and the impact of intergenerational trauma on indigenous communities.

BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month Partnerships:

• Nia West-Bey joined Young Invincibles for Health Care Policy in Light of COVID: A Virtual Roundtable Series 
• Nia West-Bey was a panelist for Mental Health America of Greater Dallas’s conversation Racial Trauma, Creating Change, and Healing 
• CLASP hosted two sessions for the National Youth Employment Coalition’s Youth Connecting Forum 
• Ten Core Competencies for Youth and Young Adult-Centered Mental Health Systems 
• Equity in Policy Making  
• Isha Weerasinghe joined the Prevention Institute’s podcast, Applying a Racial Justice Lens to Mental Health and Well-Being

COUNTY-LEVEL SUBGRANTS FOR REENTRY OF YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES

APPLICATIONS DUE: OCTOBER 15, 2020

Cornell University’s K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disabilities is the recipient of the NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council’s (DDPC) Community of Practice: Reentry for Youth with Developmental Disabilities Grant. Cornell refers to this project as Youth Reentering the Community through Opportunity, Networking, Navigation, Education, Collaboration, and Transition Supports (YReCONNECTS). As part of the grant, we are seeking to fund four (4), county-level teams, as sub-grantees of this larger initiative. Once selected, sub-grantees will begin working with the Cornell project team. Sub-grantees will be eligible to receive a total of $35,000 per team, each year, in years 3, 4, and 5 of the DDPC grant. The RFP provides a description of the DDPC grant, followed by specific criteria and expectations of the county level sub-grantees, along with the sub-grant application.

County-Level Subgrants RFP for Reentry of Youth with Disabilities

Potential applicants are encouraged to attend an informational meeting about the application process and expectations of sub-grantees on Wednesday, August 5, 2020.

QUESTIONS: Contact LaWanda Cook at lhc62@cornell.edu

The COVID-19 pandemic can affect your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as that of those you work with and loved ones. It is natural for community members, especially those who have experienced multiple or compounded effects of the pandemic (such as financial distress, death of friends and family, and other significant stressors) to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, and afraid. New York City (NYC) residents are also reeling from incidents of police brutality, racial injustice and inequity, and working to confront centuries of historical trauma experienced by Black communities and other communities of color.

Judges of color speak to equal treatment, respect, and dignity in the courts, urging courts to be mindful of the impact of systemic racism in order to make a positive difference, daily.    

Center on Addiction changes name to Partnership to End Addiction and launches new website

The changes are part of an evolution following the 2019 merger of two distinguished leaders in the substance addiction space. Read More

COVID-19 Pandemic Hits Addiction Treatment Centers Hard

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a large impact on addiction treatment centers, making it more difficult for people with substance use disorders to find treatment, according to the Los Angeles Times. Read More

Treatment Providers Report Good Results with Telehealth for Opioid Use Disorder

Addiction treatment providers are reporting positive outcomes from using telehealth services to treat opioid use disorder during the pandemic, The Pew Charitable Trusts reports. Read More

Pandemic Worsens Opioid Crisis: NIDA Director

The pandemic has worsened the opioid crisis, according to Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Read More

Study Suggests Safe Injection Sites Could Reduce Deaths from Opioid Overdoses

A new study suggests that safe injection sites, where people can inject heroin and other drugs, may reduce deaths from opioid-involved overdoses, The Associated Press reports. Read More

Colorado Files Lawsuit Against Juul for Targeting Youth in Marketing Campaign

Colorado has filed a lawsuit against e-cigarette maker Juul Labs, alleging that the company targeted youth in its marketing campaign and misrepresented the product’s health risks. Read More

For more information, contact AMPLIFYNY@FTNYS.org or go to the event's homepage

 New Website Supports Job Seekers with Disabilities!

YourDreamYourTeam.com

This website is a product resulting from the New York State Disability Employment Initiative (DEI). DEI is a Systems Capacity Building Project. In New York State, DEI is focused on developing, improving, and supporting inclusive career pathways for 14 to 24 year-olds with disabilities by increasing their participation in existing Career Pathways programs.

Key partners supporting DEI include: Local Workforce Development Boards: Hempstead Works, CDO Workforce, Tompkins County Workforce, New York State Department of Labor, Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), New York State Office of Children and Family Services, New York State Council on Children and Families, New York State Commission for the Blind, New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, New York State Office of Mental Health, New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, and New York State Business Leadership Network.

The website is designed for multiple audiences, including youth with disabilities pursuing employment, as well as the people and organizations that support them.

We would also like to acknowledge the following people and organizations who helped provide insight, guidance, and content for Your Dream, Your Team.

INFORMATION
These awards will go to individuals who take their training with a Best Practice Trainer.

Virtual CRPA training with Best Practice trainers TBA on Upcoming Trainings page of our website.

• These are limited funds but all are encouraged to apply.
• Selection will be widespread to ensure all regions of New York have fair distribution.
• Eligibility will be determined, but not limited to, lived experience, appropriateness / assessment
  of training readiness and financial need.
• Individuals who are veterans and bilingual are encouraged to apply.

Find more information and how to apply Here.

NOTE: Minorities and bilingual individuals, as well as Veterans, are encouraged to apply.

After reviewing the FAQ here, please contact Shannon Schielke, FOR-NY Education, Training & Support Coordinator, if you have other questions on the application process: sschielke@for-ny.org.

"What we need to do is learn to respect and embrace our differences until our differences don’t make a difference in how we are treated."  - Yolanda King

Understanding Microaggressions

One important aspect of being an ally is to be self-aware, and intentional with our language.  Microaggressions are comments that are indirect or subtle but reflect our implicit biases or prejudices. Offensive comments can make individuals feel invisible, and dismiss their personal experiences - such as identifying as a member of the  LGBTQ+ community or any other historically disadvantaged group. They can leave a long-lasting negative impact on a person’s self-esteem, can harm relationships, and may lead to individuals feeling unsafe or targeted within their environment, such as a community or school. PBS Learning Media has created lessons for the classroom.

