Alumni Resources
We are here to support our amazing alumni Team Members!
We know this is a difficult time, one of uncertainty and lots of unknowns. Your Together We Bake family is here for you to provide support in all ways possible. Please share any resources you have found to be helpful. Share the info with Stephanie or Liz so that we can update this page and get the word out to your fellow alumni. We have some emergency funding to support you if you are facing financial hardship. Please fill out this form. Also, everyone should be eligible for the government stimulus check. Go to this website to check on the status of your check. If you haven’t received a check, the fastest way for eligible individuals and families to claim their EIP is to file a simple return through the non-filer portal on the IRS website by October 15. People who miss this deadline can also file a 2020 tax return next year to receive the payment in 2021.
SELF CARE
Take time to soothe your body and mind. The Honest Guys have a great youtube channel full of guided meditations. Relaxing your body and mind will allow you to feel less anxious, and a settled mind leads to better decision making and insight.
Here is a document with wellness resources, try to do something each day to care for yourself.
If you are in recovery, here are some online resources.
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/covid-19-resources
- http:// https://www.smartrecovery.org/smart-recovery-toolbox/
- https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-recovery-coach/201706/dozen-ways-you-can-support-someone-in-recovery
GENERAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Bills. Many utilities, telecommunications companies and automakers are easing shutoffs and waiving late fees to accommodate consumers who might be struggling during the coronavirus pandemic. Check your providers’ websites for more info or this article for info and links.
Dominion Energy announces it will not shut off your power for non-payment.
Dominion Energy has suspended all service disconnections and are reconnecting residential customers whose services were shut off in the light of the coronavirus crisis.
A spokesperson said, “We know the communities we serve rely on us to provide an essential service. We remain committed to providing reliable energy service 24/7.”
Find further information on the Dominion Energy website or to discuss your personal situation, please contact the following:
- Scott Reamy (Alexandria/Arlington Co./Falls Church) at Scott.P.Reamy@DominionEnergy.com or 703-554-4236
- Scott A. Price, Regional Policy Director at Scott.A.Price@DominionEnergy.com or 703-624-1933
Rent. Many cities and states are halting evictions due to coronavirus. If you are falling behind on your rent due to coronavirus related events, please let Stephanie or Liz know.
Here is some good info on housing relief resources.
Employment. Many positions are being cut and hours are being lowered. If you lose your job due to the coronavirus, you are eligible for unemployment benefits (eligibility has been enhanced, waiting periods waived, restrictions lowered). Check out this article to learn more about your state’s application process. Please let Stephanie or Liz know if you lose your job or if you need help with the application.
Other resources, check out this article.
FOOD ACCESS RESOURCES
Hunger Free Alexandria has a great list of resources in the Alexandria area.
City of Alexandria Public Schools Meals for Children and Families
Fairfax County Schools Meals for Children and Families
Arlington County Schools Meals for Children and Families
DC Public Schools Meals for Children and Families
DC Restaurants providing free meals
OTHER RESOURCES
Capital Bikeshare (CaBi) just sent out announcing the start of their restructuring of the Community Partners Program. The new program is called “Capital Bikeshare for All” and will expand Capital Bikeshare membership to all low-income Alexandria residents, ages 18 and older who qualify for a state or federal assistance program including, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women Infants, and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), SSI/SSDI Supplemental Security Income, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and Medicaid. For a $5 Annual Membership, bikes will be available 24/7/365 throughout the service area for unlimited rides with the first 60 minutes of each trip included. There will be no usage fees for e-bikes.
Comcast is taking steps to implement the following new policies for the next 60 days:
- Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser.
- No Disconnects or Late Fees: We will not disconnect a customer’s internet service or assess late fees if they contact us and let us know that they can’t pay their bills during this period. Our care teams will be available to offer flexible payment options and can help find other solutions.
- Internet Essentials Free to New Customers: It’s now easier for low-income families who live in a Comcast service area to sign-up for Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month.
Negotiation Works, a community partner who provides negotiation skills groups as part of the Together We Bake training program, has provided some useful resources during this difficult time.
Negotiating Household Tensions During the Pandemic
Negotiating Bills During the Pandemic
If you are looking for ways to fill your time, click here for some great professional development resources and life skills and continuing education opportunities.
