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Springfield meal sites now offering dinner!

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Springfield meal sites now offering dinner!

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Take a look at the 17 sites across the city that offer meals for children.
Pick up is Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The student does not need to be present. No identification is required, all that is asked is if the meals will be provided to children in school.

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SPRINGFIELD - Beginning Monday, Springfield Public Schools will be adding dinner to the packet of free meals provided to students every day. There have also been two new sites added to accommodate the need across the city.

"It gives us great satisfaction to now make dinner available to our students. We are grateful to Sodexo for their unwavering and ever expanding commitment to our community. We believe that having this resource will be beneficial for many of our families and having it as an option, will certainly serve all of our families," said Superintendent of Schools Daniel Warwick.

Sodexo, the district's food service provider, has added Sumner Avenue School, 45 Sumner Ave., as a meal distribution site and Milton Bradley School, 22 Mulberry St., will be added as meal distribution site to replace the South End Middle School location. Additionally, a drive-thru/drive-up feature has been added for meal pick-up at Indian Orchard, Milton Bradley, Sumner, Talmadge and Warner sites. All changes take effect

"We know for certain, that for some, school is where they turn for meals and we have such peace of mind knowing that none of our students will go hungry while school is out. We encourage all of families to take advantage of these free meals," Warwick said. When school is in session the district serves 30,000 meals every day.

Meal service next week will be Monday through Thursday only in observance of Good Friday, April 10. However, meal distribution next Thursday will include four breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners so that students will have meals for Friday and the weekend. Sodexo will provide bags to carry the meals home in observance of Gov. Charlie Baker's current order to cease use of reusable bags, which families have been bringing to collect the meals.

The full list of Springfield school meal sites now include: Bowles, Boland, Brookings, Chestnut Middle School, Commerce, Dorman, Glickman, Indian Orchard, Kensington, Liberty, Lincoln, Milton Bradley, Rebecca Johnson, Sumner, Talmadge, Warner and Washington schools. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are distributed together between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. weekdays.

Parents, guardians, and grandparents may pick up meals for school age children in their care at any of the 17 sites across the city. The student does not need to be physically present for the adult to pick up a meal. The adult will be asked at the point of pickup if the meals are for school age students. Identification is not required. Meals are available to persons with disabilities, over age 18, who participate in school programs for people who are mentally or physically disabled.
Related content:

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Springfield adding meal sites, dinner to free meal distribution; some drive-through locations available

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SPRINGFIELD - Beginning Monday, Springfield Public Schools will be adding dinner to the packet of free meals provided to students every day. There have also been two new sites added to accommodate the need across the city. "It gives us great satisfaction to now make dinner available to our students.

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Still unsure what social distancing means?

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Still unsure what social distancing means?

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Help keep you, your loved ones and other families safe.

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Colectivo De Medios Latinos- Las escuelas publicas durante COVID-19

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Colectivo De Medios Latinos- Las escuelas publicas durante COVID-19

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Resources: In this Spanish segment of "Colectivo de Medios Latinos", a conversation with Assistant Superintendent Lydia Martinez talking about how families can access resources and receive updated messages.

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COLECTIVO DE MEDIOS LATINOS - LAS ESCUELAS PÚBLICAS DURANTE COVID-19

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Want to know more about Girls Inc.? Access the link and find information about an incredible community partner that has been working, providing support and education to students in our schools.

https://www.girlsincvalley.org/

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https://www.bgcfamilycenter.org/

Click the link to have access to online virtual programs from supporters right in the Springfield Community.

https://www.bgcfamilycenter.org/

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125 ideas to keep you and your family entertained while indoors

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125 ideas to keep you and your family entertained while indoors

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Click on the link to have access to 125 amazing ideas and activities to do with your family while staying indoors. You can even talk about these experiences with friends and their families while on the phone.

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Parade: Entertainment, Recipes, Health, Life, Holidays

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You're Welcome! Here Are 125 Ideas to Keep Kids Entertained When You're Out of Ideas

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Here are 125 fun things to do with your family. These kid ideas and fun activities for kids stuck at home will help you all avoid cabin fever.

