Our Newsletter: April 2020
WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER
Dear Community Partners and La Familia Friends,
We hope this email finds you and your families well and healthy. As we all deal with the community health crisis, and the uncertainties before us, I wanted to provide you with an update of the services that La Familia Counseling Center is currently continuing to provide.
As an identified “Essential Service Provider” we recognize our responsibility to be accessible to the most disadvantaged communities, as well as our responsibility to ensure the safety of our staff and our social responsibility to comply with local, state and federal guidelines. To that end, based on recent local and state directives, we are providing most of our services through video conferencing , telephone and other virtual remote options.
Below is a summary of the services we continue to offer:
- Behavioral health counseling and psychiatric care for our current clients will be delivered via telehealth options.
- Birth and Beyond Nurturing Parenting Program, Effective Parenting Classes and Early Learner Activities will continue and mostly be conducted through virtual methods. Domestic Violence and our Crisis Intervention services will be handled by phone and by appointments as needed.
- Senior Services will continue by phone and other remote options.
- Youth Voice and Youth Development programs will be creating virtual programs and online meet ups. (We are currently partnering with Department of Sound to provide an online music class – enrollment is now open). Other such program opportunities will be developed and posted on our website.
- Project Reach, Project REAL and Out of School Youth will continue to work with “at-risk” youth and provide case management services mostly through phone and virtual youth sessions.
- Medi-Cal enrollment will continue to be done by phone and in-person by appointment only.
- Employment and Education services are being offered by electronic communication and telephone services.
- Our Job Centers, that enable community members to apply for critical benefits will only be open to the public, via telephone, electronic communication, and in limited circumstances, by appointment.
- We are facilitating food distribution for the community at our Maple site daily from 11 am to 1 pm.
As you know, La Familia is a trusted community partner and it is impossible to list all the services that we provide to children, youth, families and the community. This listing represents just a few of our major responsibilities, however, please subscribe to our website for updated information on programs and services that are being offered or that will be added.
As we navigate these unprecedented times I want to acknowledge my amazing team of dedicated staff who have stepped up to the challenge of meeting the communities needs and you our valued partners and friends who have offered your assistance and support.
Together we make a difference – Juntos Podemos!
Wishing you all wellness.
Rachel Rios
Executive Director
IN LIGHT OF THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK
WE HAVE MODIFIED OUR HOURS
Starting April 1, 2020
OPEN
Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Please call to schedule your appointment:
(916)452-3601
La Familia Counseling Center will follow the COVID-19 restrictions in place for Sacramento County. La Familia is making some temporary changes to office hours and services that are normally provided. At present La Familia is committed to providing Essential Services to the community.
ALL APRIL EVENTS ARE POSTPONED
COVID-19 UPDATE
Governor Gavin Newsom issued a stay at home order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians and to establish consistency across the state in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.
What is COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals and humans. This novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is a newly discovered coronavirus that has not been previously detected in animals or humans. The source of this virus is not yet known.
DO
- Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell.
Stay home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell.
DO NOT
- Touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands are not clean.
- Go to the doctor if you aren’t sick.
- Stockpile masks or gloves.
To Our Community,
We know that the current COVID-19 situation has impacted all of our lives. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming. Add to that the strain from reduced work hours or even lost jobs affecting one’s ability to provide for our families and we find ourselves in true need of practicing self-care. It might seem trivial, but as we continue to practice social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, self-care will be more vital now than ever.
Self-care is mindfully taking time to pay attention to your own needs and it starts with the basics:
- making sure you are sleeping adequately
- eat well
- exercise regularly
Self-care also involves taking care of your mental and emotional well being:
- try relaxing activities
- let your feelings out
- staying in touch with others
Remember, going for a walk or jog outside is allowed as long you maintain from others. Social-distancing does not mean being isolated-try calling or video calling friends and family! Know your triggers and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
HOW AND WHEN TO COMPLETE THE CENSUS
March 12 – July 31, 2020
By Mail, Phone, or Online at a Kiosk.
By Mail
The paper Census will be available in English and Spanish and can be mailed back to the U.S. Census Bureau.
By Phone
The paper Census will be available in English and Spanish and can be mailed back to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Online
For the first time, the Census form will be available to complete online in 13 languages.