COVID-19 Updates
Last updated 12pm, August 3, 2020
Connections to Success Response and Ongoing Services
Since mid-March our team has been working remotely, embracing new ways of meeting immediate needs while helping families move toward long-term economic stability. We started providing services virtually, which has allowed us to offer more flexible training times and continue supporting families through the crisis caused by COVID-19.
Along with virtual services, we also offer some in-person services at our offices by appointment. The wellbeing of our participants, staff, volunteers and community remains our priority, so we’ve implemented the following safety measures at all of our offices:
• Temperature: All individuals entering will have their temperature checked with a no-touch thermometer. Anyone with a temperature over 100.4°F will not be able to enter.
• Masks: All individuals entering the office must wear a mask. Masks will be provided if needed.
• Screening survey: Before entering an office, visitors will complete a short screening survey to assess potential exposure to COVID-19. Anyone who doesn’t meet the screening criteria won’t be able to enter at that time.
• Social distancing: All individuals will maintain a distance of 6ft apart, and building capacity will be limited to 10 people (or less at our smaller offices) to ensure social distancing can be achieved.
• Cleaning: Offices will be cleaned daily, with shared surfaces cleaned at least twice a day (shared tables, door handles, etc.).
• Remote work: Staff members at high-risk for illness will continue to work from home.
Planning a Visit
Our offices will be open for appointments from 8:00am-12:45pm and 2:30pm-4:00pm on weekdays, and staff will work on split shifts. To visit an office, we ask that you make an appointment with a member of our team. This helps us ensure the right team member is available to meet with you.
Dress for Success Suiting Services
While we are still unable to accept clothing donations at this time, we’re launching suiting services with curbside pick-ups for our participants in June.
Everyone enrolled in our virtual Personal and Professional Development Trainings will be able to complete a suiting questionnaire about their personal style and clothing sizes. Volunteers will use this information to custom-select a professional outfit for them from our boutiques that they can pick up at our office.
Virtual Personal and Professional Development Trainings
Our Personal and Professional Development Trainings are currently offered through live online video conferencing! Fill out the form below to learn more and start the sign-up process. Free to participate, and we’ll talk you through using video chats and online tools if needed.
Beyond continuing to provide our own coaching and support services, we’ll also connect our participants with other community resources that can address basic needs like food, housing and healthcare.
For Current Participants and Alumni
We’re available to meet by appointment at our offices. We’ll continue checking in with participants, but we encourage you to reach out with any needs or questions. If we can’t assist directly, we’ll work to connect you with someone who can. You are not alone – we’re here for you!
• Our program staff are available by phone, email, text, video chat, etc.
• One-on-one meetings can be arranged if needed
• Transportation options may be available to work, interviews and other key sites
If you have trouble reaching your Life Transformation Coach, Training Facilitator or Job Developer directly, message us on Facebook or Twitter, and we’ll work to connect you.
Below you will find more info on local resources. Click your region:
Ongoing Communications
We continue to monitor COVID-19 developments and will share updates as the situation evolves. We’re working to keep our stakeholders informed of all changes regarding our programs and practices through our e-mailing list, this dedicated COVID-19 response page on our website, and ongoing social media updates.
Precautions You Can Take & CDC Recommendations
The Center for Disease Control is monitoring the quickly changing situation and provides key updates and recommendations on their website.The following steps are recommended as ways to help prevent the spread of the illness. More details are available on the CDC site: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Clean your hands often
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
• If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• To the extent possible, avoid touching high touch surfaces in public places-elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc.
• Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
• Clean and disinfect your home.
• Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
• Avoid all non-essential travel.
While the COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving, our mission remains the same. During this time, we continue to work toward our goal of breaking the cycle of poverty in our communities. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in this mission.
Greater St. Louis Region – Community Resources
St. Louis Area Life Transformation Coaches
(For current and past Connections to Success participants)
• Marcello Caola | Email | 314-359-3418
• Leslie Hall | Email | 314-359-6792
• Tradale Hayes | Email | 314-201-685
• Lori McKinney | Email | 314-397-6407
Employment and Education
• Illinois Unemployment Benefits: Illinois is offering temporary benefits to eligible individuals whose employment status has been impacted by the coronavirus: https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/COVID-19-and-Unemployment-Benefits.aspx
• Amazon warehouses hiring new staff
• Vi-Jon, the maker of Germ-X, is hiring for multiple positions in the St. Charles and St. Louis area, including material handlers, maintenance roles and supervisor roles: bit.ly/2UgcEOZ
• The Local Job Network provides a searchable list of job openings in St. Louis and surrounding areas, including East St. Louis and Cahokia in Illinois to Wentzville and Washington in Missouri. Posts updated regularly: http://www.metrostlouisjobs.com/jobs
Housing
St. Charles Area: Community Council’s Coordinated Entry offers support with finding housing for people experiencing homelessness. Call 2-1-1 and let them know you need housing assistance or visit their website: http://www.communitycouncilstc.org/coc/coordinated-entry-for-homeless-services
Food
• All Our Kids – School Meal Pick-Ups: Click to view regional food sites
• Bridge Church Lake Saint Louis: Food available for those who usually depend on the school for meals. The church will provide food as long as possible and is working on childcare assistance. Call for more information: 636-614-8637
Address: 8676 Orf Road, Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367
• Crazy Bowls and Wraps: Offering a cheese quesadilla meal for children impacted by school closures. Includes chips or carrots, drink, and rice crispy treat. Offered 10:30am-1pm, M-F starting March 16.
Address: 2119 Highway K, O’Fallon, MO 63368 (Other locations may begin offering this March 18)
• St. Charles School District: Breakfast and lunch snacks offered M-F, 7:30am-9:30am, from March 18 until school reopens.
Eligibility and pick-up details: Children ages 0-18, children must be present for pick up. Drive up only. If you cannot pick up meals due to household illness or transportation issues, contact Matthias’ Lot Church for delivery options: 636-388-8242.
Addresses: Blackhurst Elementary 2000 Elm St., St. Charles 63301 & Monroe Elementary 2670 Zumbehl Rd., St. Charles 63301
• St. Charles Salvation Army: (Ongoing services, not set up solely for COVID-19 response) Provide to-go meals for 60 people – available M-F at 2pm. Offer food pantry services on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1:00-3:30pm and on Fridays from 1:00-2:30pm. If seeking assistance through the food pantry – bring proof of income and expenses, photo ID, and Social Security card to their location during one of the food pantry hours listed above.
Address: 2140 N 4th St, St Charles, MO 63301
Social Supports
• St. Charles County has created a list of local resources, including where to access food, medical resources, mental health resources and resources for specific populations (children, senior adults and people in need of housing): https://www.sccmo.org/2113/Community-Resources
Additional Resource Lists
St. Louis United Way 2-1-1: Includes information and resource links for info on utilities, food and more
Greater Kansas City Region – Community Resources
Local Response Updates
• Kansas City Text Updates and Hotline: To receive text updates from the Kansas City regarding the city’s response to COVID-19, text COVIDKC to 888-777. You can also call the statewide hotline for more information about the coronavirus at 877-435-8411 or visit https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/coronavirus.
Kansas City Area Life Transformation Coaches
(For current and past Connections to Success participants)
Jacob Bosch | Email | 816-288-1169
Helen Hurley | Email | 816-288-2783
John Ocker | Email | 816-288-1449
Trace’ Warren | Email | 816-288-0894
Aisha Williams | Email | 816-288-2214
Social Supports
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