With the restrictions in place from COVID-19 and the concern of the rapid spread of this deadly virus, Just Initiative responded quickly and we have made necessary changes to do our best in following the guidelines while continuing to provide support and ministry to families and children.
VIRTUAL MEETINGS - When the news first began to hit about COVID-19, we moved our meetings to a virtual space. We have a resident in Petra House with a compromised immune system and before the gathering restrictions were in place we wanted to do our part to ensure we were not putting her and her family at risk with in person meetings. We miss seeing each other, but the virtual meetings have been a great blessing and have allowed for others to join us that otherwise would not be able to join.
The picture above was captured during our Maudy Thursday meeting where we studied the scriptures of passover and the night Jesus was betrayed. Then we took communion together. We were physically apart, but we were still very much together.
With going to virtual meetings, we have been able to continue all of our weekly classes - Career and Life Focus, Spiritual Foundations, and Life Skills for Moving Forward - and increase the impact with additional attendees.
PETRA HOUSE - As I mentioned above, one of the Petra residents has a compromised immune system. It was right before the news of the new coronavirus that the other families in Petra House where relocating to thier next chapters, and the house had only this one family living there. We made the immediate call to put further in-takes on hold until either we are able to make some significant changes to the house or there are significant changes in the spread and treatment of the virus. We have not been able to make those changes to the house as of yet as they would cost between $4000-$6000, so for now, intake continues to be on hold. We are still connecting each caller in need to other resources in the community and care for them over the phone. We are praying for discernment and resources so that Petra House will re-open for new families as soon as possible.
THE ZONE - When schools announced they would be moving to virtual, we starting reaching out to all the families we are connected with to help through this transition. We helped with getting families to the schools to pick up computers, setting up computers, showing parents how to navigate Edsby, and continue to help remotely, over the phone, over zoom with families. Some of the young students are continuing regular tutoring over zoom and are getting in
The Zone has typically focused on students in elementary school, but there are high school students in our neighborhood who are in great need of support. We set up a table in the front yard to provide help to these children and allow them to use the wifi. Even with the 2 months of free wifi Spectrum is offering because of certain barriers there are families that are not able to take advantage of that.
In addition with moving some of The Zone services to virtual, we also increased our volunteers by 5. And these tutors are stepping in to help with middle and high school students. We are still working through the system for this, but yesterday these virtual tutoring sessions started!
So, the Zone has also expanded its reach during this time of crisis.
COMMUNITY CARE
These families Just is connected with have been impacted severely as have many. Lost wages with no indication of when unemployment will be received. Stress of caring for children who are restless and out of their regular routine while trying to figure out virtual school. Things we have been doing in the community that are new because of the virus include:
- providing school supplies to work from home
- providing toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning supplies
- providing more food than usual
- providing rides to pick up grab&go meals at school sites
We are continuing some of our regular work in the community of assisting people in aquiring/keeping stable housing, and the assistance we provide with navigating governmental systems (things like unemployment, food stamps, etc) has obviously ramped up through this.
We thank God in all circumstances and that includes this one as well. We are continuing to love our neighbor as we love our selves and being creative in ways to do that. I have been encouraged by the ways many of those involved in Just Initiative have stepped up and found creative ways to continue to show love and stay connected. Praise God!
We hope this message finds you and your loved ones well and filled with peace. Whatever cirecumstance this email finds you in, may God bless you through this time with a continued deepening relationship with Jesus.
