In this issue:
- COVID-19, 2020-2021: A Year in the Life of the FOA Caseworker
- Light Up the Night!...2021 Reimagined
- Meet Tony Maroulis, FOA Friend and Volunteer
- In Memoriam
- Become a Friend of FOA
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COVID-19, 2020-2021: A Year in the Life of the FOA Caseworker
Compassion. Resourcefulness. Determination. These are some of the gifts that dedicated caseworkers bring to help the most vulnerable members in a community. In a moment of crisis, they are often the first to respond in an emergency.
On any given day, an FOA caseworker may find herself sitting at a family’s table, often with a child on her lap—listening intently as a single mom shares her grief and sadness because of a life-shattering situation affecting her and her children. Noting the rising fear in the mom’s voice, she reaches over to hold her hand, providing an immediate sense of comfort and reassurance. A small act of kindness, but especially meaningful to someone in pain.
But almost overnight, the world changed. As the deadly impact of the coronavirus became apparent, lockdown orders went into effect. Businesses shut their doors—daycares and schools closed.
By March 2020, the number of families living in Amherst struggling to survive began to skyrocket. Hindered by lockdown restrictions, FOA caseworkers realized they had to change how they provided assistance to their clients. No longer was it safe to sit beside a distraught family, hug a crying child, or pat the shoulder of an anxious mom. Socially-distant meetings, conversations through a mask, and Zoom evaluation sessions soon became the norm.
But how would caseworkers maintain their empathetic, trusting connections with clients in a no-touch world? How would they still give comforting reassurance? How would they compensate for the inability to see crucial facial expressions—which sighted people rely on in our communication—behind a mask? What would it take to be as present to their clients via an online platform like Zoom or through a phone call that relies on voice only?
This is the story of how our incredible caseworkers not only maintained their connections with the clients they already had, but also responded to the distress calls of additional local families who found themselves in dire circumstances during the pandemic months of 2020.
Spring 2020:
FOA caseworkers were flooded with a record number of phone calls from people who had never needed assistance in the past. Many had lost their jobs and were in an utter state of panic and despair.
Often the clients spoke little English, making it difficult to apply for food and housing subsidies. Many had their unemployment accounts frozen when a fraud scheme was discovered within the state’s unemployment system, leaving families without income for six weeks or longer. Some needed assistance because of problems signing up for health insurance or Medicaid, updating their immigration status, or receiving social security payments.
Under ordinary circumstances, a caseworker could accompany the client to an in-person meeting, translating in Spanish to help explain the process and complete the paperwork. But because of COVID-19, the offices were closed to the public, necessitating numerous three-way phone conversations, often for hours at a time, in some instances only to be disconnected and forced to start the process again. The challenges were daunting.
Remote learning replaced in-person classroom instruction. But many low-income families didn’t have a computer or a tablet for their children, much less a reliable internet connection to provide distant learning. Caseworkers scrambled to find solutions, such as internet hotspots, donors who would help pay internet bills, and Chromebooks that were delivered to their homes.
Parents needed help with how to use Chromebooks, Zoom, and access to the school links. Caseworkers provided coaching on all three, as well as translation services during virtual parent-teacher conferences.
In addition, caseworkers: hand made and delivered masks; offered live video cooking demonstrations to teach parents how to cook in bulk to reduce the number of grocery store visits; delivered food pantry boxes to housebound clients; built and delivered three-sided cork board cubbies to families with multiple learners living in small quarters; and found funding for undocumented families who were ineligible for unemployment or food assistance (SNAP) benefits.
Summer 2020:
While the warmer temperatures made it possible for our caseworkers to meet their clients outdoors or go for socially distant walks, the inability to make in-home visits sometimes had a devastating consequence.
