Client Newsletter ~ May 2020
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Happy May to all! It has been nice to see the sun shine again and the daffodils in bloom! As you stay safe at home I hope you have been able to get outside for a walk and enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of spring. We miss seeing each and every one of you in person but, not to worry, we have a few fun things up our sleeve for this month. You will find information below with instructions to join the Neighborhood Connection staff and each other in a weekly Zoom session to chat and connect. Remember we are only a phone call or email away. We are still open, we are still here, and we are all in this together.
Let’s connect! Come chat with us on a video conference Zoom session  
We are holding a Zoom video conference each week on the days we had shopping scheduled for anyone who wants to pop in and say "hi," connect, and join a time of socialization. The dates and times are: Monday, May 4th from 10:00-11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 12th from 3:00-4:00 PM, Wednesday, May 20th from 9:00-10:00 AM, and Friday, May 28th from 3:00-4:00 PM. The link to join is below:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 975 6837 1584
Password: 5740
Phone number for audio (if your computer does not have audio): (312)626-6799 
Neighbor to Neighbor
Family Crisis Program

If your family is experiencing a short-term, unexpected crisis , the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program can provide extra support and resources as you adjust to new circumstances. Through the Neighbor-to-Neighbor fund, we may be able to help cover some of the immediate expenses you may have.

We realize that during this time many of you may be out of work and this could create a short-term financial crisis for you. Perhaps you need help to buy groceries, pay utilities, pay rent or other necessary bills; this fund is designed to assist with those needs in this difficult financial climate. So that we can help as many families as possible, we are currently limiting the funding to $500 per household. If you are interested in applying for this program, click on the link to fill out an application . If you have questions about this program, please contact Stacey or Lisa.
Neighborhood Connection COVID-19 Current Procedures

The health and safety of all of our clients, volunteers, and staff are our top priority. Therefore, based on public health recommendations and the extension of the Safer at Home order, Waunakee Neighborhood Connection will continue with our modified procedures until at least May 26th in order to do our part in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The following changes to our procedures will stay in effect until the Safer at Home restrictions are lifted:

·          Staff members will be working from home unless there is an urgent situation that requires us to meet someone at our building.

·          The shopping on Monday, May 4th, Friday, May 8th, Tuesday, May 12th, Wednesday, May 20 th , and Friday, May 28 th , are cancelled. However, if there is something you urgently need, please let us know and we will make arrangements to get it to you if we have it available .

  • No one will be volunteering in the building and we will cease accepting community donations for the store during this time unless a specific urgent need arises.

  • We have volunteers who can provide social support via phone call or text. Maybe you didn't think you wanted this support a month ago but find yourself feeling more alone, worried, or in need of connection at this time. Please email or call Stacey to sign up and be paired with a volunteer at: sdudley@waunakeenc.com or (608)535-9357

If you have any question or need, at all, during this time please reach out and let us know – even if you’d simply like someone to talk to. We know that the events of the past few weeks and the uncertainty of how this will further develop is stressful for everyone and we will continue to be here for you.

Here are the best ways to reach us:

·          To leave a message on the office phone, call (608)849-5740. Stacey and I will check messages remotely at least hourly Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM.

·          To reach us quickly with an urgent need or question, call (608)535-9357. This a temporary direct line that we have set up that one of us will answer seven days a week, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM. You may get voicemail on this line if we are taking another call at the time, so leave a message and we will get back to you.

·          Email us with less urgent needs: Stacey at sdudley@waunakeenc.com and Lisa at lhumenik@waunakeenc.com . 
Helpful tips to support your mental health
  • Keep yourself active
  • Keep a schedule
  • Remind yourself what you can and cannot control
  • Take care of yourself (alone time, a bath, read a good book, watch a movie)
  • Get outside and connect with nature
  • Remember your values, connect with family and what’s important to you
  •  Make plans with family and friends for when the quarantine is over
Local resources to support your mental health

Stonetree Therapy
Address : 1108 Stephenson Ln #116, Waunakee, WI 53597
Phone : (608) 849-4161

Road Less Traveled Counseling
Address : 606 Cooper Rd floor 2, Waunakee, WI 53597
Phone : (608) 581-2008
 
New Client Registration

Anyone interested in registering to receive Waunakee Neighborhood Connection's services can contact Stacey Dudley, client and volunteeer services manager, at sdudley@waunakeenc.com or (608) 849-5740 to set up an appointment.
NEW! Resources for housing and homelessness prevention
We wish we could see all of you and give you a big hug to further assure you that we are in this together. What we can do is send a virtual one for now and remind you that we are here and are a phone call or email away if you need anything. This will end at some point and we will all be back together again soon.