Promoting Culture in the Classroom

To truly engage students and be perceived by them as an ally, educators must reach out in ways that are culturally and linguistically responsive, and examine the assumptions and stereotypes we bring into the classroom that may hinder connectedness. This article titled, Culture in the Classroom, provides resources for educators to self-reflect and identify hidden biases. It also provides insight about how to take a close look at the curriculum and incorporate lessons that include diverse reading selections representing authors from various cultural backgrounds.

Educators who approach teaching from a multicultural lens can help children develop social awareness, including empathy, and make them feel included in the school community. For immigrant and refugee students, it can provide the emotional scaffolding necessary to cross the linguistic and cultural divide between the country of origin and country of residency.  Embracing cultural diversity in the classroom supports the mental health and wellness of students and fosters a caring school community.

Forming a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Club

Student-run GSA clubs in middle schools and high schools unite LGBTQ+ and allied youth to support issues impacting them in their schools and communities. They raise awareness and promote social change. Even if your school does not have the capacity for a formal club, other clubs, such as Student Council or Key Club, may find the resources at the GSA Network helpful to developing projects that support LGBTQ+ youth such as hosting socials or raising awareness about how to support peers navigate the coming out process. Visit the GSA Network to learn more.

Special Education Allyship in Action

In this article from Teach for America, Special Education teachers share how they practice allyship in the classroom providing students with the skills to find their voice and self-advocate. They also promote goal setting, and career exploration, to empower students to fulfill their hopes and dreams.

To promote allyship in schools, consider Best Buddies Friendship Programs.

Being an Ally to Muslim American Families

EmbraceRace.org created guides that offer practical guidance to families on difficult topics such as racism, inequity, and safety.

One particular resource, created by Mommying While Muslim podcast creators, Zaiba Hasan and Uzma Jafri, focuses on practical strategies to address concerns such as school bullying.

Family Acceptance Project

The Family Acceptance Project is the first comprehensive study of LGBTQ youth and their families and the first evidence-informed family support model to help diverse families learn to support their LGBTQ children. The project represents a diverse group of families, and explores the role of family acceptance and rejection, and discusses how the level of connectedness can impact overall mental health and wellness. When youth feel supported on their journey, they harvest more positive views of the future, higher self-esteem, and a sense of inclusion.

The School Mental Health Resource and Training Center is a project of the Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc. with funding from the New York State Legislature and Executive.

NYS OMH Announces “Coping Circles”
First Program In The Nation To Provide Free Tele-Health Support And Resilience Groups

With every change of season brings the opportunity to reset our mind and body, and refocus our priorities. Health, well-being, family, friends, involvements, respectfulness, commitments... now is the time to stop for a moment, breathe and rethink our mindset. Consider this your Summer check-in after the interesting spring and all that we continue to face in our current world.

Take this week to ponder these questions:

• "What recovery tools and information did you use to help you navigate through the New York Pause?"
• "Would you like deeper connection and involvement in your local Recovery Community Organization (RCO)?
• "Would you like to explore more conversations about social justice recovery?"
• "To become more engaged in recovery advocacy? To engage your friends and colleagues in discussions about what recovery means to you in order to bring more awareness to the power, promise and hope of recovery?"

Below are some ways to help motivate you to reset and recommit to the recovery movement this summer:

Get to know your... FRIENDS OF RECOVERY - NEW YORK

Who we are and what we do... share this Fact Sheet far and wide and also encourage people to subscribe to our email list to receive up-to-date recovery-related information.

Advocating for the Recovery Community... Share Your Story

Participate in Project: Face-Off.  Share your recovery story in a short one to two-minute video on social media, tag two to three friends to do the same, as well as tagging your representatives on the post so they know how crucial it is to continue to #fundrecovery. See flyer for more information.

Expand our Reach... Social Media

Help Friends of Recovery - New York build up followers by sharing the below links with friends.  Additionally, while we are hearing from our people, according to Facebook demographics for our FOR-NY page, we are not reaching enough of those individuals who identify as "males."  To ensure our content is inclusive, we want to hear from those that do identify as male and have them "like" and follow us.  ALL voices of the Recovery Community are needed and appreciated!

• FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/recoveryny
• INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/friendsofrecoveryny/
• LINKEDIN:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/10145692/

We need a few more friends... Consider Joining The Board of Directors

FOR-NY is looking for a few new friends to recruit for the Board of Directors.  Complete the interest form here.

"Nothing about us without us!"

ProActive Caring Digital Resource Center

While most people enjoy face-to-face learning, someone caring for a person with an intellectual or developmental disability may need more flexibility than a traditional class offers. Responding to the need for greater flexibility in the delivery of ProActive Caring Stress Reduction trainings, the ProActive Caring team sought to make resource and training materials available in multiple formats and to design an interactive, on-line ProActive Caring course that caregivers could take at their own pace, at home.

We are pleased to announce that an e-Manual for the ProActive Caring Stress Reduction course has been developed in partnership with Dr. Mindy Scirri and Theresa Drum of Parent Network of Western NY and is now available at https://www.proactivecaring.org/

Supporting materials are being made available in ProActive Caring’s Digital Resource Center, a website that works in concert with the ProActive Caring e-Manual, FaceBook page, and You-Tube channel. The new site will remain a living and evolving resource, as new materials are created and new pages are constructed.

ProActive Caring was created as a partnership between the Center on Aging and Disability Policy at Mount Saint Mary College, community service providers, and family caregivers, to support you as you care for a person with special needs. The project is funded by the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council.

