Caring during covid-19
A letter from the executive Director
To our faithful Laurel Area Faith in Action Family,
I hope you and your family are well. During these unprecedented times, we are all praying for the health and well-being of all of our family, friends, and neighbors around the world.
As each of us finds what the new normal looks like, Laurel Area Faith in Action continues to serve our community. There are are some adaptations in the way in which we fulfill the needs to comply with the CDC recommendations and governmental mandates, but nonetheless we are serving.
Presently, the largest percentage of calls is for groceries. With the stay- at- home order as well as the age of our recipients, most are not venturing out. We have a wonderful base of volunteers who are providing a safe alternative for our recipients to obtain the groceries that they need. We obtain their list via phone conversation, then transmit the list to the grocery shopping volunteer coordinator, who then matches the shopping request to a volunteer. The volunteer is in telephone contact with the recipient, shops the order, and then delivers it to their home. This process is designed to remain vigilant in adhering to the social distancing guidelines.
Our staff is calling our recipients to ensure they are well and to ascertain whether they are in need of groceries or other services at this time. These calls are being very well received, and many recipients are expressing how much hearing the kind and compassionate voice on the other end of the line means to them. The availability of food, shelter, medically-necessary transportation, interpersonal communication, as well as knowing that someone cares is at the heart of the mission and vision of Laurel Area Faith in Action.
We look forward to the time when we all can be together again, but until then each of you remain in our hearts. Stay safe…stay well.
Grace & Peace,
Amy McLendon
It is not just a call...it is a calling
During this time, especially, we encourage you to take a minute to check in on a loved one, friend or neighbor. You’d be surprised what a BIG difference a SMALL hello makes to someone, especially during these abnormal times.
Our staff has been calling recipients to “check-in” and say hello. Here’s what one of them had to say...
“Thank you so much for calling. I don’t need anything at the moment, but it’s so nice of you to ask. Like everyone else, I’m hanging in there. It means a lot to me that you would call. Your program has always been there for me! God bless you.”
Some Helpful Information
If you need us call us
All staff is working remotely to comply with the stay-at-homeorder. Although the office is not open, phones are being checked during normal business hours. Please call us if you have a need, would like to arrange grocery shopping services or just need to talk with a friendly staff member...because remember...everyone needs a friend!
724-539-4357
Leave a message, and a staff member will contact you promptly.
Be Aware of scams
Unfortunately, there are many scammers and hackers who are taking advantage of people during this vulnerable time. Be aware of financial scams, especially those tied to stimulus checks. If you are unsure about a financial situation, think before you act. Contact a professional, and if you are not sure who to contact, please reach out to Laurel Faith in Action, and we will help connect you to the right resource. Practice internet safety and do not give any personal information to strangers, avoid prompts asking for detailed life information, and make sure the sites you visit are secure and valid.
Remember...
- Wash your hands
- Practice safe social distancing
- Limit your errands to essential trips only
- If you have to go out, wear a mask! Call us if you need a mask.
FREE VIRTUAL CLASSES FOR SENIORS
Below are links to some very cool FREE resources! Both of these sites offer educational and communication options for seniors. Please take a look and share with anyone who may be interested. Now, more than ever, it is important to stay connected and keep your mind active!
Virtual Senior Academy: https://virtualsenioracademy.org/
"The Virtual Senior Academy is proud to offer a wide variety of classes, with topics to appeal to a broad range of interests including: health and wellness, arts and culture, history and music, book club, current events and fitness."
Tech 101 Classes: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/topics/
This site teaches technology basics, typing and computer skills.
*Shared with permission from our friends at Pennsylvania Council on Aging, Department of Aging
