Children's Alley closed until April 20
YWCA Boulder County is committed to supporting our community during this time of uncertainty.

Last night, Governor Jared Polis signed an executive order suspending in-person learning in public and private schools across the state from March 23-April 17.  In accordance with this, the YWCA is planning for Children’s Alley to remain closed until Monday, April 20. We will keep you updated weekly as we continue to monitor the rapidly changing situation. 

It has been incredibly hard for us to temporarily close our doors knowing that this is creating additional strain on the families we serve and the children we love.

While some childcare centers remain open, we are following safety recommendations from Colorado Public Health to close Children’s Alley. As a drop-in childcare center with different children every day, there is an increased risk of spreading COVID-19 and our highest priority has always been to provide quality care while keeping our staff and families healthy and safe. 

We are committed to working through this time by identifying the most pressing needs of our community and creatively aligning resources and programming to address these pressing issues. 

Please take a few moments to fill out this short survey about your needs during this time so we can quickly respond and plan to provide information, support and services where needed.
While Children’s Alley is closed, we are ensuring all YWCA teaching and administrative staff are being paid fully, to align with our mission to ensure health, safety and economic advancement for women and girls. This is only possible because of the incredible support of our donors, grantors and corporate partners like you. Thank you!

We will be communicating updates to you every Thursday. This will include timely information related to our services, resources in our community and program offerings to address current needs.

As always, don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns by replying to this email or emailing us at frontdesk@ywcaboulder.org or (303) 443-0419.
 
This is a challenging time for our YWCA family and the community. We are in this together. Our mission remains at the center of our work and we will not stop until the world sees women, girls and people of color they way we do. Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable. 

Take Care,
 
Debbie Pope
CEO
Take Action through Advocacy
The current pandemic is highlighting many of the stark inequities present in our society, especially the importance of childcare to our entire community. This is a very important time to make sure our legislatures know how important affordable, quality childcare is, now and in the future.

We will be sharing more opportunities in the coming weeks to take action to support our communities and families.
*New* Reading to End Racism
Virtual Book Club for Adults
Eliminating Racism is at the center of our mission at the YWCA.  As COVID-19 has continued to spread, there has been a significant increase in the number of racial incidents and xenophobia in many communities across the country. During this time of social distancing, we are excited to expand our Reading to End Racism program and offer a virtual book club for adults interested in exploring anti-bias and equity so we can deepen our understanding all take action in our community.

The new Reading to End Racism virtual book club will have an introductory meeting next Tuesday, March 24 at 7:00pm using our online platform, GoTo Meeting. This will allow us to come together virtually and see one another by video, or for those without a computer, tablet or smartphone, you can join us by phone for audio only.  In this first meeting we will provide some basic outline for the group and introduce our first book Ta-Nehisi Coates, “The Water Dancer”. We will plan to meet for an hour and will only be introducing the book, so no need to have even started reading the book before this introductory meeting. Feel free to bring your beverage of choice to our virtual table.

*New* Reading to End Racism Virtual Book Club
Tuesday, March 24
7:00 PM
"The Water Dancer" by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Join us online with GoTo Meeting or by calling in by phone.

On Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
 
Access Code: 769-607-949

Please join the call early to avoid any technical issues so we can start promptly at 7 PM. If you have questions or interest, please contact Debbie Pope at debbie@ywcaboulder.org.

We'll look forward to seeing you - virtually - then!
Info and Community Resources
Below are some community resources for those impacted by the Coronavirus: 
 

  • Community Food Share has a Coronavirus Preparedness & Prevention page with information on how to get food and how you can help.



  • If your employment has been affected by COVID-19 closures, you can learn more about filing for unemployment benefits with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and file for unemployment benefits here.



  • If you need a local food bank or essential items or services, check out: Community Food Share, OUR Center, EFFA, Harvest Hope Pantry, Nederland Food Pantry, Sister Carmen Community Center, A Precious Child, Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley, Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund, Colorado Pet Pantry

  • If you need food or services for seniors, check out: Meals on Wheels Boulder, Longmont Meals on Wheels, Coal Creek Meals on Wheels, Jewish Family Services, Cultivate, Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, and Nederland Area Seniors.
 
Information about COVID-19
 
To prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses, it’s important to follow the CDC recommendations below for staying healthy:
 
  • Stay home if you are sick. 

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 

  • Clean hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub. 

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

  • Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms. 
 
For additional info including prevention, testing, and outbreak status, visit:
Thank YOU for your support!
Our work would not be possible without the support of passionate individuals and businesses like you, how support our programs and services.

If you can, please consider making a donation in whatever amount you are able . Your donation is tax-deductible and eligible for the Colorado Childcare Contribution Tax Credit. Together, we will weather these difficult times and continue our work to eliminate racism and empower women. 
YWCA Boulder County | ywcaboulder.org