A Message from Samantha Taylor, Program Manager at StarVista’s Foster Youth Education Enrichment Services
Over the last week, life has changed greatly for all individuals. Our community is living with the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter-in-place order, and our daily routines have come to a halt. We are learning how to define our new routine, our new normal, and learning how to use our time, be productive, practice self-care, and cope with the order to stay inside. Youth who are used to interacting with their peers daily are suddenly finding themselves logging into online classrooms and video conferences with classmates.
During this time, StarVista’s Foster Youth Education and Enrichment Services has played an integral part in supporting caregivers and their youth in setting up their online virtual classrooms, learning how to log in and be in class, and provided much-needed interaction with the outside world. How we provide our services has transitioned to remote; however, we continue to be there for our families and clients.
Our Case Managers regularly check in over the phone or with a video call and provide any support that might be needed. We are connecting youth to resources, helping them with homework, and being a consistent figure during this uncertain time.
Learning to settle into a new routine and finding your pace can take time. We have collected a list of resources to hopefully help with finding different ways to support your youth, your family, and help continue to create a connection with your youth!