Welcome to Hope in Action
May 27, 2020
Hope in Action Story
This week’s story comes from Colleen Litwinowicz. Colleen has been attending Crossroads for over 3 years now. Colleen has a Masters Degree in Counseling and has trained as a Crisis Counselor. During this COVID-19 crisis, Colleen knew from experience people would be feeling stressed, isolated, fearful and overwhelmed. They would also have very limited resources available to help them cope. She was called to do something to help. Through Crossroads and Imagine, Colleen started a small group called "Don’t Be Alone" that meets two different times per week for one hour to share experiences, feelings and coping strategies. Colleen has found this group healing for herself and hopes others find compassion and support in knowing that you are not the only one.

To hear Colleen tell her story click here .

If you are interested in joining "Don’t Be Alone" click here.
New Serve Opportunity
Mask Makers Needed Based on New Guidelines
Due to Governor Northam's requirement that masks be worn in public indoor settings, we are in need of more sewers! We will provide you with mask making kits. These kits include instructions, pre-cut material and elastic. All you need to do is sew! If you are interested, you can contact  Jill Hughes .  Jill also has created a Facebook page under the name  Emmaline's Treasures   to share information.

A limited number of masks are now available for pick up at Crossroads. Please email  Kathy MacKrell  and we will get a mask to you for free or a small donation for those who are able. Masks are also available outside Crossroads’ Entrance 1, weekdays from 10:30am-1:30pm. 
Taking Care of the Community
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic, our mental health is more fragile than ever. It is important for us all to be looking out for higher levels of anxiety and depression in ourselves and our loved ones. The CDC has provided a great resource on Stress & Coping During COVID-19 . 

Finding ways to cope amid this crisis will make us all stronger coming out of it.
Crossroads Native Plant Garden
Crossroads will be featuring native plants in bloom in our native garden. The garden has been prepped for spring and is alive and well. If you live in the area, you are encouraged to check it out on your next nature walk or drive by.  Click  here  for more information on native plants for Northern Virginia. You can also contact Crossroads' Native Plant Specialist, BJ Lecrone . Native plants can be purchased online at  Watermark Nursery  in Hamilton, Virginia.
Featured plant for this week

Community Resources
Loudoun County Health & Services has provided a comprehensive list of resources available to those in need. The link is here .

Contact the Loudoun County Information and Referral (I&R) program to get connected to vital health and human services information and resources in Loudoun County. The link is here .

Some vital resources are highlighted below.
COVID-19 Limited Rent Assistance
Loudoun County government has established a limited rent assistance program for Loudoun County households economically impacted by COVID-19. Check this link for details.
Feed our neighbors
It is important during this time to make sure that all families have enough to eat. Take advantage of Loudoun County School Nutrition Services’ free breakfast and lunch options. Many Loudoun County Public Schools are open for food pick up. 

A list of LCPS meal pick up locations can be found  here  and a map of LCPS meal service bus routes can be found here .
Additional Loudoun County resources are available for anyone in need of food. 
Please take advantage of the following organizations:
 
Unemployment and Employment Resources
Loudoun Workforce Resource Center provides i nformation about unemployment benefits or other work-related topics. Click here for their website.

Crossroads Jobs is a non profit experienced in advising candidates who have challenges in securing employment. Counseling is available in English and Spanish. They will also assist those who need help filing for unemployment. All services are free. Click  here  for their website.