(april 20, 2020) - Update: GIRLFORWARD COVID-19 Response
The last three weeks have brought unanticipated challenges and obstacles, but, through it all, we have seen glimmers of hope and resiliency in our GirlForward community and beyond.
As we learn of the increasing disparities that come with remote learning, we are even more committed and dedicated to our mission of providing girls with tutoring services, mentors, and resources to ensure they thrive academically and stay on the path to a bright future. In a time when nothing seems “normal”, it is truly meaningful to know that what we do makes a difference and will continue to do so, even in seemingly uncharted waters.
Our tutoring and mentoring continues to be virtual, and we will revisit this when guidance from public health officials changes. In addition to this programming, we have also included a weekly community hour, in which GirlForward girls, friends, and staff can meet virtually to engage in fun group activities, like yoga, mindfulness exercises, and dance. We are also applying to funds that can help provide girls and their families with needed resources and supplies, like increased financial assistance and face masks.
As always, a gift to GirlForward will go so far in supporting our cause and our mission. If you or someone you know is able, we would be honored to have you support our cause.
Starting April 28, we will be hosting a weeklong initiative to highlight our amazing community and to share ways you and your friends can help GirlForward. Join our campaign on our Facebook and Instagram pages!
We are grateful to all of you for your unwavering support. As we continue on this journey, we ask you to stay close to us and to stay in touch. You may always reach out to me directly if you have ideas, stories, or just want to say hi! As we keep our bonds tight and come together as the GirlForward family, I have hope that we will come out of this stronger, with a renewed faith in each other and appreciation for those around us.
With gratitude,
Karnika
(March 25, 2020) - GIRLFORWARD COVID-19 Response
This time has been challenging and devastating for many. From day one, our goal here at GirlForward has been to provide our participants, staff, and community with as much support as we can, and we have been working hard to provide as much clarity as possible during this time.
The following are actions that GirlForward has taken in response to COVID-19:
Supporting our participants:
Since March 10, we have suspended in-person tutoring and closed our drop-in centers in both Austin and Chicago. Before closing our facilities, we offered our participants the opportunity to borrow any needed tech (like Chromebooks and graphing calculators) and pick up care packages. Immediately upon announcing our closing, we offered our participants an option for virtual tutoring, and that has proved to be very successful, as we have received positive feedback from both tutors and our participants.
Additionally, as of March 16, we have asked that all mentors suspend in-person meetings with their mentees but continue to have their weekly meetings virtually. Mentors are encouraged to engage more frequently during this time to help reduce feelings of isolation that could result from social distancing and stay-at-home orders.
Supporting our volunteers:
In every instance, we have offered training for successful virtual interactions to ensure everyone feels comfortable navigating these new circumstances; we have also solicited feedback from volunteers and participants to make sure we are addressing any needs and challenges.
Supporting our staff:
Since March 10, our staff has worked remotely, allowing them to safely work from home without commuting into the office. Before taking this action, we discussed the decision at our organization-wide staff meeting the prior week. In the last two weeks, we have instituted virtual water cooler chats and increased check-ins, and we have looked into resources to make this experience smoother for all of our staff, both in their professional role and as individuals.
Even before the implementation of these new measures, we are proud to have offered a very flexible remote work policy, one that allowed all employees to work off-site any time that they chose. We are so proud of our staff and the flexibility and dedication they have demonstrated during this trying time.
Without you, we would not be able to do the work that we do, and we ask for your continued support as we enter this period of uncertainty. Please consider giving and forwarding this page to your network. Your contribution will directly impact the lives of our participants, all of whom are high school girls who identify as refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers.
If you are interested in directly supporting our refugee families by providing donated items, we recommend the following organizations:
Central Texas Food Bank (Austin)
Care for Real (Chicago)
Thank you very much for your support of GirlForward. I hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.
With gratitude,
Karnika Iyengar
Executive Director, GirlForward