COVID-19 UPDATE

The impact of COVID-19 has been detrimental for our students.  Many of our student’s parents have already lost their jobs due to employment in the service industry, and consequently emotions, fear and stress are running high. Following school closures, The POINT hit the ground running by partnering with The Octorara School District and providing our parking lot as the pick-up site for students and their families to pick up a boxed breakfast and lunch, Monday and Wednesday (approximately 700 meals distributed daily). Along with daily deliveries of emergency food boxes, backpacks of food for the weekend, and fruit and meat. This will continue for the duration of the school closure. Additionally, POINT staff have been working tirelessly, partnering with the Chester County Food Bank to collect food boxes and distribute them to POINT families each day as well as backpacks of food for the weekend. Many of our students live in remote mobile home communities throughout the county and do not have access to The POINT for pick-ups. The POINT has been delivering 70-100 food boxes daily in addition to food packs for the weekend. Staff have also been connecting with parents, inquiring about needs and addressing them on a case by case basis (rental assistance, utility assistance, gift cards, etc.). In the weeks ahead, The POINT plans to continue providing crisis support and basic needs to families to ensure the health and safety of every child we serve and to reduce repetitive trauma. Additionally, The POINT has launched virtual small-group Bible Studies to connect students with staff and volunteers to ensure they continue to feel loved, supported and hopeful in a very unsettling time. POINT staff are currently assessing increased opportunities to connect and support students physically, academically and spiritually.