With the majority of programming moving to remote or online platforms, keeping participants engaged and continuing to provide services is more critical now than ever.
Participants are continuing to receive daily cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and professional development (PD) sessions via online video platforms, and we are working to develop increased PD programming to keep participants engaged until safe subsidized employment is possible. Our coaches and crew chiefs are focused on staying connected to our participants, already at high risk of isolation, by checking in daily and supporting a community approach to ensure that participants are prioritizing their own health and that of their families and communities.
“The most important thing right now is keeping our participants engaged,” said Porscha Bradford, a READI Chicago job coach for Centers for New Horizons. “It would be easy during this time to go back to old behaviors, but we are keeping them engaged, focused, and moving forward.”
READI Chicago staff have also been working to identify the unique needs of our participants as they navigate through COVID-19. We have seen that many of our participants are struggling with access to food and hygiene kits; emergency financial stipends to help with things like rent, utilities, and medical care; and resources needed to accommodate virtual program delivery. Partners across READI Chicago are working with participants to provide access to these necessities.
“It’s so important that we keep providing different resources so that they know we are still here supporting them, even if we can’t physically be there,” Porscha said. “We are still here, trying to get them what they need. Even with everything going on, our support is not going to change.”
More ways to get involved
- Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to stay updated on the latest developments with our work.
- 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.
