A letter to our community during COVID-19

Friends of First Chance,

I’m writing to you today, not with more program changes or words of caution, but just to remind you that we are here for you. And while we can’t promise that there aren’t more changes to come, we can promise that we will continue to be here, in every way possible. This is a challenging time for everyone, and each of us face our own unique battles- from learning to teach our children, co-exist with our loved ones for 24hrs a day, find essentials, and care for sick ones, all while trying to keep the anxiety and worries at bay. 

For me, this pandemic has been hard- I worry about each of you, how we can be supportive in ways that are meaningful and continue to provide services that are relevant to the challenges you face. With that- I want to leave a line open: if you need anything, reach out to us and we will do what we can to help with the resources we have. I want to recognize that each of you are doing your absolute best and it is enough. I also want to say if you’re doing your best and feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, uncertain, or just scared- that is normal.  Help is all around you, and asking for help means you’re doing just as well as the rest of us, I think we could all use a little help from time to time, especially now.

If you do need help, we are here. While our services are different right now, we are still here. We are just a quick social media message, text, phone call, or email away. Here are all the services we are still offering:

  • we can deliver a package of diapers or can of formula to your front door 
  • we can help you with activities to do with your young child 
  • we can walk you through a developmental screening for your child
  • we can be an ear to talk you through any parenting challenges you’re having
  • we can help connect you to other community resources you need

One of the things we can’t do, which I so wish we could, is give you a big hug. All of these services are still available because of our dedicated donors and supporters, and I want to recognize their commitment to our vision even through hardship. So thank you. Thank you for sharing our posts on social media, volunteering countless hours, donating diapers, and contributing funds to support our programs and the families they serve.

I’ll end by saying this again: First Chance is here for you and our community during this difficult time. It looks a little different than how it has in the past, but we aren’t going anywhere. We see you, your strength, your resilience, your resourcefulness, (and let’s be honest, your worry). Together, we’re going to make it through this. I hope you’ll reach out if there’s anything we can do to support your family, and we’ll do our best to meet your needs. Being a parent (and a human!) is hard- now more than ever, and we’re here to help.

Sincerely,

Kasey Schaumburg

Executive Director, First Chance for Children