Moving Forward with Intention

The Institute stands with the early childhood workforce in their determination to undo institutional and structural racism. Every day the Institute staff comes together to lift up the early childhood workforce – a workforce that is predominantly women, many of whom are women of color. As we work to rebuild the systems that serve young children and their families let’s commit to racial equity. Read our Executive Director's message on the blog

Social Justice Resources for Educators

Early care and education providers seeking to strengthen their social justice practice can start with these resources.
Check out the Social Justice Resources page on our blog

From QUALITYstarsNY

Supporting New York State's Economic Recovery
As New York State's Quality Rating & Improvement System for early childhood programs, QUALITYstarsNY is fully invested in the state's economy recovery. New York's ability to rebuild in the wake of COVID-19 is dependent on our child care system. In order to return to work, families must have access to child care, yet many programs remain closed as a result of COVID-19. As critical partners in the state's recovery, child care programs need support to reopen and provide quality early care and education under these new and changing circumstances, including the robust services provided by QUALITYstarsNY. Read more about why high quality child care is essential to economic recovery and how our participants have been impacted by the pandemic.

Considerations for Reopening Information Sessions
In an effort to support programs that have closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, QUALITYstarsNY has developed a 3-part webinar series called “Considerations for Reopening.” The sessions provide Program Administrators with resources and information to help them prepare for reopening. Read more about the series and QUALITYstarsNY's plans to build on this effort in a recent blog post by Quality Improvement Specialists, JoAnn Toth and Kathy Moss.

Questionnaire: Professional Learning about the Revised Early Learning Guidelines

The revised New York State Early Learning Guidelines are now available. We are planning small-group targeted online professional learning sessions on the Early Learning Guidelines. If you'd like to participate, click through and let us know your preferences for sessions.

Leadership Initiative Panel Event : Leadership in a Time of Crisis

The Early Childhood Leadership Initiative hosted a virtual panel focusing on the many qualities and considerations for effective leadership in a time of crisis. Almost 500 leaders heard the experiences and perspectives of a former CEO of a social service non-profit, a licensed child development mental health expert and play therapist, a social worker and FEMA crisis master trainer, and an executive director of a child care program. Attendees learned of important considerations and strategies for leadership, trauma-informed care, building resiliency, crisis management and coping, and planning for change.

The Institute launched the ECE Employment Network

Its goal is to match job seekers with available employment in early childhood.
Inspired by the early childhood needs created by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Network will assist New York’s early childhood programs as they work to re-open.

Are you an early childhood educator or recent graduate looking for work?

Join the ECE Employment Network to get connected to a Career Advisor who will begin linking you to employers who are actively hiring.  Your Career Advisor will also provide you with career development resources to support you in your job search!

Are you an early childhood program in need of teachers and support staff?

Become a member of our ECE Employment Network to post jobs at no cost to you on our job board and to gain access to a personal advisor who can make connections with individuals seeking work.

New posts on the blog: Teaching, Leading and Caring

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday the Institute posts to our Teaching, Learning and Caring blog page. This page is a place of inquiry to share our reflections, make connections and ask questions of the early childhood field.

Perhaps now more than ever, our students are facing new mental health challenges. As schools throughout the country are feeling the pressures of planning for the return to school and providing virtual support, it is also a crucial time to assess how well your school district is meeting students’ mental health needs. We’re here to help!

The NYS Office of Mental Health, Division of Integrated Community Services for Children and Families, invites school districts and schools across the State to participate in an assessment that will measure the comprehensiveness of your district or school mental health system and identify priority areas for improvement. We will lead you through the process and provide data entry support.

What is SHAPE? The School Health Assessment and Performance Evaluation System is a public-access, web-based platform that offers schools, districts and states a workspace and targeted resources to support school mental health quality improvement. SHAPE was developed by the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH), in partnership with the field, to increase the quality and sustainability of comprehensive school mental health systems.

What’s in it for YOU? Upon completing the assessment, the school or district receives a personalized report of each domain and its components. Mastery, Progressing and Emerging scores are calculated to quickly highlight areas of potential planning and action. The NCSMH has a large resource library available to assist in making improvements in all the domains.

Why NOW? School personnel, students and families have been faced with an unprecedented event in 2020. Districts are planning how to reopen schools. SHAPE provides one more tool to assess a school or district’s needs.

How do we get started? The NYS Office of Mental Health has staff resources this summer to assist schools/districts with the completion and data entry of SHAPE. The information gained from conducting these assessments will provide a better understanding of what school districts need to achieve a comprehensive school mental health system, and how the Office of Mental Health might be of assistance.

Contact Angela Keller at angela.keller@omh.ny.gov or (518) 473-6903 for more information.

We stand in solidarity with the Black community. As allies, we are present and listening. We see and acknowledge your pain, fear, anger, and anxiety.

We must act to end silence and engage our community to inspire change at this essential moment.

Please visit below for specific mental health support & resources for the Black community at this time.

Magellan Healthcare is pleased to announce the opening of a crisis text line for all first responders and healthcare workers who are serving on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic. The crisis text line will support our crisis telephone hotline, launched in April. Critical workers can now reach us both by phone and text message to get help.

Magellan Healthcare will provide free, confidential mental health services and access to other resources such as community-based support to help those responding directly to the pandemic. These resources are provided free of charge to support critical workers as they try to manage feelings of fear, sadness, anger and hopelessness associated with the situations they may be experiencing during the coronavirus pandemic.

How critical workers can access the crisis text line

Text SUPPORT to 78137 from anywhere in the United States to connect to a certified, licensed mental health clinician via our secure mPulse Mobile platform. The crisis text line is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern. Texts received outside of these hours will be forwarded to the crisis telephone hotline. If critical workers wish to call the crisis telephone line directly, the toll-free number is 1-800-327-7451 (TTY 711).

To learn more about how Magellan Healthcare is responding and offers support during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19.

The Institute has mailed a copy of the revised New York State Early Learning Guidelines  to every licensed center and every early childhood faculty member throughout the state.

