EMPOWERING A CARING COMMUNITY THAT PROMISES THE WELL-BEING OF EVERY CHILD
June 2020
I hope you and your family are well and making strides during this time of transition to our "new normal" in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The coronavirus has quickly changed the way we do business, interact with each other, engage with our families, and has introduced an amount of uncertainty into our lives in a way that we have not seen in recent memory. 

In the midst of it all, I am thankful for many things.  I am reminded of the things that are truly important in life. And I am thankful to be surrounded by people like you whose tireless efforts and professionalism will help us all to come out on the other end of this situation much stronger.  A heartfelt thank you for what you're doing every day to assist children and families.
How to Support Children (and Yourself) During the COVID-19 Outbreak 
Center for the Developing Child at Harvard University

The coronavirus outbreak has changed many things about our daily lives. But even during this uncertain time, it's a sure thing that our children are still learning, growing, and developing.

Everyone can help support a child's healthy development (and it may even help relieve your stress!). Just a few minutes and some simple, free activities can make a difference.
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  1. Practice Serve & Return
  2. Maintain Social Connections
  3. Take a Break
  4. Seek More Information & Resources 
Stay-At-Home Orders Amid Pandemic Create a "Perfect Storm for Child Abuse" 
CBS News

Many experts predicted at the start of  the coronavirus pandemic  that widespread self-isolation would lead to a rise in  child abuse . Now, they believe cases are being underreported.

Calls to child abuse hotlines have gone down since stay-at-home orders took effect by around 50% in some states. Only the most extreme child abuse cases are being reported, according to some of the 40 child welfare workers who submitted video diaries to CBS News about how the outbreak is putting kids and workers at risk.
-Read More-
 
Substance Misuse During the Pandemic Crisis
Prevention Means Progress
Substance misuse, during a crisis or traumatic event is often on the rise because of heightened anxiety, depression, loneliness, fear of the unknown and/or boredom.
Alcohol sales are on the rise in this pandemic. According to the Associated Press, sales have increased by 243%, which indicates that binge drinking is up as well.  (Binge drinking is 5 or more alcoholic drinks for males or 4 or more alcoholic drinks for females on the same occasion.)
Dealing with anxiety, depression and other issues concerning mental health during these uncertain times can be done more effectively and with long term results by talking with a doctor and making low-risk choices: Staying connected with family and friends through phone calls and social media, exercising, getting outside, meditating, eating healthy and getting enough sleep. Establishing a self care plan is important for both your physical and mental health. Your well being matters!
Child Care Survey Summary Released

The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) and Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) conducted a survey of child care providers this April to learn more about the current status of providers and what assistance providers needed to remain open or to reopen their child care business.

DHS Launches COVID Recovery Iowa 

The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) announced nearly $1 million in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be used to offer free counseling to any Iowan who has been affected, in any way, by the COVID-19 public heath emergency. Iowans can access services through the following options:
  • Call 800-447-1985 to connect with a counselor specializing in rural issues and agriculture 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 
  • Call the Iowa Warm Line, 844-775-9276, to connect with a peer counselor or request to get in touch with a COVID Recovery Iowa counselor.
  • Visit www.COVIDrecoveryiowa.org and complete a contact form and a counselor will get back to you.
Test Iowa
Crush the Curve

In Iowa, we take care of each other and COVID-19 has shown us the power we have when we work together. The best thing you can do right now to stop the spread and save lives is take the #testiowachallenge at www.testiowa.com.

The assessment informs Iowans of their current health status, whether or not they should get a COVID-19 test and instructions on how to get tested. 

-Take the challenge at www.TestIowa.com.
Program Spotlight
Lutheran  Family Services of Nebraska
Helpful Resources
Assistance for Families
  • 211: Free, comprehensive information and referral system linking Iowa residents to health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and governmental programs. 211 is a one-stop source of information for people looking for services.
  • Finding Childcare: DHS Childcare For Essential Workforce- Map shows child care availability in Iowa. Iowa Childcare Resource & Referral's Parent Referral Line can be reached at 1-855-CHILD-01. 
  • Healthwell Foundation: T he Health Well Foundation is providing up to $250 assistance to families via phone applications only with costs associated with delivered food, medication, diagnostics, transportation and telehealth as a result of COVID-19 risk or incidence.
  • Food Bank for the Heartland and Kids Cafe Locations: The mobile pantry program delivers food directly to communities that have a high need but limited food resources. Kids Cafe is one of the nation's largest free-meal service programs for at-risk children. Kids Cafe serves evening meals in partnership with community organizations.
  • COVID Recovery Iowa: Free virtual counseling and assistance for all Iowans affected by COVID-19.
  • Iowa COVID-19 Legal Advice Hotline: 1-800-332-0419 
  • Homelessness Coordinated Entry Access Point: Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless (MACCH) has implemented a common, coordinated, and community-wide process of standardized and equal access, assessment, and prioritization of referrals to supportive housing for all homeless individuals and families.
Activities and Resources for Families
Nonprofit Resources
Quick Links
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa
America's Promise
Learning
Opportunities:

Equitable Recovery
Iowa ACEs 360
June 11 (online)

Trauma Overview
Trauma Matters Omaha
online

Stewards of Children
Darkness to Light

Practical Ways to Help Children in Child Care Cope with the COVID-19 Crisis
Child Aware of American

Home Visitors Attending To Risks for Abuse and Neglect During COVID-19
Zero to Three
online

Designing a Virtual Service Delivery Environment
Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals
online

Coming Up:

Downtown Council Bluffs Blood Drive
Council Bluffs Public Library
June 10

Farmers Market
Bayliss Park
June 11

Weekly Sessions for Children & Teenagers
Please Pass the Love (o nline)

For more events, visit www.unleashcb.com