An FOA caseworker assisted a mom who had become critically ill. The client’s nine-year-old daughter, who developed a trusting relationship with the caseworker, reached out to her. She was alarmed because her mom hadn’t gotten out of bed for two weeks. Despite the stay-in-place orders, the caseworker went to the home and found the mother near death. She called the authorities, comforted the children, and stayed with them until a family member was able to pick them up. Sadly, the mother passed away.
The pandemic also led to a dramatic increase in the number of families who were suddenly without a home. Out of sheer desperation, they slept in their cars or on a friend’s floor. Some sought the assistance of our caseworkers, who were able to find shelters in Springfield—no easy task given the lengthy screening process required for acceptance into a shelter program. The caseworkers’ persistence and perseverance enabled them to help all of the families needing shelter.
In addition, the caseworkers assisted a record number of clients apply for emergency funds for rental arrears. They also helped deliver burritos from Bueno y Sano, purchased by a wonderful donor, for families once a week for six weeks. This was a great boost for families struggling to stretch their food budget, as well as a delightful treat for the kids.
Fall 2020:
Colder weather forced the caseworkers to return to virtual meetings. As more and more of their client families were diagnosed with COVID-19, caseworkers helped quarantined families to get groceries, diapers, household supplies, and ready-made meals for parents who were too sick to cook.
Caseworkers served as couriers and delivery people, picking up signed documents, scanning and mailing documents, and continuing to deliver Chromebooks for kids learning remotely at home.
Caseworkers also assisted families to: complete emergency rental assistance applications, gather and upload verification documents, access COVID-19 tests, and apply for fuel assistance. They translated for Spanish-speaking clients at job interviews, as well.
Winter 2020:
By this time, most families owed months of back rent and could not keep up with utility bills. As the holidays approached, families experienced additional stress, agonizing over how they would provide Christmas presents for their children. FOA caseworkers heard the dread and worry in their clients’ voices every time they spoke to them.
In the winter months, caseworkers helped families respond to their children’s Christmas wish lists, thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Amherst, Grace Episcopal Church, Wesley United Methodist Church, and the Daily Hampshire Gazette Sydney Smith Toy Fund, as well as generous private citizens.
Unfortunately, the challenges of COVID-19 have not ended. But neither has our story. Despite the pandemic’s worst conditions, your donations are helping to keep FOA’s doors open, supporting our amazing caseworkers as they maintain vital client connections, provide desperately-needed services, and continually care for our families.
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Laura Reichsman
Director
Family Outreach of Amherst
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LIGHT UP THE NIGHT! 2021…REIMAGINED
Every June for the past seventeen years, Family Outreach of Amherst has presented Light Up the Night! (LUTN), our most important fundraiser, to support the families we serve. It’s always been a magical evening where participants enjoy delicious food and tempting cocktails, and have the opportunity to purchase unique items during our live and silent auctions.
But it’s so much more than a great party. FOA depends upon LUTN to raise one-third of our annual fundraising budget. In its seventeen-year history, LUTN has contributed over $850,000 to FOA programs supporting the most vulnerable members of our community.
This year, while we can’t host one, large, in-person gathering because of ongoing safety precautions, we are able to offer a series of five mini-events. We are delighted to share these experiences with you as a way to keep the spirit of Light Up the Night! alive.
The $100 ticket price per person for these events is really not about the experiences -- it is about helping the fragile families in our community. The lives of so many of the families we work with have been upended -- they have lost their jobs, lost their income, and are now in danger of losing their housing.
Your participation in this year’s Light Up the Night! will ensure that these struggling families get the help they need to stabilize their lives and be able to raise healthy, happy kids.
Light Up the Night! 2021…Reimagined Experiences:
Chef’s Demonstration
Thursday, April 29, 2021 | Premieres 6 PM – 7 PM
YouTube presentation
Celebrate spring with 30Boltwood’s Chef Josean Jimenez as he creates the perfect spring dish, Spring Pea Risotto, inspired by FOA’s Light Up the Night event. The dish includes mascarpone, mint, and crisp prosciutto. Not in the mood to cook? Let Chef Josean Jimenez prepare this scrumptious meal for dine in or takeout until June 1. Entree price is $24. (YouTube presentation available beginning April 29th.)