The revised New York State Early Learning Guidelines is a child development resource for all early childhood educators working with children from birth through age eight. The Guidelines provide information about children's development as well as specific instructional, environmental and family engagement strategies to use to support young children’s development. The Early Learning Guidelines and the New York State Core Body of Knowledge: Core Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, along with the New York State Early Learning Standards comprise the early learning framework in New York State.

The New Early Learning Guidelines provide:

• A comprehensive guide to child development for children from birth through age 8.
• Specific sample instructional, environmental and family engagement strategies to support young children’s development.
• A companion to the state’s early learning standards developed by the New York State Education Department and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.

The Early Learning Guidelines are also available in Spanish.

The Institute is committed to the health and safety of our staff. We will process your order but shipping may be delayed.

Questionnaire: Professional Learning about the Revised Early Learning Guidelines

We are planning small-group targeted online professional learning sessions on the Revised NYS Early Learning Guidelines. If you'd like to participate, fill out the questionnaire and let us know your preferences for sessions.

New Synthetic Opioid, Mixed With Cocaine, Detected in Overdose Cases
Health officials in Illinois and Indiana say a new synthetic opioid appears to be linked to some overdose cases, USA Today reports. Read More

Sources of Illegal Drugs Change During Pandemic, Leading to New Overdose Risks
The coronavirus pandemic is impacting the supply chain of illegal drugs, leading to new overdose risks, experts tell NPR.
Read More

Number of Opioid Deaths May be Much Higher Than Previously Believed
The number of deaths due to opioid overdoses may be much higher than previously thought, according to a new study. Read More

COVID-19 Pandemic Makes Mental Health Treatment Harder to Obtain
The COVID-19 pandemic is making it more difficult for people to obtain mental health treatment, the Associated Press reports. Read More

During this time of uncertainty, we're still here to support families.

The Developmental Disabilities Planning Council wants to help you stay informed during the coronavirus crisis. Below we have compiled a list of resources, tools, and information. You will find information for individuals, parents and families, providers, and opportunities for you to help by filling out informational surveys. Stay safe and healthy during this ongoing pandemic.

FOR INDIVIDUALS:

Administration for Community Living: What do Older Adults and People with Disabilities Need to Know? Guide
 
Autism Society Corona Virus Response and Resources
 
California DD Council Self-Advocate COVID-19 Video Series
 
COVID-19 Visual Communication Card
 
Financial Resources for People with Developmental Disabilities During the COVID-19 Crisis
 
Plain Language Information on COVID-19 (In 11 Languages)
 
The Rose F. Kennedy Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (RFK CERC)/The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Resource Guide
 
Special Olympics Virtual Exercise Program and Resources

FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES:

NYSRC Webinar: Mindfulness For Families Of Children With ASD: Focusing on The Present Moment In Stressful Times  
 
CDC Household Guide
 
COVID-19 and at Home Resources for Children
 
Guardianship in the Time of COVID-19
 
Protecting Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Outbreak Podcast
 
 

FOR PROVIDERS:

COVID-19 Webinars for Providers
 
Guidance for Behavior Health Facilities
 
How to Lead Through the COVID-19 Crisis in a Resilience-Oriented Trauma-Informed Way
 
National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)
 
OPWDD Resource Guide

Family Discussion for Parents/Caregivers of Children and Youth (ages 0 – 21) with Physical, Medical, Emotional and Learning Needs

Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD) and The Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities at University of Rochester Medical Center are recruiting families to participate in discussions about how to best support families in New York State (NYS) who have a child or youth with physical, medical, emotional or learning needs. In addition, we are working with local health departments (LHDs) to compile a regional resource directory and training materials that LHDs can use to support children and youth and their families in the future.
 
WIHD and The Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities at University of Rochester Medical Center are engaged in this project through a grant from the NYS Department of Health.
 
We will be holding virtual small group discussions and individual interviews with eligible participants from May 2020 through June 2021.

Who is eligible?

• Any person who lives in NYS; and is
• A parent/guardian with caregiving responsibility of a child or youth (0-21) with physical, medical, emotional or learning needs; or
• An individual (18-21) with physical, medical, emotional or learning needs.

Discussion Group Details:

• 90 minute virtual group discussion; $75 compensation
• 60 minute individual phone interview; $50 compensation

 
Interpreters available and sessions in Spanish available

For more information:

In the Hudson Valley and Upstate Region of NYS
Call or Email:
Susan at 914-719-7774 or sburlazzi@wihd.org
Jeannie at 914-719-7761 or jrisucci@wihd.org
 
In the Western Region of NYS
Visit: https://bit.ly/3dyV7Ih
Email: Melissa at Melissa_Parrish@urmc.rochester.edu

AUGUST 18, 2020 | 11:00 AM - 01:30 PM

The Recovery Art Festival is open to all New York State artists in recovery from an addiction. This year’s submissions should depict the theme, “Owning Our Recovery.” Please submit one (1) form of art in one (1) of the following categories via a photograph and/or a video. Please note that due to the current situation, ONLY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS OF ART WILL BE ACCEPTED. Any entry submitted through the US Mail will be refused. • Poetry • Drawing (graphite, pen & ink, colored pencil) • Painting (oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor) • Photography • Mixed Media A person may submit in more than one category, but only one submission per person per category will be accepted. 

New York State is using a portion of federal CARES act funding to provide free child care for income eligible essential workers. The CARES funding will also be used to purchase supplies for child care providers statewide who remain open, including masks, gloves, diapers, baby wipes, baby formula and food. Both programs are being administered through the state network of Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (CCR&Rs). CCR&Rs are the child care experts and the conduit to accessing child care in New York State. CCR&Rs serve all 62 counties.

If you meet the definition of an essential employee and have child care needs, register here.  If you are a child care provider that has openings for essential workers, please fill in your information here.

