Mercy, When the World Needs it Most
5/1/2020
We're now seven weeks into New York State on PAUSE. Our biggest concern remains for Mercy Center to be able to continue providing much-needed classes and services. Our participants are truly among the most vulnerable, living in very cramped apartments, sometimes multiple families in one or two bedroom apartments, working in the service industries on the front lines where they are most exposed. This is why we're doing everything we can not only to continue our core services, but also to serve in new ways as opportunities arise.
There is a powerful sense that many hands are supporting us during this time. As you'll read below, new connections are being made, allowing us to funnel resources directly to our participants in need. We've also heard from many longtime supporters as well. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support.
Thank you for helping us to provide mercy, when the world needs it most.
Our program staff is doing a great job of continuing to operate our programs and services online and via telephone.
Social Services & Community Education
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Thanks to staff outreach, more participants have been contacting the Director of Social Services to discuss needs and resources. Issues include SNAP (food stamps), securing food, and unemployment insurance.
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We continue to receive meals from Tacombi Community Kitchen. We also receive 600 meals a week from World Central Kitchen for Mercy Center's families.
Adult Education & Workforce Development
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Our Zoom Pro license allows 8 classes to be held at the same time. We've provided professional development for teachers, as needed.
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Over 500 ESOL students took their exams using Google Forms.
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We continue to call all students and document their experiences for DYCD. Regular contact also allows us to identify students' needs, and referrals are made to our Director of Social Services and our Manager of Youth Programs, as needed.
Immigrant Services
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The Director of Immigrant Services was instrumental in helping to secure gift cards for Mercy Center families from New York Immigrant Coalition.
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The department has already met all of its contractual goals for the funding period, despite the pandemic.
Youth Programs
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Robotics sessions with Bricks 4 Kidz are now held twice a week. The students are quickly learning how to code and create their own video game, which will soon be ready to be played online.
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Youth programs staff continue one-on-one tutoring, classroom hangouts, game sessions, virtual birthday parties, and general contact with the children. We have added arts & crafts projects on the weekends.
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One-on-one tutoring is being extended to the children of participants in our Adult Ed classes, as needed.
Familia Adelante/Family Forward
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Family workers continue to maintain contact with families and assist with access to resources to address issues.
Personal Development
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Several participants in our Knitting Circle have been making masks at home and distributing them free in the local community and beyond.
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Our Chair Yoga and Zumba classes are offered online by our volunteer partners, Health Advocates for Older People and the Hispanic Federation.
