In spite of the need for social distancing to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, our work has not stopped-we are just doing it differently.  The programs and support that SPCC provides to over 6,000 children and families in our community is considered an “Essential” service and one that we take with great pride.

Child maltreatment and family trauma is at even greater risk during a pandemic due to caregiver and family stress (e.g. isolation, lack of contact with social networks (friends, family), lack of routine (school, outside activities), the uncertainty of employment and income, resulting in tenuous living situations, lack of basic resources, etc.)

Our focus during this crisis is to support our committed staff so they in turn can be available to program participants.  We are working to support our community in the following ways:

• SPCC’s regular services are continuing to be provided for our program participants (children and parents) either virtually or in person, depending on a collaborative assessment of well-being and safety.
• Directly providing our program participants with essential items, including diapers, formula, food, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, etc, as well as connecting families with additional community resources
• To support social distancing recommendations, most of our programs are now being operated remotely, while a few programs continue to offer modified, office-based services., SPCC’s value and excellence in providing supervisory best practices continues to be prioritized and maintained through virtual supervisory sessions.

We are still accepting referrals in each of our programs.  The most efficient way to make a referral is to connect with our Program Supervisors by email as listed on our website; access to phone and fax is very limited.

Many of you in the community are asking how you can help.  As you know, the best way to positively impact the current situation is to follow the Center for Disease Control and Prevention protocols to slow the spread of COVID-19.  If you are inspired to provide concrete support, to the families we serve, they would benefit from the following:

Immediate needs:

• Diapers (all sizes) and wipes
• LYFT or Uber ride cards for families to attend to their medical needs

Please contact Heather Smith at Hsmith@spcc-roch.org to arrange for safe delivery to our office; please note that we have very limited office hours at this time.

On-going needs:

• Gift cards to grocery stores, dollar stores, or Walmart
• If you would like to send an e-card, please email to hsmith@spcc-roch.org

We are continuously reminded that we are in this together.  Thank you to our community for helping us support the children and families served by SPCC during this difficult time.