If you have additional questions, please contact your local CCR&R agency. https://earlycareandlearning.org/our-members/

Your Friends Are Here for You...

You Are Never Alone!

Please remember, YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.  There are many friends and resources out there for you... take advantage and reach out if you feel lonely or isolated.  Just stay connected!

During this time of high anxiety with the uncertainty of the pandemic, we know it is especially hard for those in recovery.  However, Friends of Recovery - New York is here to remind you that YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!  

FOR-NY has been and will continue to send these updated lists of immediate general and more regional resources for you to have readily available should you need assistance. We also encourage you to reach out to your local Recovery Community Organization (ROCs), Recovery Community & Outreach Centers (RCOCs), and Youth Clubhouses near you.

General Resources

Find a Treatment Facility Near You

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255

NYS Domestic Violence Information and hotline 1-800-942-6906

Behavioral Health Services Locator

Phone App to Support People in Recovery

OASAS Advocacy Unit email and call 1-800-553-5790 or download brochure

CHAMP Helpline Information

Problem Gambling Resource Centers

Medication Assisted Treatment Information

Harm Reduction Information

CDC Coping with Stress

Health & Wellness through Yoga & 12 Step

FOR-NY COVID-19 Resources

NYS Good Samaritan Law

NYC and Long Island

PILLARS NYC

Samaritian Village

Odyssey House

Community Health Action of SI Recovery Center- STOP

Long Island Recovery Association

Thrive Suffolk

Thrive Nassau

Elmcor Youth Clubhouse

Rockland Narcotics Anonymous

Mid-Hudson, Capital District & Mohawk Valley

Virtual Mental Health & Substance Use Urgent Care

Rensselaer County Recovery Helpline 1-833-467-3123 and Information on Narcan Curbside PickUp

Second Chance Opportunities, Inc Zoom Meetings

Healing Springs

SAMADHI

Project Safe Point

Northeastern Community Action Partnership

Our Wellness Collective

The Apogee Center

Columbia County Pathways to Recovery and and 12 hour Helpline at 877-467-3365

Greener Pathways Mobile Outreach

Onward Recovery Commmunity Outreach

Rob Constantine RCOC & 24 hour Peer Hotline 518-705-4627

RISE Recovery Center

Hope and Healing RCOC

North Country

Anchor Recovery Center

Seaway Valley Prevention Council Peer Support

Horizons Youth Clubhouse

Champlain Valley Family Center

Western New York

In His Name Outreach

ROCovery Fitness

Best Self

Voices Binghamton

Sparks of Hope Recovery Support Center

Addict2Addict of Niagara County

Horizon Health Services

Central New York & Finger Lakes

Nicks Ride 4 Friends Cayuga Co

Friends of Recovery Delaware Otsego

ROCovery Fitness

Recovery Coach University

EPIC Zone Youth Clubhouse

The SPOT Youth Clubhouse

Reach Out...

Even though technology is helping many of us stay connected through virtual resources, please remember that not everyone has access to the Internet to seek virtual assistance to help cope or even see this email.  Therefore, please consider picking up the phone and calling someone that you know who may be struggling.

#InThisTogether

Globally, COVID-19 is more than a public health challenge — it has laid bare the consequences of persistent systemic inequality for all to see, and is threatening our social fabric, mental health, trust in institutions, and the economic security of billions of people.

This is a critical time for all of us to support each other. In this moment of obligation, we have a responsibility to act with care and caution, both towards ourselves and each other. And as a global community, we know that this is a key moment to take action.

That’s why Peace First is launching a rapid response grant process to help young people around the world lead projects that address community impacts of COVID-19, from providing meals to elderly neighbors to launching digital mental health campaigns to support youth feeling isolated. Rapid response grants are open to young people between the ages of 13-25, anywhere in the world, starting today. Learn more.

Deadline: Ongoing

The Rose F. Kennedy Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (RFK CERC)/The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) put together a Resource Guide that contains information related to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

Resources are listed by area: NYC - Local, NY - State, and National. Each resource is listed by its target audience: Children/Youth, General COVID, Individuals with Disabilities, Older Adults, and Plain Language. Plain language is for all reading levels. Resources are in English unless otherwise noted.

TIES stands for Increasing (T)ime, (I)nstructional Effectiveness, (E)ngagement, and State (S)upport for Inclusive Practices.

Funded by the Untied States Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs, is the national technical assistance center on inclusive practices and policies. It works with states, districts, and schools to support the movement of students from less inclusive to more inclusive environments. Its purpose is to create sustainable changes in kindergarten–grade 8 school and district educational systems so that students with significant cognitive disabilities can fully engage in the same instructional and non-instructional activities as their general education peers while being instructed in a way that meets individual learning needs. The TIES Center provides a number of resources specific to assist in engaging students with significant cognitive disabilities in distance learning.

2020 Census Participation Impacts Your Community

The 2020 Census is here, and your representation in Congress and the federal funding your state receives for schools, health care, roads, meals on wheels, senior services, and other vital programs are riding on everyone participating. Every person missed costs communities tens of thousands of dollars over the next decade.

Participation is Easy!

Online       My 2020 Census.gov

By Phone  1-844-330-2020

By Mail     Paper forms arrive in mailboxes April 8-16 (for those who have not already participated)

Your personal information is kept safe and confidential; by law, it cannot be shared with anyone.

Already completed your Census? What about your favorite aunt? How about that one friend that probably ignored it? The homebound woman down the street? The co-worker who always waits until the last minute? Be a Census Champion, remind them to Define Their Decade, and complete their 2020 Census.

Learn more about Census impact, Census jobs, and staying safe from Census scams.

The field of Recovery Peer Support Services needs you now more than ever.  If you are inspired to use your lived experience with Addiction Recovery to become a peer professional and need financial assistance to complete your training, FOR-NY and OASAS has funding available for you!!!!

