This week’s newsletter is filled with resources that can hopefully be of assistance to you and your family during these uncertain (and claustrophobic!) times. If you have any specific needs or questions, please reach out to us so we can connect you with the appropriate referral.
MCCOY has put together an accessible and thorough list of resources for navigating how to talk to your kids about COVID-19, utilities information, additional food resources, mental health tips, and education resources! This is a great place to start: https://mccoyouth.org/resources-during-covid19-distancing/
FOOD ASSISTANCE:
For help navigating food assistance programs, please check out:
http://www.indyhunger.org/find-help/
Indy Hunger Network is consistently updating their lists of open food pantries and meal sites.
INTERNET ASSISTANCE
Comcast is providing two months free to new customers. The deadline to apply for this April 30, 2020. After two months, services will be $9.99 a month. To apply go to: https://www.internetessentials.com/
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must live in a Comcast service area
- Are receiving or eligible for housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, WIC, etc.
- Cannot already be a customer or have signed up for Comcast in the past 90 days
AT&T is not providing any kind of new assistance during COVID-19 at this time. They do have some relatively inexpensive package options. To apply go to: https://m.att.com/shopmobile/internet/access/
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must live in an AT&T service area
- Household has at least one resident who participates in SNAP
- Cannot have outstanding debt with AT&T or under this program
Charter Communications (Spectrum’s parent company) will make its services available for free for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who don’t already have internet through the company. Installation fees will be waived for new student households. They are also opening up their WiFi hotspots for public use. To enroll in the program, call 1-844-488-8395.
CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE
- Contact Bright Future Indiana at 800-299-1627 to speak to a referral specialist. They can help with finding and paying for child care
- The Child Care Resource and Referral Agency for Marion and Hamilton County:
- Phone number: 317-636-5727
- Toll free: 800-272-2937
- Website: http://childcareanswers.com
- Child Care Resource and Referral Agency for Johnson County:
- Phone number: 812-232-3952
- Toll free: 800-886-3952
- Website: http://casyonline.org/
- Website to ensure the Child Care they are interested in is licensed and regulated: https://www.in.gov/fssa/childcarefinder/ . Phone number: 800-299-1627.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Some therapists are providing telemedicine sessions. Check in with your therapist to see if this is an option. National Association of School Psychologists has tips on how to talk to kids about the pandemic: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource
Ways to Support Yourself and Your Mental Health:
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media
- Take care of your body – take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
- Try eating healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid drugs or alcohol
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some activities you enjoy (reading, watching your favorite show, baking, cooking, crafts, playing games, etc.)
- Connect with others – talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling
Aspire is providing technology options for families to have remote/tele services: https://www.aspireindiana.org/
Community Health Network providers are working remotely doing telephone therapeutic and skills-based contacts: https://www.ecommunity.com/services/mental-behavioral-health
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective is a nationwide non-profit network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing mental health care to individuals, couples, children, and families who lack health insurance or whose health insurance doesn’t provide adequate mental health benefits.FAQ about Eligibility: https://openpathcollective.org/client/faq/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
If your family has had a change in contact information, location, or interest in the program, please contact us! These changes can impact wait times and communication with the organization. Below is our contact information:
Karly Lieske
Matching Specialst
(317) 472.3721
klieske@bbbsci.org
Karen Schenk
Youth Enrollment Specialist
(317) 472.3744
kschenk@bbbsci.org