We were incredibly busy during the first two weeks of March when we traveled to Newark to learn about Safe Passage, celebrated a prestigious Alumni Award, witnessed a third-annual Father/Son Basketball tournament, attended a community Ribbon Cutting, and welcomed new team members. And, then, on March 13, the world shifted, our staff moved to telework, and schools closed. We've risen to the occasion by supporting our constituencies as much as possible during this profoundly unsettling moment in history. This newsletter offers a front seat view of our role before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and our ongoing work to fill the gaps for needed supports.
We're all experiencing the beginning of a monumental journey, one that highlights Promise Heights' pivotal role within our community. We've developed new methods to reach families and kids, and we're providing support in every capacity one can imagine. We will continue to do whatever is needed for as long as necessary, as our role supporting the people of Upton and Druid Heights is even more evident than in the past.
Strong Roots Begin with Good Soil
Thanks for Your Help!
Our UMBF $50K match challenge: Success!It’s because of people like you—our valued supporters, who have contributed your time, your skills, and your money—that we achieved our ambitious fundraising goal. If ever there was a more important moment for funds that would help support the start of our quickly changing and newly emerging efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now. Thank you for your part in helping us meet the match! But our ask continues during these tumultuous times. Hear from Brownwyn Mayden about current neighborhood needs and how you can be of service.
Our Response to COVID-19
All Teams On Deck
In response to COVID-19, our teams have been exceedingly adaptable, creative, and nimble. Our efforts have included:
Delivering items to expectant and newborn families such as cribs, breast pumps, bus tokens and cab vouchers for medical appointments, and food.
Transitioned our Parent University (parent education) cohort from a weekly in-person format to a video conference format.
Making and distributing an information-packed “COVID-19 Flyer” in our schools before they closed, so that families would be informed about essentials and kids could feel calmer by knowing what to do.
Volunteering to distribute grab-and-go meals, groceries, and other supplies and services.
Our PromiseCorps members continued to provide check-ins with their caseloads and offer resources regarding food, meal services, and other basic needs, while providing timely news updates. To date, the most common and pressing need is food access and finding creative ways to keep younger children engaged in educational tasks. PromiseCorps at Renaissance Academy High School use social media and texts to reach out to their students.
Working with our partner FEV Tutor to help schools and families support students in accessing online tutoring sessions at home.
The Family Prosperity Program led by Vania Iscandari, LMSW made and distributed postcards to allay rising economic concerns and anxieties, addressing issues such as continuation of SNAP benefits, information on stimulus checks, and how to conserve resources.
“It’s nice that the milk didn’t go to waste and actually went somewhere where it was needed. I guess it’s true what they say—
it takes a village to move a mountain of milks.”
On the first day of Spring 2020, during four labor-intensive hours, a group of dedicated volunteers quickly gathered and packed perishable food form Booker T. Washington Middle School’s cafeteria, promptly distributing it via the Outcast Food Network and the Ruth Kirk Recreation Center. Read more