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If you are pregnant and/or have children under the age of 5, you may qualify for WIC! Call or text us, we are here to serve you!

Applying for WIC benefits is easier than ever. It's simple! Just pick what option works best for you.

To apply for benefits:
1. Online: https://bit.ly/2WKhN3n
2. Call: (413) 739-1100
3. Text: (413) 370-2134.

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Está embarazada y/o tiene hijos menores de 5 años, usted puede calificar a los servicios de WIC! Llámenos o escribanos, estamos para servirlos!

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PACE: Parent and Community Engagement center

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PACE: Parent and Community Engagement center

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Take a look at the PACE webpage for resources and information about the community. This is also a great platform to find information for middle schooler students, 8th grade, who want to get on the waiting list for a SPS high school.

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Please Note: The lower level of the PACE Center is not accessible for some persons with physical impairments. Individuals with disabilities may contactJeffrey Welch, Senior Administrator of the PACE Center at (413) 787-6959 ext. 49840 with questions or to request an accommodation.

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Please Note: The lower level of the PACE Center is not accessible for some persons with physical impairments. Individuals with disabilities may contactJeffrey Welch, Senior Administrator of the PACE Center at (413) 787-6959 ext. 49840 with questions or to request an accommodation.

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Gaming is a great way to learn if you find the right source. Games can teach us so many things. If you are going to play a game, you might as well learn something too! Take a look at this page to have access to 10 free online educational gaming sits.

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Web-based games can prove to be a treasure trove of learning opportunities, and there are a variety of content-areas, age ranges, and skill levels to choose from. The true pay dirt for browser-based learning games can be found on large online digital game hubs. Here are 10 game hubs players that teachers can use to as one tool in their arsenal.

Headed by Brad Sheppard, Sheppard Software hosts hundreds of free, online, educational games for kids. The site organizes its games into categories, which allow students and teachers to easily navigate by subject area and find a suitable game that caters to either an instructional need or a child's sense of curiosity and thirst of knowledge and challenge.

PBS KIDS creates curriculum-based entertainment. The games site hosts a number of browser-based gaming experiences based on popular literary and media franchises such as The Cat in the Hat, Curious George, Sesame Street, and more. Games are organized by subject-type, which includes math, healthy habits, science, reading, and teamwork.

Created by Greg Nussbaum, a Virginia public school teacher, Mr. Nussbaum boasts over 3,500 content pages with a wide variety of learning games organized by content type and grade level. This site is also optimized for use on a tablet and an interactive whiteboard.

The world-famous National Geographic hosts over 100 fun, engaging, and interactive science, action, adventure, geography, quiz, and puzzle games. For a free game hub, the production quality on games or interactives such as Wildest Weather, On the Trail of Captain John Smith, and The Underground Railroad: Journey to Freedom is truly remarkable.

Under the creative direction of Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Poptropica® is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica's engaging quests, stories, and games.

Funbrain, created for kids ages preschool through grade 8, offers more than 100 fun, interactive games that develop skills in math, reading, and literacy. Plus, kids can read a variety of popular books and comics on the site, including Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Amelia Writes Again, and Brewster Rocket.

The British counterpart of our PBS, the BBC, offers interactive digital games and activities involving subjects such as literacy, numeracy, history, mathematics, music, and the arts. The games are also categorized into age ranges. The cartoon graphics are very appealing for children, but the content is stellar for teachers and parents that want children to play to learn.

With games and activities that meet curriculum needs for math, science, language arts, and social studies, Primary Games houses over 1,000 game titles. The site includes curriculum guides for teachers to use in conjunction with the games.

This game site offers teacher-created and approved educational computer games for elementary students to learn math and language arts on the web. Featured by The New York Times, Apple, and Fox News, ABCYa.com provides young children well-crafted games and activities.

Arcademic Skill Builders are online educational video games that offer a powerful approach to learning basic math, language arts, vocabulary, and thinking skills. Arcademic games challenge students to improve their scores through repetitive, timed learning drills that provide immediate feedback.

