PANTRY IS OPEN

Pantry hours are 7-8pm Wednesdays and 12-1pm Saturdays. Bags/boxes are packed by volunteers/staff inside and delivered outside the building. We’re providing as much choice as possible while keeping person-to-person contact low. Right now there’s NO LIMIT to how many times you can visit. And we have LOTS of diapers, menstrual supplies, and other non-food items to share, so please come.

NEIGHBORS ARE CONNECTING

Volunteer and staff “connectors” from the Support and Solidarity Network are calling families to find out what’s happening, provide information about food access, and “connect” to help with benefits, job or housing loss, keeping kids busy, etc. We started with families who have kids in afterschool and 2019 pantry shoppers, but call if you want to be on the list. To get or give help, the best number to call is 608.833.4979 x 224.

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ENGAGING

High school youth are on Zoom with Teen Build Up staff for homework help, getting questions answered, playing games (via Jackbox), or just saying hi. Staff send youth weekly details by email.

Middle school youth are making art! From painting with volunteer Simone to knitting with volunteer Courtney, this time has been super creative. Sara is reaching out to middle schoolers.

Elementary children are making art, too, with art therapy intern Autumn and kits sent home from the Center. Even violin lessons are happening on Zoom! The elementary team is checking in directly with families.

SUMMER PLANNING IS UNDERWAY

We know how important summer programming is to the kids and families who participate. And we want everyone to be safe. So we’re working with public health experts, other community centers, and MMSD to come up with a plan. If we can bring kids together safely, we’ll do that. If we need to take our programs online, we’ll do that. REGISTRATION IS NOT YET OPEN, but we’ll let you know ASAP.

To sponsor a young person’s safe, engaging, familiar (as much as possible) experience this summer:

MAKE A SUMMER GIFT