via Patch.com
The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. is adapting its services to meet the needs of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the opening of an emergency drop-in child care center for essential workers.
Most of GLCAC's programs are fully operational by phone and email through at least May 18. In addition, GLCAC has:
Moved its weekly food pantry outside and implemented new health and safety precautions.
Shifted staff to assist in high-volume programs like fuel assistance, housing and unemployment claims.
Created an online donation registry through Walmart to help families with basic needs like diapers.
Compiled an online community resource page.
"During this unprecedented time, GLCAC has quickly adapted to meet the changing needs of families in Greater Lawrence,'' said GLCAC Executive Director Evelyn Friedman. "We are working closely with local organizations and the city of Lawrence to ensure families have access to basic needs like food, child care, health care and fuel assistance.''
While child care centers must be closed through June 29, the state has designated a limited number for essential workers. GLCAC recently opened an emergency child care center at its Head Start facility at 305 Essex St., Lawrence.
Space is available only for the children of workers deemed essential by the state. This includes those in health care, public health, human services, law enforcement, public safety and first-responder fields. The center is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Essential workers in need of this free service must call GLCAC at 978-681-4959 by 2 p.m. to make a reservation for the following day.
"We are thrilled to be offering this service for workers in our community who are putting themselves out on the front line to serve and protect us,'' Friedman said.
Comments