So often we hear, “In a matter of a moment, everything can change.” The Coronavirus has certainly proven that point. One day, life went on as usual and then the next day, life as we knew it, changed completely.
Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY, had to close its doors due to the ‘Pause Order’ in New York State. The lives of our clients changed. So many businesses closed, therefore, jobs were no longer available. The majority of our clients are not eligible for unemployment nor can they receive the government stimulus check as it was clearly written, only American citizens are eligible for the checks.
We are very fortunate in Dobbs Ferry, NY as we have many available resources. Each month, many Dobbs Ferry families receive a food card to Stop & Shop through the Family to
Family program. In addition, SPRING Community Partners assist with food cards and emergency funding. The school district continues to distribute ‘Grab and Go’ breakfast and lunch food bags for the students.
Despite the fact that CIS is closed, many of our adult tutors stay connected with their students through Zoom or phone calls. Some reach out to make sure that their students’ children are able to complete their assignments now that they are doing distance learning.
Despite COVID-19, CIS continues to reach out in many ways. This week, CIS was able to help 56 families with food cards. Thanks to a grant that CIS had received, each family received a $100 food card to Stop & Shop.
We are so grateful to be able to help our families in a much-needed way. One can only imagine the stress of having everyone at home 24/7, perhaps not having any income, plus, trying to navigate the school system so the children can go to school on-line.
We do not know what the ‘new normal’ will look like or when we can reopen our doors. All we can do is pray for one another.