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10 Free Online Educational Game Sites | KQED

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Web-based games can prove to be a treasure trove of learning opportunities, and there are a variety of content-areas, age ranges, and skill levels to choose from. The true pay dirt for browser-based learning games can be found on large online digital game hubs.

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Want access to books from your neighborhood library for FREE?

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Want access to books from your neighborhood library for FREE?

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Take a look at Libby, an app that offers you access to your neighborhood library for free. You can download the app on a Chromebook, IPad and more!

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Download the Libby App: ebooks & audiobooks FREE from your library

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Bring the library to you! Free digital books, magazines and more! Available for iOS and Android devices.

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Free Online resource for books from Cambridge, MA

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Free Online resource for books from Cambridge, MA

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https://www.cambridgema.gov/cpl/eLibrary

Click on the link above and have access to thousands of free online material ranging from comic books to extra help in school subjects. Take a look at all the resources.

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The Cambridge Public Library is pleased to offer access to a variety of digital services for use on computers, smartphones, and tablets to Cambridge residents with a CPL card.

Enjoy eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspaper, music, and movies on a desktop computer or mobile device. Download any of these apps on your device and enter your Cambridge Public Library card number to get started. Be sure to have your pin/ password available.

Flipster is a selection of digital magazines available on your desktop computer or mobile device accessible with your CPL Card. Magazine titles include, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, Time, Real Simple, Scientific American, Yoga Journal, and more.

Testing & Education Reference Center (T.E.R.C.) is an invaluable source of information on higher education. T.E.R.C. offers Practice Test and Courses such as ACT, CLEP, SAT, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL and much more. The database also contains information on college planning, scholarships searches, and downloadable e-books.

Lynda.com is an online training provider with over 5,700 comprehensive courses and over 180,000 videos covering business, software, technology, and creative skills. Go to: camb.ma/lyndacpl to create an account and access for free using your CPL card.

Mango Languages is a language learning tool with everyday conversation in over 70 languages. It also features ESL instruction in English, tailored for speakers of more than a dozen languages.

Cambridge Public Library Databases

The Cambridge Public Library provides Cambridge residents access to a wide variety of online resources on a multitude of topics. These resources offer a vast amount of authoritative information that can be accessed in the library or at home using your CPL card. To use these resources, visit cambridgema.gov/cpl/eLibrary/Databases.

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The Cambridge Public Library is pleased to offer access to a variety of digital services for use on computers, smartphones, and tablets to Cambridge residents with a CPL card. Enjoy eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspaper, music, and movies on a desktop computer or mobile device.

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Having laptop concerns? Check the message 

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Having laptop concerns? Check the message 

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Found on Springfield Public Schools Facebook homepage. Like the page and get connected to see what's happening in your community.

Students and families with questions about or needing help with their SPS-issued laptop can now reach out to the SPS IT Department via Microsoft Teams. This can be accessed from a cellphone or computer:

STEP 1:

FROM A CELLPHONE: The Student Help Desk can be accessed by downloading the free MS Teams app from the iOS App Store or the Android Play Store. Once installed, you can log into the app with the student’s SPS email address and password (the same you use for logging into PowerSchool Unified Classroom).

FROM A COMPUTER: From a computer, simply go to www.office.com and sign-in with the student’s SPS email address and password (the same you use for logging into PowerSchool Unified Classroom). Once logged in, click the “Teams” icon from the list of applications.

STEP 2:

Once in Teams, select the “Student Help Desk” team and post a question in the chat. Members of the IT Department are monitoring the chat during school hours and will respond to questions; and, when possible, remotely resolve issues with a device.

REMINDER:
As a reminder to all users, posts to the Student Help Desk should be polite and appropriate at all times and the posting of inappropriate messages will result in loss of access to the Student Help Desk.

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Bay State Health has several resources available during these unassuming times. Ranging form topics like emotional support, spiritual practice, webinars and podcasts, financial management advice, and more. Check it out!

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Emotional Support Hotline

The COVID-19 Employee Hotline (413-794-6045) now has an 'option 4' for 24/7 confidential emotional support staffed by licensed social workers. This phone support offers a place for you to vent daily stressors, get coping and relaxation techniques, address compassion fatigue, get referrals to other resources, and other emotional support.

