I pray you are all well. I will be publishing helpful information on a regular basis as we deal with the current COVID -19 crisis.

COVID 19 Information and Resources for Assistance
 

• NJ COVID 19 Information Hub has updated information about COVID 19 in NJ, health answers, services available, financial resources, and the latest statistics. https://covid19.nj.gov  You can also dial 211 for general questions and 1-800-962-1253 for medical questions. This is available 27/7..
• If you have lost some income and are worried about buying groceries for your family, you may be eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program- formerly known as Food Stamps). For more information, visit the website:  https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/programs/njsnap
• Here is a link to NJ Helps for more information about other financial assistance programs through the state Department of Human Services. https://njfc.force.com/njhelps
•  The St, Vincent DePaul Food Society continues to be a resource for our community. The Food Pantry has been making some deliveries. Call St. Benedict Church at 732-264-4712 x33.
• If you want to give back to the community while staying safe and adhering to social distancing guidelines, here is a site with some good ideas.  https://www.learningtogive.org/news/generosity-and-service-while-practicing-social-distancing
• St. Jude's Hospital COVID 19 Coloring and Activity books:  https://together.stjude.org/en-us/care-support/covid-19-resources.html

Academic and Special Needs Information

• Wide Open School has a number of resources available for academics and for well- being. It is worth checking out.  https://wideopenschool.org/
• Here is a link to special education apps and websites: https://www.commonsense.org/education/top-picks/best-special-education-apps-and-websites
• Apps to help kids stay focused: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/apps-to-help-kids-stay-focused

 
Mental Health and Health Resources
 

• "Helping Kids Process Violence, Trauma, and Race in a World of Nonstop News"  https://www.commonsensemedia.org/events/conversations
• https://kdvr.com/news/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-all-the-protests-and-riots 
• https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/15-tips-talking-children-about-school-violence
•  https://www.npr.org/2019/04/24/716704917/when-the-news-is-scary-what-to-say-to-kids.
• Free resources to help children during the pandemic from Friendzy: https://www.friendzy.co/friendzy-freebies
• The importance of gratitude for improved mental health:  https://www.happify.com/hd/benefits-of-being-grateful-that-you-may-not-know-about/
• Gratitude activities: https://www.friendzy.co/friendzy-freebies/gratitude-journal
• Vaping Information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrBv2tDaxWg&feature=youtu.be
• This website has anxiety conversation guides for parents. There are four different guides- for preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school.  https://theparentcue.org/resources/anxiety-conversation-guide/
• If you are experiencing anxiety regarding the pandemic or other issues you are facing, there is help available 24/7 through the Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org or text HOME to 741741.
• Here is a link to a web article about how to talk with your children about what's going on.  https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/how-talk-your-kids-about-coronavirus-ease-their-fears-ncna1129851
• How to help your family destress:     https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/help-your-family-de-stress-during-coronavirus-uncertainty?
• Free daily meditation session and discussion: :https://www.tenpercent.com/coronavirussanityguide?utm_campaign=cv_response_website_banner&utm_medium=website&utm_source=cv_response
• Apps for stress release and relaxation: RelaxApp, Antistress, Relaxing Sounds
• Apps for Meditation: Headspace, Breathe+, Breathe, Aura, Calm, Smiling Mind

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I can be reached at 732-264-5578, ext. 40 or at  potterton@stbenedictnj.org. 

Below are links to articles, websites, and other resources.