With county and statewide directives in place closing schools and restricting public gatherings, My Kid’s Club has put measures in place to ensure they adapt to these unprecedented circumstances and can continue to meet the needs of children and families.
“Our clubs are closed, but our children still need us,” said My Kid’s Club Executive Director Alison Gammage. “We are supporting our children from a distance and ensuring they know we are here for them. In big ways and small, we are letting them know they are loved and missed.”
On Monday, March 17, My Kid’s Club conducted an assessment, contacting families served by the organization to identify their needs and provide information about additional resources made available by local and state agencies. Plans were also implemented to ensure consistent communication with families, establishing a weekly cadence for My Kid’s Club counselors to call children and families.
Virtual office hours were also defined, providing windows of time when counselors are available to provide remote assistance, including helping families use the online curriculum and other digital resources so that each child can continue their schooling from home.
Helping to support the efforts of the Johnston County Public School System and the Selma and Smithfield Elementary Schools has been part of My Kid’s Clubs’ plan.
Another important role for My Kid’s Club in the last few weeks has been helping to distribute the ‘drop and go lunches’ at Selma Elementary School every day and delivering food to families as needed. My Kid’s Club staff also helped Selma Elementary School deliver laptops to children to ensure they have the necessary resources to continue the school year by learning from home. The Club is providing assistance and support to families who have Internet connectivity issues or challenges accessing online learning programs.
“As the needs of our children change, we will adapt to address them. We need the community’s help to support these additional services and measures My Kid’s Club is providing during this time. Bagged snacks, games, school supplies, sports equipment are all appreciated,” Gammage said.
For more information on how to donate food and supplies email admin@mykidsclub.org. Financial donations may be made at My Kid’s Club or by phone 919-351-1559.
