News You Can Use (And Where To Find It)

O  From Cleveland Rape Crises Center (CRCC)….Telehealth Services are now available to include counseling, victim assistance & Project STAR (Sex Trafficking Advocacy & Recovery) services. Chat online at https://clevelandrapecrisis.org ; Hotlines continue to be monitored 24/7….Project STAR: 885.431.STAR (7827);  Crisis & Support: Call or text 216.619.6192 or 440.423.2020.

O  The Center for Community Solutions…. has compiled information about things like how have benefits changed, how to get food assistance, unemployment benefits & also how to give back to our local foodbank during this crisis. Check it out here: https://tinyurl.com/CCS-Covid

O  From Islamic Center of Cleveland (6055 W. 130th St., Parma)….Has reinstituted its fresh produce food pantry for low income families. It takes place the 1st  Saturday of each month from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Please bring ID & your own bags. No admittance to property before 10:30.

O  Local Hospital Systems Coronavirus web sites & phone numbers:
      >>  University Hospitals…. https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/coronavirus;  Ph: 440-703-8121.
            >>  Parma Medical Center…. https://www.uhhospitals.org/locations/uh-parma-medical-center   Ph: 440.743.3000
      >>  Cleveland Clinic…. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/landing/preparing-for-coronavirus;  Ph:855.697.3750.
      >>  MetroHealth…. https://www.metrohealth.org/infectious-disease/covid-19;  Ph:440-59-COVID (440-592-6843).

O  From University Settlement’s Southwest Community Based Services:
      >>  Was formally known as the Parma Area Family Collaborative &, effective April 1st, reflects a change in lead agency from the Parma City School District to University Settlement (https://www.universitysettlement.net) . They will serve the same 14 communities; their mission: Nurture – Strengthen  - Connect , youth, adults, families and communities, will continue & the first class services/programs provided will likely grow. Follow “Southwest Community Based Services” on FB for updates and announcements.
      >>  Every Wednesday, starting May 6th, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm University Settlement will be hosting a ZOOM based discussion about managing your money during this crises period. Build your financial toolkit (and flex your own financial muscles!). Pre-registration is required. Contact Sandra Buckner at sbuckner@universitysettlement.net.

O  From MyCom & Starting Point….Go here https://tinyurl.com/MyCom-Resources for an exhaustive list of “….Covid-19 Community Resources to help you and your family get through this unprecedented time.”  A lot of new stuff here – worth a visit.

O  Try PRE4CLE to connect w/resources specifically for families of pre-schoolers. Click here: https://pre4cle.org/coronavirus/

O  From Parma City Schools….
      >>  Go here for current PCSD Covid-19 related announcements: https://www.parmacityschools.org/Page/8946
      >>  Is working on revising their plan for Kindergarten Registration. The May event is now canceled. However, step 1, online KG registration, is always accessible at http://parmacityschools.org/registration. We will share more details on step 2, attending a KG registration event, soon.
      >>  Go here for the latest PCSD Distance Learning update: https://www.parmacityschools.org/Page/8966

O  Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL)….Some (free) online library resources to help families with home learning:
      >>  Student Resources:   https://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Kids-Teens/Student-Resources.aspx
      >>  eBooks and eAudiobooks:   https://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Kids-Teens.aspx
      >>  Online Stories:   https://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Kids-Teens/Kids.aspx
      >>  Get a Library Card:  https://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Borrow/Get-a-Library-Card.aspx

O  From Parma Area Chamber of Commerce….If you’re a local business owner (or perhaps just curious) check out their Covid-19 web page: https://parmaareachamber.org/coronavirus/.  They done a great job of summarizing current information including links to a number of useful resources.

O  Don’t forget about the Literacy Cooperative-Imagination Library….Any child from birth to 4 1/2  years of age, living in Cuyahoga County can now receive, completely free, a brand new, age appropriate book, mailed directly to them each month. Enroll your child on-line by going here: https://www.literacycooperative.org/imagination-library/

O  Amazon…. has canceled its subscription requirement for books and audio stories for children and students of all ages as long as schools are closed All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet using the following link https://stories.audible.com/start-listen