Beautify Your Patio
Saturday, May 8, 2021 | 1 PM – 3 PM
In-person, socially-distanced, outdoor event in a local garden
Love container gardening? Make your own patio planter with Betsy and Laura, the designers of the patio planters at many a LUTN event! Refreshments provided. (Additional $35 fee includes the cost of plants, soil, and containers.)
Wines of Spain
Thursday, May 20, 2021 | 7 PM – 8:30 PM
Virtual event
Grab some friends and enjoy a virtual wine tasting event sponsored by the experts at Provisions Mill District store in North Amherst. A carefully-curated experience of Spanish wines and an optional snack pack available for purchase from Provisions Mill District store. (More details to follow.)
An Afternoon of Painting
Saturday, May 22, 2021 | 2 PM – 4 PM
In-person, socially-distanced, outdoor event in a local garden Rain Date: Sunday, May 23, 2021
Channel your inner artist at a painting party with local painter Maggie Hodges. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of painting, inspired by our magical LUTN invitation artwork. Easels and refreshments will be provided. BYO apron. (Additional $10 fee includes the cost of canvas and supplies.)
Summer Cocktails
Thursday, Premieres June 11, 2021 | 6 PM – 7 PM
YouTube presentation
“Mix It Up” with Bistro 63’s award-winning mixologists and enjoy their summer cocktail selections. Perfect for a party of one or with friends. You provide your favorite spirits. Specially-created mixers available for purchase at the restaurant. Mixer pack price TBD. (YouTube presentation available beginning June 11th.)
For $100 per ticket, you’ll be able to participate in ALL five LUTN! 2021…Reimagined experiences, with an additional charge for supplies (cost varies).
PLUS…Our LUTN! 2021…Reimagination Celebration Continues with Three Additional Events:
Stone House Farm Spring Bulb Garden Stroll and Talk
May 1, 2021 | 1 PM – 3 PM
In-person, socially-distanced, outdoor event
Join Stone House Farm owner Candi Talley for a spring bulb stroll in her amazing gardens followed by her talk about the evolution of a garden at 2 PM. Refreshments provided. (Additional fee: $25 fee per guest.)
Mill District Outdoor Celebration and Live Auction
June 17, 2021 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
In-person, socially distanced, outdoor event
Join us for an early evening of food, wine, and spirit tastings culminating with our famous live auction hosted by auctioneer extraordinaire, Tony Maroulis. (Additional fee: $50 per guest)
Online Silent Auction
June 15 – 17, 2021 (closes June 17, 2021 at 11:59 PM)
This three-day event will feature an enticing array of auction items ranging from unique experiences, a Cape Cod getaway, a weekend in Newport, art, outdoor adventures, and special dining experiences. (Requires advance registration. Email cmarburger@chd.org to sign up.)
How can you help FOA keep the door open to ensure our families avoid homelessness, hunger, and domestic violence? Buy your tickets for our LIGHT UP THE NIGHT 2021…REIMAGINED season of events or donate today! A matching grant of $25,000 will double your donation!
(Be sure to check your email in the coming weeks for further details).
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Proudly Sponsored By (as of April 15, 2021):
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Corporate Platinum Sponsors:
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Corporate Gold Sponsors:
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Corporate Bronze Sponsors:
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Sarah & Scott Auerbach
Paul DiBenedetto and Roxane Olevsky
Connie and Bill Gillen
Andrew and Sheilah Jones
Lynn and Bob Logan
Betsy and Bruce McInnis
Tom and Deb Napier
John and Margaret Nunnelly
Louise Reilly
Scott and Jennie Sandler
Woody and Mila Sherman
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Meet Tony Maroulis
FOA Friend and Volunteer
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With great sadness we note the passing of Norton Juster, celebrated author of The Phantom Tollbooth, a children’s book cherished by generations of young readers. Norton, who was 91, passed away at his home in Northampton from complications of a stroke. In addition to his distinguished career as a writer, Norton was also a successful architect and beloved professor of architecture and design at Hampshire College.
