Updates On COVID-19

1. Schools Emergency Meal Plans
   • USD 501 Topeka Public Schools
   • USD 450 Shawnee Heights
     • Meals will be distributed on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays ONLY. You will be able to pick up meals for 2 days. To meet the guidelines, children must be present.
   • USD 437 Auburn-Washburn
   • USD 321 Kaw Valley
   • USD 339 Jefferson County North
   • USD 420 Osage City Schools
2. Salvation Army Grab & Go Sack Lunches
3. Topeka North Outreach, Inc. Operation Backpack
4. Topeka Rescue Mission food distribution to the community 
5. Boys & Girls Club Dinner Dash Packs
6. Let’s Help Sack Lunches
7. Several restaurants are remaining open and helping with food for children. To see the list visit Topeka Resources.
8. SNAP expanded eligibility during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Online applications available here.

Keep your children safe by taking these safety measures of not bringing the virus home and some power foods that help boost the immune system.

1. Child Mind Institute publish new videos every day and tips for supporting families through the coronavirus crisis. Parents can receive daily advice from clinicians through their organization.
2. Here are some articles that may prove useful in discussing what is going on with your children.
   • Talking to kids about the Coronavirus
   • How do I help my child manage the COVID-19 Pandemic?
   • Learning About the Coronavirus: Resources for Children and Families
3. There is also this fun at-home activities packet that you can do with your children to help them stay occupied while also learning more about what is going on around them.
4. Tips for homeschooling from a stay at home mom.
5. Look at some tips and tricks from Parents.com

1. File for unemployment with the state.  Most states are waiving the waiting period and the requirement that people look for new employment while they’re out of work or laid off.
   •  https://www.getkansasbenefits.gov/Home.aspx
2. Upcoming income tax refunds
3. Federal, State and City Small Business Loans being established to help businesses meet their payroll.
   • Ask your employer about this plan
4. While many companies are laying off or limiting hours, there are companies looking to hire
   • https://www.dol.ks.gov/covid19response
   • Dillons, Amazon, Walmart, etc. 
5. National and/or local agencies that you can contact to see if they have assistance available. We are presently working on a list of potential agencies which may be of assistance to you, here are a few options currently:
   • http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/COVID-19_Resource_Center.htm

Several organizations are still open to help the residents in our community. This will be an ongoing list that we will update as more information becomes available.

1. LIEAP – DCF has opened LIEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program) back open from May 1st-29th. Both paper and online applications accepted. This is only for those who have not applied during 2020 yet or were denied services.
2. The City of Topeka – extending the moratorium on water shut-offs until May 31st. 
3. Marian Dental – focused on helping patients with dental emergencies to help alleviate ER Rooms.
4. Let’s Help – Call 234-6208 ext 256 for rent, utility, and medical assistance. 
5. Topeka Metro -implemented free fare and rear door bus boarding on all fixed routes until April 30.
6. Cox – has internet for $19.99 a month during this crisis with the first month free to those families that qualify.
7. HCCI – assist Kansas tenants and landlords.
8. Salvation Army – received funds through the CARES Act to serve veterans impacted by COVID-19.

9. Need to talk to someone?

   The Shawnee County Community Cares Phone Line is 1-800-972-8199. If you are feeling isolated and just want to talk with someone and it’s not a crisis it’s a good number to call.

   If you are in crisis Valeo has a 24 hour crisis line you can call 785-234-3300

   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 1-800-273-8255 there is also a chat option on their website https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

   Information on Alcoholics Anonymous online meeting options https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/options-for-meeting-online

   Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Hotline 1-800-662-4357