READI Chicago outreach teams are seeing that violence patterns continue to be active despite COVID-19, and therefore, they remain committed to relentless engagement. Outreach teams are using technology when possible to remotely check in with participants daily, as well as assisting transitional jobs partners to facilitate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and professional development.
“We do wellness checks on our participants, we give them wake-up calls for CBT, and we connect with them every day via social media, text, or call,” said Cedric Frison, a READI Chicago outreach worker for the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago. “It’s very important for us to keep them engaged and keep their minds focused throughout all this.”
READI Chicago outreach teams have also been out in the community when necessary, practicing social distancing while delivering food and essentials to participants and educating communities on how they can protect themselves.
Above: Outreach workers from UCAN package and deliver care packages to participants
Above: Outreach workers from READI Chicago Englewood Outreach worked with the Zakat Foundation to provide food to participants
READI Chicago recognizes that there are misconceptions in the communities we serve about the risk of COVID-19. We know that the virus will disproportionately impact our low-income neighbors and communities, so dispelling myths and disseminating accurate information is imperative. Outreach workers have been working to activate staff and participants as credible messengers in their communities to help spread accurate and culturally competent information about the virus and how to stay safe.
“We’re not only educating our participants, but we’re encouraging them to take the information they’ve learned back to their homes and neighbors,” Cedric said. “It’s powerful for the community to still see us engaged. When they see READI Chicago still present in the community, it gives a sense of hope. It’s that real talk and real love.”
More ways to get involved
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- Share stories of our courageous participants and employees, and help us spread accurate information about how to keep vulnerable populations safe from COVID-19.
- Make a gift to help employees across the Alliance provide access to critical supportive services to those who are most vulnerable.
- Donate homemade masks to help fight COVID-19.
We are grateful for the support and care you have for the individuals we serve, and for our employees who are on the frontlines every day.