Please take a look at the information below and contact Shannon if you have further questions on the application process: sschielke@for-ny.org

These awards will go to individuals who take their training with a Best Practice Trainer.

VIRTUAL CRPA training with Best Practice trainers TBA on Upcoming Trainings page of our website.

Note:

• These are limited funds but all are encouraged to apply.
• Selection will be widespread to ensure all regions of New York have fair distribution.
• Eligibility will be determined, but not limited to, lived experience, appropriateness / assessment
  of training readiness and financial need.
• Individuals who are veterans and bilingual are encouraged to apply.

During this difficult time, we are all facing challenges that seem daunting and that we may feel unprepared for. But there are people that rely on us--in some cases, both our children and our parents are looking to us for assurance, support, and guidance during these uncertain times. In addition, we need to take care of ourselves, so that we can be there for them. But no one ever told us how to do that! How do we know the right answers? 

At Prevent Child Abuse, we are not claiming to have all of the answers, but we are happy to use our collective resources to provide you with the NYS Resource Guide for Caregivers: Caring for Your Family During the COVID-19 Crisis. 

This Resource Guide is intended to help navigate life with children through the pandemic and the days that follow. It is rooted in the Five Protective Factors. The Five Protective Factors serve to mitigate the negative impacts of trauma. This Guide is organized by each of the Factors and gives you tips and concrete resources (links) to information you can use when YOU have questions. 

We hope that you will use this guide to help you get through this difficult and unprecedented challenge, and that we will all be better for it on the other side.

Wishing your loved ones safety and wellness.

Timothy Hathaway, Executive Director

During this COVID-19 public health crisis, we wanted to share with you an informational form created by Michelle Ballan, PhD, Professor, School of Social Welfare & Family, Population and Preventive Medicine Stony Brook University to collect and summarize vital information about an individual that can be provided to the care team in the hospital.

This form was developed in conjunction with Emergency Room (ER) and hospital physicians, individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and parent advocates. It is designed to be an informational support tool for individuals with I/DD who may need to go to the ER or be hospitalized due to symptoms of COVID-19. Please keep the following important information in mind:

• Although this form is optional, Care Design NY encourages Members and Families to complete this information proactively in case it is ever needed. Please let your Care Manager know if you would like them to assist you or complete this form on your behalf. 
   
• Care Design NY Care Managers will assist with completing this form for anyone they support living in the community (non-residential) who does not have a family member or natural support to complete this on their behalf. 
   
• In the event someone needs to go to the ER/Hospital, this form will help to alert ER/Hospital physicians and medical staff to the best ways to communicate with the person according to their needs and wishes.    
   
• All Care Coordination Organizations (CCOs) are utilizing this universal form to best support individuals with I/DD across New York State at this challenging time. Please refer any questions to your Care Manager or you can send an email to memberfeedback@caredesignny.org.

Chancellor Richard Carranza kicks off our new exciting feature series, #DOEconnected, in celebration of the DOE staff members across the City who are working hard to keep students safe, healthy, and learning throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Click here to learn more.

Every county in New York State now has confirmed cases of Coronavirus. Our "New York on PAUSE" policy remains in place. Non-essential workers must stay home except for essential activities like going to the grocery store. When you're not at home, you must practice social distancing, and we also encourage you to wear a face covering in public (but do not purchase surgical masks — we must reserve those for healthcare workers and first responders). These are extraordinary times, and it will take all of us working together to beat this vicious virus.

Stay Informed: Get nightly updates from New York State with the latest news on our response to the pandemic by signing up here.

Tragically, we continue to lose New Yorkers to this invisible enemy. More than four thousand of our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, friends and neighbors have died after contracting COVID-19. Each and every one of them is in our hearts. We must continue to socially distance to prevent the virus from spreading and taking more lives.

Here are some other important updates:

• New York launched a new COVID-19 tracker, with detailed county-by-county information on confirmed cases. The website is updated daily with the latest data.
• Thousands of therapists have signed up to offer free emotional support to New Yorkers who are struggling with the mental health impact of this pandemic. Call the state's hotline at 1-844-863-9314 to get free emotional support, consultations and referrals to a provider.
• More than 85,000 volunteers from New York and across the country have answered our call to join New York's surge healthcare force. We are awed by the heroism and selflessness of these volunteers. If you are interested in joining, enlist here.
• NYS has a message for victims of domestic violence during this stressful time: You Are Not Alone. If you are in a dangerous domestic situation, NYS will help you find safe shelter. You are not trapped just because of Coronavirus. Call 1-800-942-6906.

"I wish I could promise you that this period will be over soon. I can't. What I can promise you is that I will continue to share the facts with New Yorkers and I will make decisions based on all the available science and data with one goal in mind: save lives. I know that this is a painful, disorienting experience. It's important to remember that we will get through this. Now we must do what's necessary to win this battle."

Ever Upward,

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Youth Voices Matter-NY has been working virtually to continue to reach out to youth and young adults in recovery. We wanted to let everyone know of different ways young people across the state are staying connected.

Social Media:

#YVMTuesdayTalks & #TuesdaysWithCarlee

Join Carlee as she talks about overcoming some of the challenges we are facing with social distancing.

Online Meetings:

Join Lori and the rest of the team for meetings throughout the week. Look on our Facebook and Instagram pages for times/dates.

Many of the OASAS Clubhouses across the state have changed up their programming and what they are offering during this time. Below is a list of some things clubhouses are doing to stay connected with their youth. #NYSClubhouseConnects

Downstate:

Housing Works - Through April 2nd, all programming will be moving to Instagram Live from 1-2 pm Monday-Thursday. On Instagram Live, folks can ask questions, make comments and engage in the programming. For more information, visit them on social media.

YMCA Yonkers Clubhouse - They have created templates for their Instagram stories for users to add to and share with friends.