Caring for the Caregiver in a Time of Crisis (CCTC)

This new series of live group webinars, provided by the department of Psychiatry, offers added support during these difficult times. The meetings are designed to increase awareness and understanding of the emotional distress that arises during times of crisis and provide techniques to promote resiliency. Topics include:

Signs of distress

Building resiliency

Emotional support

Social connection

Self-care

Mindfulness

Workshop #1: Pandemic Response Resiliency
During a pandemic response, healthcare workers are at risk for emotional distress which is a function of the unique challenges of the role (not the individuals in the role!). This workshop reviews: signs of psychological distress, ways to identify and build resilience, techniques for relieving stress, emotional supports and Baystate Healthy programs and resources. To Sign Up: Individual team members can sign-up to participate in a scheduled virtual group meeting. These are being held multiple times per day, several days per week to accommodate various schedules.

To schedule a private workshop for your team/workgroup, contact Giselle Hernandez. Giselle.Hernandez@baystatehealth.org

Workshop handouts: Well-being Resources -- Overiew of all Baystate Healthy programs

Moment of Renewal - Every Friday on Workplace

Spiritual Services will host a 5-8 minute weekly video message that focuses on hope, resiliency and uplifting the spirit. These will take place on Baystate's employee Facebook site, Workplace, every Friday at 12:15PM.

Compassionate Caring - through BMC Spiritual Services

In-the-moment care provides a short period of rest or relief and can support needs around; loss of a patient or challenges with patient care, loss of a co-worker or personal loss and bereavement, prayer and blessing, moral distress, workplace violence, struggle with purpose, staff memorial services, spiritual resources in the community, and more. Chaplains round the BMC nursing units regularly and during this time they are available for this in-the-moment support. They are also available by phone (413-794-2899) or pager (42899) for 24/7, confidential spiritual support for team members across the organization during the pandemic.

Talking Through Concerns with a Counselor or Coach

It's more important now than ever to do what we can to control unwanted feelings that so often accompany uncertainty. A confidential counseling or coaching session can help you learn the coping skills needed to feel better.

Counseling & Concierge Service
Choose from a national network of licensed professionals trained to help with common challenges such as stress, anxiety, grief, marital/family relationship concerns, parenting, addictions and more. Immediate support also available if in crisis.Learn more about your new WorkLife & EAP Support program .

Coaching
Coaches can help you work on solutions for a variety of issues including handling work stress, parenting, not getting enough sleep and more.Learn more about your new WorkLife & EAP Support program.

Learn quick tips for preventing Compassion Fatigue and other Coping Tips for Adults.

meQuilibrium (meQ) Online Program and App

meQuilibrium is an online, clinically validated stress management and resilience skill building platform. The program is highly personalized and helps you uncover your natural thinking and response styles. Your personal meQ journey includes daily practices, guided meditations, self-care activities, daily tips for dealing with the stress and uncertainty of the current climate, and 2 new skill modules: Dealing With Uncertainty and Ease Your Loneliness Experience a sampling of what meQ has to offer!
For full access to meQ resources, you must first initiate the connection through your WebMD portal- after that, download the app! Within the link above, select the Unlock button. Once logged into your WebMD portal, select the meQ card from the homepage. meQ is provided at no cost to all benefits-eligible employees.
Magellan Health's Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (DCBT) Apps

When it comes to your emotional health, online programs help you learn and practice skills so you can feel better on your own time. These self-guided DCBT programs are confidential and address anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and substance use disorder .

FearFighter® -Anxiety, Panic, and Phobia
MoodCalmer - Depression and Low Mood
Restore® - Insomnia and Sleep Problems
Comfortable® -Chronic Pain
OCFighter Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Shade -Addiction: Alcohol/Drug Use

To obtain access code for the Magellan Health apps, first create an account at MagellanAscend.com . Once on the website, create an online account to have full and confidential access to these resources.

