Connections Spotlight: Self-healing, -helping communities assisting students, families overcome coronavirus challenges

Mar 24, 2020 | CCC&Y Info & Events

By CCC&Y

During times of crisis, people have an amazing ability to adapt, get over the shock and get to work to mitigate or solve the problem.

Such is the case with our current challenge, the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency.

Stay-at-home orders, school closures and other issues have rapidly confronted everyone, from political leaders to emergency responders, parents and students.

And true to our nature, individuals and organizations are rapidly coming up with a variety of creative solutions to tackle such issues as feeding students who are unable to return to the classroom, and at-home and distance-learning options to continue the education of our youth.

Within this e-newsletter, our readers will find a variety of links to stories and resources to help us face the challenge of many of these issues and meet the mind, body and spirit needs of our community.

As an example:

Mind:

The Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence is providing Updates and Resources for the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

 

Expect More Arizona is providing a wealth of information on:

 

Literacy and Learning Resources for Parents and Children courtesy of the Flagstaff-Coconino Public Library. The Flagstaff City-Coconino County Library has instituted a digital library card that can be used to access the Libby app, which provides access to the library’s e-books and e-audiobooks. Library patrons can sign up at https://cocolib.overdrive.com/. Access is limited based on the area code and billing of the patron’s cell phone. For assistance signing up with a card, call the public services desk at (928) 213-2331, between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm. The goal of the digital library card is to provide increased access to library materials while our community works together to flatten the (coronavirus) curve.

 

Flagstaff STEM City is providing a variety of  School Closure Planning — Online Resources

 

Click here and here for two online learning resources courtesy of the Page Public Library.

 

Body:

A variety of student meal programs are available throughout Coconino County including:

 

Spirit:

Gov. Doug Ducey has announced the launch of ArizonaTogether.org, a new website designed to provide resources that can help support families and businesses in this time of need. “We’re calling on Arizonans to be informed, get engaged, and support organizations doing important work to keep our communities safe and healthy. Arizona will get through this together,” Ducey said.

Among the many links to resources are tips in English and Spanish on Managing Anxiety & Stress courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As one example: “Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared,” the CDC reported.

 

Also see Free Online: Mindfulness Class for Kids! from Mindful Schools to get information on mindful activities, mindful movement, read-alouds.

 

Yes, there are resources available to help care, comfort and educate our community. You are not alone. There are many people and organizations ready to lend a helping hand.