Norton and his wife, Jeanne, who died in 2018, were residents of Amherst for many years. Jeanne was an ardent and long-time supporter of FOA, bringing her unique style and charm to our programs. Norton was devoted to his family--including his adored daughter, Emily, and granddaughter, Tori—and his multitude of friends.
As a man with a playful sense of adventure, Norton was unafraid to journey into the unknown. He was an original and a rare creative spirit, the sort that comes around once in life.
Perhaps he will be remembered best for the magical and hopeful message he shared through his characters in The Phantom Tollbooth, “So much is possible just as long as you don’t know they're impossible.”
Please join us in paying tribute to this wonderful man. We will miss him terribly.
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Fabustino Soto-Aguilera was a quiet, humble man. In 2002, at the age of twenty-six, Fabustino and his wife, Maria, traveled to the United States from Mexico, in search of medical treatment for Giselle, their baby daughter. Eventually, they arrived in the Amherst area. But with little money for food and shelter, Fabustino realized they needed help, and met Francine Rodriguez, Program Manager at FOA. Francine arranged for healthcare for the baby, helped them find housing and employment opportunities, enrolled them in food subsidy programs, and guided them through the process to apply for citizenship.
For seventeen years, Francine watched as the family blossomed. Maria gave birth to three more children—all boys. Fabustino worked at a good paying job at a local farm; Giselle’s health steadily improved; and the boys thrived in school. Because of their longstanding and special relationship, Francine fondly referred to them as her, “Forever Family.”
On March 4, 2021, Fabustino was returning home from a farm delivery when he was killed in an automobile accident. At his memorial, his three boys--two in college and the other a senior in high school--remembered their father’s devotion to his family. They recalled the important lesson he instilled upon them: work hard to achieve your dreams and don’t take anything for granted—nothing is given to you.
While Fabustino was proud of his life in the United States, he longed to return to his homeland. His dream was to save enough money so that once the kids were grown, he could buy a home in Mexico and retire.
Fabustino, age 44, was laid to rest in Gunajuato, Mexico. He leaves behind his wife, Maria, and children Giselle, John, Kevin, and Peter.
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The Friends of FOA is a core group of supporters who when asked, quickly respond to a family’s specific need. Sometimes the request can be easily met—for example, a donation of a car seat to keep an active toddler out of harm’s way. Other times, the situation is more serious, such as emergency funds needed to prevent a family from becoming homeless.
Earlier this month, Iris Rosa, an FOA caseworker, assisted a single mom who had fallen behind on her rent and utility payments. While Iris was able to help her receive financial aid from a housing program, it wasn’t enough to cover the $600 balance. An urgent plea for help was emailed to our Friends of FOA, and in less than twenty-four hours, our goal was met!
We are incredibly grateful for the wonderful members of our community who without hesitation, give so generously when called upon.
If you would like information about how you can join Friends of FOA, please email Carly at cmarburger@chd.org.
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As an organization celebrating its 30th Anniversary, we remember where we came from—a shelter in the center of Amherst, housing six mothers and their children—and give thanks for the generosity of hundreds of individuals and businesses, like you, who have committed to making sure the door is always open.
For more information about Family Outreach of Amherst and the many services we provide to the most vulnerable members of our community, click here or call (413) 549-5548.
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Family Outreach of Amherst Advisory Board: |
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Katherine Appy
Sarah Auerbach
Robin Brown
Connie Gillen
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Maggie Hodges
Lynn Logan
Betsy McInnis
Michele Miller
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Deb Napier
Louise Reilly
Kacey Schmitt
Kimberly Stender
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