Dear Friends,
At Riis Settlement, we know that we are not unique. We too have been personally affected by COVID-19, as several staff members became ill with the virus. But, we are now doing well and are on on the way to regaining full strength while remaining vigilant. I myself struggled with the coronavirus for several weeks, but I am happy to announce that I have made a full recovery. In spite of the unprecedented challenges this virus has created, the work continues at Riis, and we are honored to be able to keep helping the community.
Our Senior Services program has now shifted to 100% remote, as senior meals are now being home delivered and augmented by a wonderful team of community volunteers. We are reaching out to all of our seniors via phone at least 3 times per week and are ensuring they have food, that their health is good, that they are in possession of and taking required medications, feel safe and secure in their homes, are managing rent payments and bills, and are in good emotional health. Our nurses also check in bi-weekly. We are working with partners like Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) to enhance video-socialization activities for our older adults as well.
Our Immigrant Services work also continues remotely. ESOL classes are now held via Zoom, and legal services and case management take place over the phone on an ongoing basis. There are numerous challenges, of course, as many of our immigrant participants do not have access to needed technology and are among those who continue to work through the crisis and are most at-risk for contracting the virus. We are working with and assisting many undocumented immigrants with access to medical care and needed resources, as they are not eligible for federal benefits, unfortunately.
On the youth services front, Riis Academy has also moved to remote learning and activities. Though we cannot currently operate traditional after school programs as they were, our staff is in touch with young people and their families almost every day via phone—checking in, offering reminders, reassurance, and referrals, helping children and youth with their remote homework assignments, helping teens move forward with their college and career preparation, and a whole lot more.
We stand ready and able to help where we can, to give back to the communities of Western Queens that have given so much to us over the past 70 years. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of professionals as we all work through this crisis together.
Sincerely,
Christopher Hanway
Executive Director