1. Select the blue Find My Company/Log In - upper right

2. Select the tab "Log In"

3. Select "Sign Up"

4. Complete the registration form

5. Select "Get Started", then visit the Self-care program page and click "Begin an assessment"

Take care of your basic needs

In order to function mentally and physically at your best, you need to allow your body and mind time to recover. Pay attention to your bodies cues and do the best you can to remain well rested, well fed, physically active and clear-minded. Explore the programs and resources available through Baystate Healthy to find ways to optimize your overall health and well-being.
WebMD Health Coaching
WebMD Health Coaches provide help eating healthier, losing weight, exercising, sleeping better or reaching whichever goals you have. Learn more .

Give Your Physical Energy a Boost

E xercise is key for your head, just as it is for your heart. Visit our Fitness page to find self-guided videos (stretch break, resistance band exercises, etc).

Staying Connected

Socially distant does not mean socially separated. It can be stressful and isolating not being able to connect with people as we normally would. Read more on Coping with Isolation from Magellan Health and try out some of the tips below to stay connected.

* Socializing with friends and family via video chats such as and others can provide a level of visibility and connection that supports good mental well-being during this challenging time. Try inviting your family and friends to a virtual "happy hour" to spend time together and engage in happy conversation.
* Look at photo albums and discuss family heritage or create a family tree
* Write letters to/create cards for relatives

Look for the positive

There is kindness and compassion surrounding you. Look for the silver linings and find the good in every encounter you have. Focusing on the positive and building on that positivity will help you get through this difficult time. Check out the Little Bits Of Kindness group on Workplace to read and share stories to brighten everyone's day!

Expect every day to be different

Recognize that stress, anxiety or feeling overwhelmed can have an impact on how you make sense of things or process information. To help with this, try to limit your information streams to only a few sources that you know and trust. Check out and for daily updates on pertinent COVID-19 information.

Webinars and Podcasts

Timely and actionable content with immediate actions you can take to begin to feel better. See Webinars and Podcasts in the section below.

Live Webinars and Podcasts

The Loss of Normalcy: Coping with Grief and Uncertainty During COVID-19 - Wednesday, April 22 from 1 - 2PM

Magellan Healthcare's Dr. Varun Choudhary and MagellanRx's Dr. Caroline Carney will talk about how we are all experiencing different kinds of grief at this time. Click here to register.

Mental Health First Aid - Wednesday, May 13 from 2 - 3PM

Learn about mental health conditions, types of crises and risk factors, identify the components of a Mental Health First Aid plan, understand the different types of mental health treatments and support systems, and receive additional resources including personal self-care strategies. Click here to register.

Budgeting When Income is Uncertain - Every Friday at 9A

Millions of Americans are seeing their income become increasingly unpredictable. In this webinar, you will get a review of up to date government-based programs and nationwide resources. Then, the webinar will focus on focus on specific budgeting tactics, student loan repayment strategies and debt/credit tips that can help during these challenging times. Time will be reserved for questions and answers. Register for an upcoming session or view a recorded version.

Investor Education: Strategies During Volatile Markets - Every Friday at Noon

Financial markets are volatile whenever the future earnings of companies, the stability of industries or the direction of global economies are uncertain. So when this happens, what do you do? Each webinar in this series will spend a few minutes reviewing updates to government and corporate actions intended to stabilize the markets, with the majority of time centered on investing principles, plus current investment opportunities and challenges. Investment themes addressed will be those most often brought up by our members. Time will be reserved for questions and answers. Register for an upcoming session or view a recorded version.

On Demand Webinars and Podcasts

How to build resilience and adaptive skills during the pandemic In this webinar by Magellan Healthcare, Dr. Carney, Magellan's Chief Medical Officer, will share insights on why people are feeling stress and panic and give tips on how to build resiliency. She will also discuss ways to help children cope and thrive, when it may be time to seek help and the importance of acceptance and adaptation skills to manage through the pandemic.

Overcome Worry: Managing Anxiety and Worry during Uncertain Times It is normal to feel worried, anxious, unsettled, distracted, scared and/or overwhelmed by COVID-19. We all worry from time to time, although excessive worry can affect us emotionally and physically. This recordings will help you identify your thought patterns that lead you to worry and provide a formula you can use to overcome worry. Use the webinar handout to learn how to coach yourself out of worry.