Capital Region/North Country:

Horizons - Currently closed due to Covid-19. They have open hours to chat with clubhouse members from 1-3 pm on Snapchat every day. Snapchat names for clubhouse staff are "HorizonsKristin", "HorizonsJake", and "HorizonsClub." For more information, contact khill@svpc.net 

Creative Connections - They are having weekly calls with clubhouse members to check in. Creative Connections is also helping out families in need by preparing supplies to bring to them. They're also providing craft supplies in drop offs so that members can participate in #518RainbowHunt via Facebook. Please reach out to Alyssa for more information alyssa@hfm-preventioncouncil.com

Columbia & Greene Youth Clubhouses - All mutual aid group and regular group programming is suspended. The sites will be available to provide in person or telephonic individual supports (i.e. homework, mental health/recovery support, food, transportation, Trax Program/recording) on a limited and scheduled basis. Staff is also providing check-in calls with members and working on utilizing virtual platforms. For more info contact Kai at khillmann@mhacg.org

Finger Lakes/Western NY:

The SPOT - Their clubhouse has gone virtual and is "open" 5-10 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday. They've been hosting group activities on Facebook Live such as budgeting, mindfulness, yoga, and trivia. The SPOT has been checking in with members via messenger. They have also been preparing and distributing food kits and hygiene kits. For more information reach out to Ellen at elazarek@oco.org

NYS OASAS began a "Virtual High Five" Initiative to inspire young people to "Stop The Spread" Post you pictures and use the hashtag #VirtualHighFive

Please do not hesitate to reach out to anyone at Youth Voices Matter. We are here and we are with you. Stay Safe!

We wanted to let you know that resources from New York State are available to help answer your questions and concerns.

New York State Department of Health has set-up a 24/7 hotline to answer any of your Coronavirus-related questions. To reach them, please call 1-888-364-3065. You can find the latest information at their resource site:
https://coronavirus. health.ny.gov/home.

New York State Department of Labor is working tirelessly to handle incoming claims. If you have been unable to get through our phone and/or online system this week, please keep trying. Once filed, all benefits will be retroactive to the day you were out of work. For more information, please contact 1-888-4-NYSDOL (888-469-7365). Or visit http://labor.ny.gov. Below are some helpful tips. 

New York State Office of Mental Health - If the pandemic is impacting your mental health or creating anxiety - there are resources available to help. Please contact the our Emotional Support Hotline: 1-844-863-9314. Or visit omh.ny.gov.

Isolation can be dangerous. If you're experiencing domestic violence during this unprecedented time, critical services are available for you and your family.

If you are in immediate danger - call 9-1-1. If you need help with how to be safe, please call the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906. 

Below are additional resources:

• Price Gouging hotline: 1-800-697-1220.
• If you believe an employer is in violation of either existing labor laws or recently issued executive orders, please contact the New York State Attorney General's Office at (212) 416-8700 or Labor.Bureau@ag.ny.gov.
• For information regarding State business regulations and general guidance related to the coronavirus, please visit Empire State Development (ESD) FAQ'S at https://esd.ny.gov/novel- coronavirus-faq-businesses.
• If your question is not answered there, please contact ESD at our website at: https://esd.ny.gov/covid-19- help.

As the Governor mentioned this week, it's not the easy times that forge character, it's the tougher times - and no one is tougher than New Yorkers.

Please stay safe, stay in, and stay healthy.

Lieutenant Governor

Kathy Hochul

ProActive Caring Program

As we are all navigating these present times - there are tools, resources and supports that can be helpful. We have sent this message out to the individuals, families, community-based agencies and social-media sites that are involved in our statewide ProActive Caring Program funded by the NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (NYS DDPC). The ProActive Caring Program provides Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) strategies and training to individuals, families and staff.

In times of stress - internal or external - staying in the moment with a focus on one breath at a time - can be calming and reassuring. We ask that you take a glimpse at the information we have shared with you (https://www.msmc.edu/proactive) about the “ProActive Caring Program” and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), with an intent on: “staying in the moment." https://www.proactivecaring.org/mindful-minutes

Stress is a learned response and it can be unlearned. By using simple but powerful techniques of breathing and imagery, all things are manageable. We know it works - and so will you!

Be safe....Be calm....Be kind....Be stress free

Also, here is the link to a Zoom-Cast that we created this week. The title is: “Pro-Active Caring - School Exchange”. This format will be created on a weekly basis on Wednesday at 10 am - the future video formats will run for 15 minutes and then open for questions, thoughts and exchanges.

The intent is to immediately be available for Parents, Families and Staff - to provide resources, presence and support.

Please feel free to share this link throughout your networks. Also, please feel free to contact us at 845-569-3164.

Be safe. Thanks.

https://zoom.us/rec/share/wvc2EInp3TNLZYnP-VDQWJ4HO63dX6a8gSNPqfBZyEuH7QCYsmFEnkC7R__OwBWs

Best wishes,

Larry Force, Jeffery Kahana, and Elaine Sproat

The Center on Aging and Disability Policy

SAMHSA has a number of resources to assist you in getting help, access treatment, and connect to a crisis counselor.

They include:

FindTreatment.gov

Millions of Americans have a substance use disorder. Find a treatment facility near you.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7.

Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

Find treatment facilities confidentially and anonymously, 24/7.

National Helpline

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Treatment referral and information, 24/7.

For those who prefer texting/social media (Facebook Messenger) to seek help. This resource is supported mostly by private companies such as Netflix and YouTube.

Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text

741741

from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line trains volunteers to support people in crisis. https://www.crisistextline.org/about-us/faq/

Visit www.samhsa.gov / 1-877-726-4727

NYS Office of Mental Health encourage you to check out our guidance released. Here, you can find all guidance, including the COVID-19 related guidance from OMH.

If you have any questions related to how your agency should proceed with specific aspects of operation during COVID-19 interruptions, please submit to transformation@omh.ny.gov.

