The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted the lives and patterns of youth and their families, particularly those facing low-income status. Local Out-of-School Time Providers who provide childcare, learning support, and other essential services have been tasked with adjusting quickly to shifting community needs, ensuring youth safety, and providingquality programming through both virtual and in-person efforts during this time. The Foundation has hosted four conversations with Jefferson youth providers since the start of the pandemic to provide opportunities for connection, collaboration, and resource-sharing. Providers have explored joint strategies for addressing widespread community challenges including internet and technology access, supporting new childcare needs and the emergence of community learning hubs, and navigating staffing and staff care challenges experienced by the organizations themselves.
If your organization is an out-of-school time program serving the Jefferson Area, and you’d like to participate in future Out-of-School Time convenings, please contact us.
