My, How Our Lives Have Changed!
Two weeks ago, we were learning more about the danger of the Coronavirus, especially for older adults and those with underlying health issues. Now we almost know too much, including that things will get worse before they get better. 
We continue to believe that every crisis presents an opportunity to learn, to connect in new ways, to help and to heal one another. Community Living Campaign, with help from our government and community partners, have been reinventing our programs and providing support for our employees, volunteers and neighbors. And we are incredibly thankful to those in the health care settings who are putting themselves at risk to keep us all safer. 
Bookmark This Site
Below we share more resources for those staying home as well as an update on CLC activities over the next few weeks. Bookmark our website now   www.sfcommunityliving.org
as are updating it daily with online activities and important resources.
Latest Update from Community Living Campaign 
We want to keep everyone safe without losing the heart and soul of our
focus on reducing isolation and loneliness. We are keeping versions of our programs going while we "shelter in place." We will keep updating our online calendar and Coronavirus Updates & Resources pages as conditions change.
  

Community Connector Networks - 

Exercise programs have moved online. Join the lovely Kyra for interactive and video workshops, including the return of the Always Active program.

Workshops and Social Hours have also moved online, with a robust selection. Download a list here of offerings for the next few weeks, but check our website calender as new offerings appear daily. 

Connection - staff in CLC's various programs have gone old school with phone calls to individual neighbors. We are working on phone, postal mail, and online ways to help keep neighbors connected. 

Food Networks - Grocery delivery and weekly phone calls continue to over 210 individuals who are working hard to keep recipients and themselves safe. 

SF Connected/Computers  - With labs and libraries closed, CLC computer trainers  have lists of students and are working to keep them engaged through WeChat, phone help, Facebook chats, and a virtual help desk every Tuesday from 2:30-3:30. 

SF ReServe - ReServists remain safe and will be paid at their current levels. We continue to support Partners, ReServists, and job applicants individually.

 

And virtual staff meetings are how we keep this all going now. 

 
Coping With A Life Turned Upside Down 
Making Space to Grieve 
You are not alone if you're feeling grief about things we may have lost -  a sense of security,  physical presence with others,  freedom,  the ability to contribute and so much  more. Read the WebMD article by the same name here for insights.  
Be compassionate toward yourself. Know that it's normal to feel the way you feel. Expect there to be ups and downs-you may feel surprisingly normal, even joyful, at times, and then be blindsided by sadness. Talk about how you're feeling with people you care about, and meet them in their grief, too.  Here are more tips for mental health wellness tips during this period . 
Faith Communities Help Us Abide
We are quickly approaching Easter, Passover and Ramadan -- religious observances from the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths that offer hope and messages of deliverance. The San Francisco Interfaith Council (SFIC) has created   a portal with current and planned online services  from over 116 faith community sites.  Reconnect with your faith community and learn about others. 
Taking Action  
Stay Connected and Healthy

Community Living Campaign is offering a variety of phone and online ways to stay connected and participate in classes while sites are closed. Please use this Stay Healthy & Connected survey to share your contact information and preferences so that we can stay in touch. 
Do Something Now! April 1 Is 2020 Census Day

Ensure that our community's voices are heard and that we can rebuild in ways so no one is left out.  Go to the  2020 census website and begin. You don't need any code or even a regular address, just log in and take a few minutes. April 1 is the official census day-no foolin'!
Want to Volunteer But Wonder Where To Start? 
Many organizations with experience supporting volunteers have stepped up to increase their activities. Shanti, in partnership with the Dept. of Disability and Aging Services,  has just opened a new site as a COVID-19 Emergency Response Volunteer Program to help older adults (60+) and those with chronic conditions meet basic needs. Download a flyer here. 

The San Francisco Marin Food Bank has been vastly expanding its capacity to serve people throughout the city who need food - with pop up pantries and more grocery deliveries to vulnerable neighbors. Help keep everyone fed by volunteering to deliver groceries or help in many other ways.