Financial Impacts of COVID-19 Covers current announcements related to legislation and take a deeper dive into retirement, investing and rebalancing portfolios as well as answering your questions about working through the financial challenges you may face in the coming days and weeks.

To view any of the webinars below, you must first open your Google Chrome web browser (the link will not work on Internet Explorer) and click here for LifeCare Webinars.

Best Practices for Working Remotely

Living in Uncertain Times

Talking to Your Child about Coronavirus

Depending on your situation, you may experience personal financial challenges related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Consider these tips and resources to help you work through financial decisions and challenges that you may face in the weeks ahead.

Financial Coaching

Get help with your finances from a financial coaching consultant, through Baystate's WorkLife and EAP Support program . The program includes 2 free 30-minute telephone consultations, per issue, per year, and discounted fees if you elect to continue working with a financial coach beyond initial consultations. Additionally, there are online tools and resources to help with budget planning, debt and credit, taxes and loan and mortgage assistance. Call our new partner, Magellan, at 800-888-6332.

For other financial resources and information, visit the Financial Well-being page.

Baystate Health team member support

Get the latest information about novel coronavirus policy changes, resources, news, and messaging from leadership on The Hub/Departments/COVID 19

Local Community Services

Search for free or reduced cost services like food, housing, government benefits, job training for family members, etc. Search now on 413Cares.org.

Parents: Visit Your Local School District

Visit your school's website or call your local school officials for information on ways they are supporting displaced students. For example, many area schools are offering free meals to all students during the closures and lending laptop/tablet devices to families without, so that students can complete online coursework during the closure.

All employees, their dependents, and household family members have access to WorkLife and EAP Support. This program includes 24/7 access to specialists who will research resources in the community that you need most. Call 800-888-6332 to get personalized assistance locating and researching resources in your community.

In addition this guide includes community resources for children and families in Western Massachusetts regarding:

Food

Education

Community Programs and much more

Helping Your Child Cope

The resources below provide helpful, age-appropriate information to help you talk to your children about coronavirus:

Helping Children Cope with a Disaster- Magellan Health

Coping When Cooped Up - Magellan Health

Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource- NASP

Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus - Child Mind Institute

For Healthcare Worker's: Answering My Child's Questions About Going to Work (adapted from the CDC)
Coping Plans for Families
Interim Childcare Solutions

Massachusetts is allowing select child care centers to be open for healthcare workers who require emergency child care. If in need, we encourage you to take advantage of this program now as openings are limited. To slow the spread of the coronavirus, all families should keep children out of group care settings to the greatest extent possible.

Program for Essential BH Employees Only

SPRINGFIELD: YMCA of Greater Springfield has opened a program at the North End Youth Center, 1772 Dwight Street near the corner of Dwight and Dover Streets in Springfield serving school-age children, kindergarten -12 years old, Monday-Friday, 6:30am-7:30pm. Registration packet to be filled out at drop-off or printed and filled out ahead of time. See flyer and Registration Packet for details. This program is only open to Baystate Health employees' children.

* Program is administered by the Greater Springfield YMCA
* Group child care settings should only be used as a last resort
* Only for employees working on Baystate Health properties, not remote employees
* Children must be free of cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough, as well as vomiting and diarrhea
* This site serves school-age children, kindergarten -12 years old
* You must provide your own food
* Up to 40 children may be cared for per day at this site- The site includes a gymnasium, 2 classrooms including a computer room.
* Emergency childcare is on a first-come, first-serve, drop-in basis and not guaranteed
* No prior registration required. Enrollment forms to be filled out at drop-off.

Public Programs for all Essential Employees

GREENFIELD: Greenfield Recreation Department providing care at the Youth Center Facility on 20 Sanderson Street, serving elementary and middle school age students Monday - Friday from 9 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Contact: Kelly Jenkins, Recreation Assistant Director, City of Greenfield, 413-772-1553 or 413-522-3368, kelly.jenkins@greenfield-ma.gov or contact: Michelle Anamisis, 413-387-7320, manamisis@westfieldymca.org

WESTFIELD: YMCA of Greater Westfield is now an approved emergency childcare site is serving children ages 3 - 12. Contact: Michelle Anamisis, 413-387-7320, manamisis@westfieldymca.org.

