What effect has COVID-19 had on Wayfinder’s children, youth and adults?
Wayfinder’s clients are among those hardest hit by the COVID-19 public health and economic crises because they are the most vulnerable and fall into at least one risk group:
Low-wage earners: 90% of our clients live in low-income ZIP codes.
Children, youth and adults with disabilities: Roughly 45% of our direct-service clients are people with disabilities, who are at risk of higher levels of social isolation and loneliness during the pandemic, according to the American Psychological Association.
Underrepresented groups: Two-thirds of our clients are from historically underrepresented ethnic groups, others are disabled or immigrants. The pandemic has worsened their lack of access to jobs and essential services.
Parents with school-age children are struggling to take a leading role in their education, especially parents of children in special education programs.
Children at risk of abuse: Stay-home orders and closed schools are preventing children at risk from interacting with adults, like teachers, who are mandated to report suspected abuse. Wayfinder’s temporary shelter care program cares for children who have been removed from their homes and are awaiting placement.
Mental health: The social isolation and stress associated with the pandemic are worsening mental health for our clients.
What does the future look like?
This is one of the most disruptive times in modern history. But disruption can lead to innovation and change. While I am concerned for our clients’ well-being, I am also inspired by the tenacity of our staff, the innovation and passion they bring to their work every day, and the responsiveness of our donors. We are in the midst of multiple crises, but I believe in the power of resilience to get us through and that is evident every day in our programs. This is what it means to be a Wayfinder and by supporting our work, you are a Wayfinder, too. Thank you. The world needs us, now more than ever.
Wayfinder continues to help children and families during the COVID-19 crisis.
Please consider a gift today and help us stand in the gap for families in need. Your gift can provide:
Diapers and formula for two weeks for an infant ($50)
20 meals for children in our programs ($100)
One day of 1-to-1 individual care for a child with a disability ($250)
30 hours of extra cleaning of our facilities ($500)
30 hours of additional nursing staff time ($1,000)
Increased inventory of protective equipment and supplies for our staff ($2,500)
A fully equipped isolation facility for Wayfinder clients with COVID-19 ($5,000)
Visit www.wayfinderfamily.org/cares to make a gift or use the enclosed envelope. Thank you!
November 25, 2020