Updates On COVID-19

1. Food Distribution Map for Shawnee County
2. Summer Grab N Go Meal Sites for kids
   • USD 501 Topeka Public Schools
3. SENT Free Breakfast & Lunch for children ages 1-18
4. Topeka North Outreach Operation Backpack is doing summer food distribution sites for kids and families
5. Salvation Army Summer Meals for this year until Aug. 7, 2020
6. Topeka Rescue Mission food distribution to the community 
7. Let’s Help Sack Lunches and Food Boxes
8. Harvesters food distribution sites

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

   • 7 Ways COVID-19 Is Affecting Our Kids and What Parents Can Do to Help

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. 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. Community Action –  Call 836-4500
2. YWCA – The Shelter and services are still operating, call 785-354-7927 for help. 
3. EVERGY – Project Deserve can help with the electric bill to those who qualify.
4. Marian Dental – focused on helping patients with dental emergencies to help alleviate ER Rooms.
5. Let’s Help – Call 234-6208 ext 256 for rent, utility, and medical assistance. 
6. Topeka Metro -implemented free fare and rear door bus boarding on all fixed routes.
7. HCCI – assist Kansas tenants and landlords.
8. Salvation Army – received funds through the CARES Act to serve veterans impacted by COVID-19. Also can help with utilities & rent assistance.

9. Need to talk to someone?

   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