ALL OTHER AREAS: A downloadable Directory of all emergency child care in Massachusetts and Parents FAQ's is available on the mass.gov site.

Workplace Group to Connect Employees with Childcare Needs

A special group has been set up on Workplace to connect Baystate Health employees who need back-up child care in response to COVID-19 related school and daycare closings. The group is called "It Takes a Village- Employee Child Care Share." Use this forum to connect with one another to help find solutions to your child care needs.Let others know if you are looking for a babysitter. Share if you know of a sitter you can refer someone to. Visit the Workplace site: "It Takes a Village Employee Child Care Share"

Childcare Agencies

Local and national care agencies can help you find verified babysitters and nannies in your area. Many agencies charge fees for these services. However, national care agencies like and Sittercity.com are eliminating (for healthcare workers) or reducing monthly membership fees.

Family, friends, and others

You may need to turn to family and friends for more creative solutions to your back-up childcare needs. Consider others who have a sitter/nanny, who you might be able to share and split the cost with. Or maybe your neighbor has a college student home that you could ask? Keeping everyone safe - With social distancing of utmost importance, everyone involved in your child care solution should be very mindful about how best to avoid the possible spread of COVID-19. Make sure to ask any potential caregivers about how they are protecting themselves and make sure they know to tell you if they have any symptoms or any other reason to believe they could be at risk of being exposed to the virus.

Parenting Support Groups on Facebook

Peer support groups can help you share information and provide emotional support to one another as parents. Be mindful to only seek health and safety related information from trusted resources like the and Some of the popular parenting groups on Facebook include Mommy Poppins, Mom Squad and Baystate's New Beginnings.

Reducing Your Family's Risk

Remind your children to practice these important preventive behaviors. We've included suggestions on how you can explain "why" these behaviors are so important for them to follow.

Hand Washing - wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing the A-B-C's or their favorite song) especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. WWashing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

No touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. ? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Social Distancing - Avoiding close contact with others (keep at least 6 feet distance). Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or with the bend/crook of the arm when coughing or sneezing. W When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID- 19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Learning at Home
Keep a schedule
One of the best ways to make sure your child's time off from school is successful is to maintain a regular schedule, as much as possible. Keeping with a structured time for meals, learning and play will help keep your child on course. You may have to remind your children that this school closure is not the same as a "snow day." Things like getting together with friends sound like a great way to spend a day off, but in order to "flatten the curve" and move past this outbreak, we all need to do our part to stay apart, as much as possible.
School assignments during closure
Depending on your child's age and your school district, you may have instructions for online learning during the closure. If you do not currently have internet at home, Charter is offering free internet and WIFI during this time. Call 844-488-8395
Online learning resources
Check with your local library or school district for online learning resources. In addition, many companies are offering free online learning tools right now, see these free resources compiled by the Today show. Search the internet to find a program that best suits your family. Check out theseVirtual Field Trips ideas and other Learning Resources for Kids, from our partner LifeCare.

Healthcare Heroes Pop-Up Market Opens for Employees Working on Campus

As of Wednesday, April 8, employees working at Baystate Health facilities can buy select groceries and essential items at pop-up markets located at each of the four entities. Baystate Health and Compass One initiated the Pop-Up Market in response to employees who expressed it would be a convenience to not have to travel to the grocery store after work. To simplify your life a little more, Baystate Health has also increased the amount you can payroll deduct by using your badge to shop at the Pop-up Market. The new limit is $250 per pay period, up from $99.