Senior and Disability Action has a BayArea wide effort to coordinate volunteers in support seniors and people with disabilities here.  If you are a senior or person with a disability in need of basic help right now, or an ally willing to offer help, please fill out  this mutual aid form .  If you are in the East Bay, you can also check out www.oaklandatrisk.com.  
 
If you need help and want to be connected with a volunteer, you can also call the Dept. of Disability and Aging Benefits and Resources Line at 415-355-6700.
Learn, Grow, and Engage with Online Sessions 

CLC has launched a  growing list of daily  free activities on the CLC Website calendar .  including exercise, writing, sing-a-longs, social hours with pets or cocktails, information  sharing and so much more.   You can also download a schedule of activities for the next two weeks here.  

Covia Well Connected (formerly Senior Center without Walls) is another great site to to learn and to share.  
Download their full catalogs in English and Spanish.  You  can also volunteer to lead your own Well Connected group. 
Resources for Day to Day Living 
Homecare Workers and Caregivers On Front Lines
Thank You Care Providers!
Such a challenging time for hands on caregivers, both paid and family care providers who are truly on the front lines of providing care while staying safe themselves. Q&A about IHSS services on the DAS website here.  More information for family caregivers provided by Family Caregiver Alliance here. 

Food Shopping, Delivery and Pantries
Thanks Food Handlers For Safe Food
If you or someone you know needs food assistance or resources, call the  Disability  & Aging Services Benefits & Resources Hub  at 415-355-6700. Read more about food options and safety tips on our blog .
CLC's dedicated staff and volunteers are still delivering groceries. Pictured: the OMI Team
Tr ansportation Options (Essentials Only!) 
Even for those sheltering at home, a trip for medical appoints, g roceries or other
essentials services requires transportation. We are maintaining a list of current options on our Coronavirus updates page. Check the   SFMTA site for more, including SF Paratransit, which is still providing rides. CLC will soon be offering an online session - watch for updates on our calendar or email info@sfcommunityliving.org.  
Fun Things to Do From Home 
Colored pencils and drawing
It is important to remember the healing power of humor and fun!   Read our blog post for an amazing array of free things to do from home.  You'll find tips on virtual classes and social options, free concerts, ways to visit places from your couch, cooking, ways to nurture your creative side, dance and exercise options, and even meditation.  At home with grandchildren? Read our post for grandparents .
Unemployment & Economic Securit y-Help Is on the Way
AARP has clearly summarized what was included in the CARES economic stimulus package. Among other things, it will overhaul eligibility for unemployment and increase weekly benefits to $600. They have also explained who will receive stimulus checks, including those on Social Security.  
Stay  Connected - Let's Count the Ways 
Senior Beat Telling the Stories for our Times
The Senior Beat Reporters are still on the job, working hard to bring you the voices of older adults in San Francisco.  New features include "Seniors Have Their Say" and "Still Working or Still Looking". See their latest stories here.

Resources to Bridge the Digital Divide
For those without internet access at home (probably not you, but likely someone you know), CLC has put together a simple flyer about opportunities for free and low cost internet opportunities.  Beyond that, the San Francisco Tech Council has expanded their newsletter to include a host of new and existing opportunities for seniors and adults with disabilties to be connect to employment and one another.   Also find updated resource information on their website. 
USPS Says Keep The   Cards and Letters Coming 
On the US Postal Service website, we learned that the  CDC , the World Health Organization , as well as the Surgeon General have indicated  that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is being spread through the mail.   Now  we have the time to write a note of affection and encouragement to someone you care are about.  Don't even need to go to the Post Office for stamps, as Safeway and other markets are  selling them.  

Resources for Nonprofits Impacted by COVID-19
In difficult times, the world turns to civil society for support. TechSoup is committed to equipping our nonprofits with the technology resources they need to meet their mission, serve the community, and support their staff. Join for free and access tools to support remote work, software, webinars, and advice. 

Pomeroy Center Has Great Resources for All
The mission of Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center is to provide recreational, vocational and educational opportunities for people with disabilities through programs and services that encourage self-expression, promote personal achievement, and lead to greater independence.