Today is the beginning of 30 days Ramadan(Fasting) for Muslims around the world. A Ramadan where families and communities have to distance themselves due to the COVID-19 crisis. We know how difficult it is to get all the essentials needed to break fast after more than 10 hours of Fasting. If you know friends and families who need help during this crisis and Ramadan time, please don't hesitate to connect us and the local two Mosques in Lewiston that provide virtual ceremonies, support and awareness to the community.
Every week, we would like to give you updates on the work provided by MEIRS and resources available during the COVID-19 crisis. As behavioral health service organization, MEIRS has been operating both telehealth and by appointment to provide essnetial servoces to our community.
Since this crisis started, we have been getting calls and from families who are struggling to navigate services, like unemployment, food stamp application or recertification, housing income change reporting, opening bank for stimulus check. Last week, MERS provided 103 individuals both virtually and by appointment to provide essential services to families who are struggling. Many of the individuals we served do not either qualify for qualify for behavioral health services because lack of insurance or do not meet behavioral health services requirement set by the state to receive these services.
As one of the location where the school distribute food to students, we have seen many families utilizing those services and we thank the Lewiston School Department for the work they are doing to distribute school food to families.
Our behavioral health services staff have been connecting with families in weekly basis to provide support and services as the stress of staying home has increased and many families have difficulty managing it.
MEIRS created second part of the COVID-19 awareness videos translated in Maay Maay in collaboratop with UnutedYES and two local doctors who work with our commuity. (please see video translated in Maay Maay). We also provide weekly update on WhatsApp groups and live zoom video with mosque and community leaders to answer questions.
Since children are at home, many families are struggling with food and other essential needs. MEIRS is one of the location that Lewiston Public School distribute food, yet many families report need of more food. We are raising funds to support these families buy food gift cards, masks and other essential needs for families in our community. Please donate to our COVID-19 fund by clicking this
MEIRS-COVID-19 Fund
.
Last week, in collaboration with local tailor, MEIRS made 350 masks and distributed 285 mask so far to families and individuals in our community. MEIRS has partnered with WOF, an organization run by Miguel who serves West African French speaking population to distribute masks.
We will continue to give you weekly updates until this crisis is over. Thank you all in advance for the support
Please stay healthy and donate to support those in need! Check our
facebook
page for up to date videos
Supporters/Funders
We would like to thank the following funders/supporters during this crisis. You really help us help others who need our help this uncertain time.
- Maine Community Foundation
- Maine initiatives
- Deborah Seavey
- Anonymous Donor
We will update our funders and supports every week. Again, thank you for the support.
