COVID-19 Response

COVID-19 RESPONSE
A message from Family Pathways

The global fight against coronavirus presents a significant challenge to us all. Family Pathways is committed to finding ways to mitigate risks to the health of our clients, volunteers, and staff while striving to meet the critical needs of our neighbors. Over 20,000 people in our community rely on Family Pathways essential services – food shelves, domestic violence advocacy/shelter, and services for older adults.

As a longtime community partner for more than 40 years, Family Pathways remains a resource to the most vulnerable. Today, and in the months ahead, we ask our supporters to stand by our side.

We are actively monitoring guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and MN Department of Health (MDH) regarding COVID-19 and reassess our response daily. Following recommendations from national and state health leaders, Family Pathways is implementing the following actions until further notice.

Food Access

• Beginning Monday, March 16, all nine Family Pathways food shelves will pivot from the model where customers shop for their food, to a pre-packed grocery model delivered curbside.
• Mobile food pantry distribution will continue with modifications to delivery.
• Family Pathways is working to identify processes to support the nutritional needs of children affected by school closures.
• If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please contact the food shelf near you.
• Donations of food and financial support are enthusiastically welcomed. List of most needed items.

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services

• 24-Hour Crisis Hotline is available (800) 338-SAFE (7233)
• Black Dog Hill Shelter will continue to operate and honor social distancing. If you need emergency shelter, please contact the Crisis Hotline.
• If you need an Order for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order, please email or call a Family Pathways Advocate.
• Step Up education group for men is suspended until further notice.
• Trainings, meetings, and support groups are suspended until further notice.

Aging Services

• Caregiver consultations available by phone or email. Please contact our Aging Care Staff.
• Homemaking services are suspended until further notice.
• All classes and support groups are suspended until further notice.

Thrift Stores

• Thrift Stores are temporarily closed.
• Please do not bring donations to the Donation Centers at this time.

Forest Lake Teen Center

• Closed until further notice.

Supervised Visitation

• Centers used for supervised visits between child and parent will be cleaned on a daily basis; as well as before and after sessions.

Events

• The March FoodShare Campaign is well-underway. Family Pathways, along with other food access programs, are striving to not only fill the shelves today but prepare for increased need going forward. Get involved today.
• The annual fundraising event scheduled for May 14, Barn Bash, will be re-imagined as a “Non-Event”. Details coming soon.

Volunteers

• If you are not in a high-risk category and feel healthy, please consider volunteering. Fill out a Volunteer Interest Form here.
• In addition, Family Pathways is taking the following steps to help reduce contact and/or spread of COVID-19:
  —Increasing the visibility and importance of hand washing in the restrooms and throughout the facilities
  —Advising people to avoid touching their eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands
  —Advising people to avoid close contact with people who are sick
  —Advising staff and volunteers to stay home if they are in a high-risk category, display signs of illness or come into contact with affected individuals

Any crisis presents the opportunity to help one another, to learn, and to increase resilience while building a safer and more caring community. We will continue to monitor and adjust operations as appropriate. We’ll keep you updated as we know more and please don’t hesitate to reach us for questions or concerns.

Phone: 651.674.8040
Email: [email protected]