Pop-Up Market Locations and Hours of Operation:

BFMC Cafeteria
Monday - Friday, 6:45 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday, 6:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

BNH Noble Cafe
Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

BWH Cafeteria
Sunday - Saturday - 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

BMC North Cafe
Sunday - Saturday - 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Available Items Include (while supplies last):

PerkSpot Discount Center - Discounts on Necessities

All Baystate Health employees and their family members have access to the online discount center; PerkSpot. And now, you can also invite your friends and relatives to check out PerkSpot and take advantage of these exclusive promotions. Whether you're seeking a discount on groceries from places like Thrive Market, Blue Apron, Home Chef, household items from places like Costco, Grove Collaborative, Sam's Club, and more! Visit baystate.perkspot.com and sign up to access these discounts today!

Health Foods with a Long Shelf Life

Often, we think of the healthiest foods as the ones that don't last very long. And that can be true, but there are plenty of healthy foods that have a longer shelf life, making it easier for you to space out your grocery store trips, thereby limiting your exposure to the public. Read this article from WW for a list of healthy food items that can last up to two weeks or more!

RVs for Healthcare Heroes

We know COVID-19 has created many challenges for our healthcare heroes, including living arrangements that ensure the safety of your family and loved ones. This program is being designed with you in mind.

Baystate Health is working with a third party volunteer facilitating the lending of recreational vehicles to Baystate Health employees who wish to use an RV as an alternative to living in their homes during the Pandemic. Similar RV/Camper programs are happening in numerous areas of the country and now we are fortunate to have a local partner organizing this project.

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Employee and Family Well-being Resources: COVID-19 | Baystate Health | Springfield, MA

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The COVID-19 Employee Hotline (413-794-6045) now has an 'option 4' for 24/7 confidential emotional support staffed by licensed social workers. This phone support offers a place for you to vent daily stressors, get coping and relaxation techniques, address compassion fatigue, get referrals to other resources, and other emotional support.

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In need of food? Please do not go another day hungry.

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In need of food? Please do not go another day hungry.

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This was posted on the Springfield Public Schools Facebook homepage...

Free Meals for All Kids - Not Just SPS Students

Meal service provided by Springfield Public Schools’ food service provider, Sodexo, is available to not only Springfield Public Schools students but to students from all schools in Springfield and from surrounding communities.

“We’ve had a great number of inquiries from parents of students in surrounding cities and towns asking if they can take advantage of our free meal program during this closure and I want to be very clear that answer is a resounding yes,” said Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools Daniel Warwick. “Families from surrounding communities and Springfield families whose children do not attend Springfield Public Schools are more than welcome.”

Free breakfast and lunch are available each weekday for all students, regardless of their city or town of residence or of the school they attend. The meals are grab-and-go and are available between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday – Friday at 17 locations throughout the City. Identification is not required when picking up a meal.

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Opportunities for Remote Online Learning

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Opportunities for Remote Online Learning

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Our brain is a muscle too. Just like any muscle, we need to exercise it regularly, strengthen its capability. Look at some of these amazing opportunities to strengthen your mind!

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Ever wanted to visit certain attractions but couldn't find the time. Well, Western Mass has virtual visits. Check out these attractions right from home!

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Right now it's our job as Americans to stay home and stop the spread of COVID-19. But when the time is right, we encourage you to Explore Western Mass. For now, here are some virtual visits to many of the places that make Western Mass special!
See you soon!

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Right now it's our job as Americans to stay home and stop the spread of COVID-19. But when the time is right, we encourage you to Explore Western Mass. For now, here are some virtual visits to many of the places that make Western Mass special! See you soon!

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Take Care of Yourself. Help Remind others to take care of themselves.

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Take Care of Yourself. Help Remind others to take care of themselves.

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Before we can take care of others, we have to take care of ourselves. We deserve to be taken care of and supported. If you need some examples, look at the ones below. Remember, social distancing doesn't mean socially disconnecting, especially when isolated. We are social creatures and a single phone call or text can make a world of a difference for you and someone else.

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Conte Coloring Book is looking for anyone who enjoys or is interested in coloring. Coloring can be a great way to pass time, a great artistic hobby, and a great coping skill during times of stress.

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Cognitive Reframing means to change the way we say our words which can change how we feel. These are tough times and sometimes all we need is a little perspective. Try saying these at home to others and yourself.