Newark Trust
Amid the anxiety and uncertainty induced by the coronavirus, families across the nation continue to grapple with the trauma of violence against people of color. Parents, caregivers and educators are wondering how to talk to young people about racism and police brutality, while trying to maintain their own mental health and wellness, and those of their families. While we do not have all of the answers, here we offer a few articles that include guidance on how to address these tumultuous times with young people—from pre-school to high school.
SUGGESTED READING
- George Floyd. Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. What do we tell our children?
- How to talk to your children about protests and racism
- ‘Moments like now are why we teach’: Educators tackle tough conversations about race and violence — this time virtually
LOCAL NEWS
- Op-Ed: Our city can show the rest of America how to bounce back from Covid-19
- Newark families can no longer switch schools on their own, must request transfers
- NJ Human Services Announces Availability of Up to $20 Million in Health and Safety Grants for Child Care Centers and Youth Camps
COVID-19 FAMILY RESOURCES
Click here for a complete list of resources.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Free Headspace Plus for the Unemployed
The current state of unemployment in the US has become an alarming crisis. To help those affected, we’re offering a full year of Headspace Plus for free.* Discover meditation and mindfulness tools to help you feel less stressed, more resilient, and kinder to yourself.
Free Mobile Counseling/ Help Sessions
Newark Public Library is now offering free counseling by the library’s professional social worker, by phone or text! E-mail [email protected] for information or to make an appointment! Please include your phone number in your e-mail.
The COVID-19 crisis requires schools to reimagine what it means to engage in collective care for students and staff experiencing grief and loss. NYC Outward Bound has presented a few recommendations for schools as they move the work of their Emergency Response Team online. Click here for access.
Mental Health America Mental Health Tests
Mental Health America offers online screening tools meant to provide a quick snapshot of your mental health. Following screening, you will be provided with information, resources and tools to help you understand and improve your mental health. A mental health provider (such as a doctor or a therapist) can give you a full assessment and talk to you about options for how to feel better. If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK, or text "MHA" to 741-741 to talk to a trained counselor from the Crisis Text Line. Click here to get started.
Mindful Movement: Live Yoga Class
Equal Space presents a weekly webisode for ANYONE who needs a meditative break! (Beginner Friendly) You may have spent most of your days working endlessly, unable to go out and release some stress, or just in need of a moment of solace. Equal Space wants to provide you with an amazing experience that allows you to learn more about meditation, and yoga, allowing you to integrate this into your life. Join Equal Space and I'm So Yoga every Wednesday to give you a great start to your day! Click here to register.
SEL and Mental Health Resources During the COVID-19 Outbreak
As local, state, national, and international leaders work to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, many communities across the country are experiencing a heightened level of fear, anxiety, and worry during these uncertain times. Parents, educators, youth development professionals, childcare providers, and others are looking for ways to help young people reduce, manage, and cope with the fears, worries and anxieties that might be provoked by this health crisis and continue to develop the social and emotional skills they will need for managing and coping with future life challenges. Here is a collection of resources to support these efforts.
United Way of Greater Newark 211: Get Connected. Get Help.
For live help on COVID-19, please call 1-800-222-1222 to speak with healthcare professionals. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or text NJCOVID to 898-211. *211 is a subsidiary of the United Ways of New Jersey.
Zero to Three Tips for Families During Coronavirus
Zerotothree.org offers tips for families including age-appropriate responses to common questions, a guide to self-care, and activities for young children experiencing social distancing. Click here to learn more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Parent Webinar: Special Education Law and Advocacy During COVID-19
June 2, 2020 12:00 pm EST
This webinar will address your child's basic legal rights under IDEA and New Jersey regulations in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The webinar will address how to virtually advocate to:
-Implement your child's IEP programming and related services
-Obtain Extended School Year Services (ESY)
-Handle IEP Meetings
-Seek evaluations
-Obtain Compensatory Education
This webinar will be presented by Karen Edler, Esq. of Price, Meese, Shulman & D’Arminio, P.C., moderated by Stella Lyubarsky, Esq. of Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, and sponsored by Volunteer Lawyers for Justice. Click here to register.
SEL and Arts Education: Elevating Student Voice and Community
June 4th 7:00 pm EST
Arts education and artistic experiences play an important role in students’ social and emotional development, and are critical in helping to address students' social and emotional needs in the context of our current health crisis. When student voice and community are elevated, and youth are empowered to explore the full spectrum of artistic engagement, both developmental experiences and developmental relationships have space to flourish. Learn how highly effective strategies employed by teaching artists engage students and the many ways these strategies have proven successful in a virtual format. Discover new tools and resources to help foster social and emotional learning through culturally relevant practices that lift up student voices. Click here to register.