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It is almost always the case that when disaster strikes, people living in poverty are often affected disproportionately.

A lack of resources limits both these families’ ability to prepare for emergencies and their ability to recover. As the novel coronavirus spreads across the country and more Americans are contracting COVID-19, we can expect that low-income Americans will be hit especially hard.

Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) is well aware of this reality and has begun to take proactive steps to help our most vulnerable citizens through this difficult time.

Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, many of the families served by CMCA were just getting by financially So, when news of the virus began to spread and people began to stockpile resources, those with little or no money to spare were left without basic necessities. Add to this, the fact that many low-wage workers were the first to be let go when the crisis began and you have families who are left struggling to meet their basic needs.

To address this issue CMCA staff members have been utilizing the Women and Infant Relief Fund (WIRF), a program completely funded by small grants and donations from individuals like you, to purchase and distribute basic needs items to families served through our Head Start programs. Health Administrator Jackie Rivera and several Family Success Coaches began surveying families as soon as the pandemic began, collecting information about needs and working to fulfill those needs.

“We have helped these families by providing necessary items such as diapers, wipes, cribs, baby clothes, and breastfeeding supplies,” Rivera said.

Angela Hirsch, CMCA chief program officer, says there has been a marked increase in applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) since

late February, in reaction to the COVID-19 crisis.

CMCA staff who process LIHEAP applications are creatively adjusting their workspace and schedules so that they can report to the CMCA Boone County Family Resource Center and process applications efficiently and while maintaining social distancing.

financial support due to loss of income during required closures. They have also been providing workshops and information to teach small business owners how to engage in E-commerce.

These innovative responses to the impact of COVID-19 Other CMCA staff members, are possible because of including our Community support from people like Organizers, Weatherization you. Having additional team, administration, and financial resources to Head Start staff have also keep people working and continued to work from programs running has home and in the office to allowed CMCA to provide ensure that that families vital support and services and individuals needing to the people hit hardest help get it. by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Missouri Women’s Business Center has been especially busy during the COVID-19 crisis counseling small business owners on how to complete applications for

Thank you for making this work possible! As this unprecedented situation continues to unfold, we know more people will be seeking help than ever before and because of YOU, we also know we will be ready and able to meet the need!

Thank

you!

Your Supp Lets LVE March 18, 2020 is a day that many of our CMCA students, families, teachers, and administrators will remember.

On that day, Head Start teachers gave a warm farewell to their students, not knowing whether to say, “good-bye” or “see you soon.”

Closing schools to protect our families and staff from the COVID-19 epidemic has forced parents and teachers into unknown territory. Despite this, CMCA staff have kept their students and families a priority and found news ways to stay connected.

Upon the closure of Head Start centers in March, CMCA teachers and staff began working to prepare special care packages filled with educational materials and books to deliver to students. Before delivering these packages, the Interpreting Department made sure the educational materials were translated to different languages so that non-English speaking parents could interact with their children using the materials.

Teachers hand delivered the care packages to students shortly after the schools closed.

“Seeing the look of joy and appreciation on the faces of their students helped our teachers feel more connected to them,” said Myriam Marquez. manager of Interpretive services.

Responses to the deliveries were positive. Parents sent emails and text messages to Head Start staff letting them know how much receiving these packages meant to their children and to them.

“Gabriella immediately opened up the package and started working and playing,” wrote one parent.

Another texted, “I could not have gone to buy anything, I was afraid to go out. Most of the stores were closed.” She included a picture showing her child with a big smile and

port shine! saying thanks to let Head Start staff know how much the gift meant.

“I lost my job, and I did not have money to buy school supplies for my children,” wrote a parent whose first language is not English.

“This package was Godsent. When the children got the package they were as happy as they are when they receive their Christmas gifts! Now my children will continue learning.”

After delivering the care packages, CMCA teachers have continued to keep students engaged using GoogleMeets to host weekly classes.

Head Start teacher Krescenz Hundley from the Clubhouse Head Start in Boonville,is

creating videos on YouTube to stay present in the lives of students. Ms. Hundley’s videos include music, experiments, and literacy lessons. She also enjoys sharing her pets with the kids.

Throughout the separation CMCA Head Start teachers and staff have shown incredible dedication, love, creativity and innovation! Even though distance learning will never replace the magic

that occurs in face-toface classes, CMCA Head Start teachers are making the effort to keep children and families engaged and supported.

Thank you for helping us make these ongoing opportunities possible through your gifts. On behalf of our Head Start children and families we say - THANK YOU!!!

Help To END Poverty!

donate @ www.cmca.us