As we all continue to navigate our way through this pandemic and abide by the Governor's guidelines of social-distancing for the safety of ourselves, our families and others, FOR-NY continues in working to bring you updated COVID-19 information and how it may affect the Recovery Community statewide.

We have added a special page to our website that can be accessed through this link or when you visit our website at FOR-NY.org, you will find it in a tab on the top right titled "COVID-19 Information."  Here you will find online recovery resources, the latest updates from OASAS, the NYS Governor, as well as CDC guidelines.

We will be updating this information regularly so be sure to visit often and use this as a resource tool as needed.

We are in this together!

National Parenting Education Network (NPEN)

Resources to support parents, children, families and caregivers during current Coronavirus period. Information was shared at a recent NPEN Zoom meeting. 

Resources for Helping Parents and Children around Coronavirus 

https://sparkandstitchinstitute.com/talking-to-children-about-coronavirus/

Understanding coronavirus and how germs spread (for kids)

https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/

https://www.chkd.org/Blog/COVID-19-Uncertainties--Caring-for-Yourself,-Caring-for-Your-Kids/ 

https://www.chkd.org/Blog/COVID-19--Tips-to-Help-Parents-Support-Children/

Platform for Running Virtual Online Classes

https://www.schoology.com/ 

Podcast for Recognizing, Respecting and Allowing Children’s Healthy Emotions 

“Unruffled" by Janet Lansbury

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/respectful-parenting-janet-lansbury-unruffled/id1030050704

Activities Parents Can Do With Kids

https://www.kidsacookin.org is a great web site for cooking with kids

For Parents Who Are at a Distance From Their Children (e.g. co-parenting)

"Moms over Miles" and "Dads at a Distance" have good suggestions and ideas for activities that may be useful especially for parents not together.

http://www.fambooks.com/moms.htm 

http://daads.com/

NEW COVID-19 RESOURCE

Here is a link to our latest resource, a publication written in conjunction with our partners at The Hope Center for College, Community and Justice and SchoolHouse Connection.

Beyond the Food Pantry: COVID-19 Response for Students Who Are Homeless or With Experience in Foster Care is meant to be a resource for caseworkers, social workers, students themselves, and those who care about them in these difficult times. We hope you will read and share in your networks.

We will continue to advocate for youth in the child welfare and justice systems facing unique challenges with the current situation.

NY State Updates on Coronavirus and Operation of Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs

Hunger Solutions New York is following the development of emergency plans for the continued operation of federal nutrition programs as New York communities work to slow the spread of COVID-19.

School Meals

NYS Education Department Guidance: "Operating Child Nutrition Programs when Schools are Closed due to COVID-19" encourages schools to prepare now to be able to continue to provide “critical support services” like school meals in the event of a school closure.  Highlights include: 

• School districts and sponsors in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) may provide reimbursable meals to low-income children during school closures related to COVID-19.
• To provide meals to children in areas affected by school closures, schools must complete a one page application and submit to CNCOVID@nysed.gov for review and approval, prior to commencing meal operations.
• Upon Child Nutrition’s approval of their application, schools may provide up to two meals per day per child through the SFSP or the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the National School Lunch Program.  
• Meals may be provided and consumed at schools or other locations in the community or provided for consumption at home. 
• This memo also includes a Q&A to clarify guidance for operating child nutrition programs when schools are closed due to COVID-19.

We encourage any school with questions to please contact your Child Nutrition Program Representative directly, or email CNCOVID@nysed.gov if you have additional questions or concerns.

SNAP

On March 12th, OTDA issued a notice on COVID-19 to social service districts.  
Highlights include:

• No waivers and no special provisions have been approved or offered to the states in the operation of SNAP, and the program continues to operate normally. Local social service districts should continue to plan to ensure safe and continuous access to SNAP.
• Local districts are reminded of the requirement to grant good cause when a participant's failure to meet program requirements is due to factors beyond the participant’s control. The COVID-19 pandemic may result in the inability of individuals to attend agency appointments, including work activity assignments, due to factors such as lack of transportation, lack of child-care, or worksite closures.

Districts are reminded that telephone interviews at both application and recertification are permissible for all SNAP households and are encouraged to utilize or implement this process. For SNAP cases due for recertification, districts also have the option to extend the certification period up to the maximum allowable certification period of 12 or 24 months, or up to 48 months for NYSNIP cases.

These additional websites are providing updated information as it becomes available.

• NYS Education Department Coronavirus Information for Schools
• Food Research and Action Center - Preparing for the Impacts of the Coronavirus on Health, Well-being, and Food Security
• USDA FNS Program Guidance on Pandemic Response including the USDA SNAP Pandemic Planning Guidelines

As a statewide organization dedicated to alleviating hunger, our mission is more important than ever. We will continue to keep you updated on developments.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 - CDC

STRESS AND COPING

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.  How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and  the community you live in.

People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include

• Older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19
• Children and teens
• People who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors and other health care providers, or first responders
• People who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use

Click the Learn More Link below for tips for parents, responders, people who have been released from quarantine, and links to additional resources.

WGiOS Social Media Resources and Events

WGiOS has been rescheduled to October 15, 2020, and will be held virtually.

Our planning committee is maintaining the WGiOS Facebook page leading up to the event by posting mental health resources and other events related to children's mental health.

We are reaching out to request any resources or events related to children's mental health to post and share.

If you know of any, you can:

1. Send the resource and/or event links to the WGiOS Facebook page via messenger

2. Tag the WGiOS Facebook page in your posts related to children's mental health

Make sure to like and follow the Facebook page to stay up-to-date on WGiOS 2020 and children's mental health!

For more information please contact Kate Provencher

Mental Health Crossroads

An exploration of the many intersections between mental health issues and intellectual and developmental disabilities. You are invited to learn more about these issues from our monthly interview episodes with professionals, self-advocates, and experts.