Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service is Here For You
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic that poses a threat to public health and is having an effect on the safety and well-being of our family, friends, and neighbors.
The dynamic, ever-evolving situation means that we’re facing some unique challenges on how we do what we do best: helping people in our community. We are confronting this ever-changing situation by taking appropriate measures to ensure the safety of our clients, visitors, staff, volunteers, and colleagues. This means following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for gatherings and social distance, as well as utilizing technology to bring people together.
We have enhanced our cleaning protocols throughout all our facilities and evaluated all of our internal and external activities. We have made many of the activities on our community calendar virtual. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we experience this unprecedented emergency, and will continue to communicate with you about changes to scheduled programs and activities. In the meantime, please visit our Events page; perhaps you will want to join us for one — or more — of several support groups that we have online during COVID-19.
Alpert JFS has been here for the community in times of challenge for the last 46 years, and we’re here for you during the current health crisis. You can continue to turn to us for support with behavioral health, caregiver support, senior services, and long-term care. If you’re experiencing additional challenges with our “new normal,” please know that you aren’t alone in your feelings of worry or experience of tense moments. We are all in this together.
We are actively monitoring the latest news available on COVID-19 in real-time, and encourage you to look for updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the FL Dept. of Health.
If you or a neighbor need assistance, please call our main office at 561-684-1991.
Please stay safe and take care of yourself and your loved ones.
__________________________________________
Click HERE to read Dr. Elaine Rotenberg’s article
Living Amidst The COVID-19 Pandemic
__________________________________________
VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS/MEETINGS/PROGRAMS
Alpert Jewish Family Service is offering Free Virtual support Groups during COVID-19, including:
- Coping With Our New Reality: Social Distancing Without Isolation on Mondays at 6:00 p.m.
- Coping With Our New Reality: Parent Edition on Mondays at 8:00 p.m.
- Jews in Recovery on Tuesdays, from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- Family Survivors of Suicide (West Palm Beach-area residents) on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at 5:00 p.m.
- Family Survivors of Suicide (Lake Worth-area residents) on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 5:00 p.m.
- Women in High Conflict Relationships on Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Safe Space: A Support Group for LGBTQ+ 14-18-Year-Olds at 7:00 p.m.
- Jewish Family Addiction Support Group on Fridays at 12:00 p.m.
Compass has virtual youth meetings for LGBTQ+ students as well as Trans* students. Contact Amanda Canete or Lucas O’Ryan for more information. compassglcc.com/covid/
Children’s Service Council (CSC) is offering many virtual programs regarding children. Sign up on the CSC web site by providing your email. www.cscpbc.org/
Legal Aid is offering Zoom webinars on a variety of topics. Visit their website to register: https://legalaidpbc.org/
Palm Beach County Victim Services Victims of Sexual assault should go to Butterfly House, rather than an Emergency Room. https://palmbeachcan.wordpress.com/2016/07/25/the-butterfly-house/
Contact Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition (PBCBHC) if you’d like to add any training program open to the public on their community calendar. Phone 561-374-7627 for more information or email [email protected].
Here is a list of local, national, federal and international resources and links to keep you informed as we go through this health crisis:
PALM BEACH COUNTY
Coronavirus Vaccinations
Three large-scale, appointment-only, walk-in vaccination sites are in operation, supported by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, the City of Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue, United Way volunteers, Palm Beach County leadership, and the Florida Department of Health for Palm Beach County. This includes the South County Civic Center, west of Delray Beach, the Burns Road Community Center, in Palm Beach Gardens, and the South Florida Fairgrounds in suburban West Palm Beach.
A Vaccination Request Form can soon be found on the Health Care District’s website:
Those with no internet access can call the organization’s helpline at 561-804-4115 (English, Spanish, and Creole available).
The City of West Palm Beach has opened a mass vaccination site at the Mary V. McDonald Wilson Center at Gaines Park, 1501 N. Australian Avenue. Visit www.ProtectWPB.com or call 561-200-3687 for information.
Follow the City of West Palm Beach on social media for additional information.
Veterans of all ages who receive care at the VA can receive a COVID-19 Vaccine at The West Palm Beach VA Medical Center by appointment and on a walk-in basis at Building 14 on the main campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday – Friday. They are offering the vaccine by appointment only at select CBOCs. Veterans must already receive care at VA to get the COVID-19 Vaccine and be able to return to the same site for their second dose.
Homebound seniors may sign up to have a COVID-19 vaccine come directly to them. E-mail your request to [email protected] with your name and phone number, or phone 866-779-6121. Someone from the Florida Division of Emergency Management will contact you within 72 hours to collect more information and schedule your appointment.
Visit the following Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for details on their vaccination scheduling:
Publix
CVS
Walmart
Walgreens
Palm Beach County Department of Health
For all your questions about the coronavirus also known as COVID-19, you can email the Florida Health Department at [email protected] or call the COVID-19 call center that’s available 24/7: 1 (866) 779-6121
http://palmbeach.floridahealth.gov/
Palm Beach County Government
Please check the Palm Beach County website, www.pbcgov.com, for links to the latest COVID-19 updates, reopening plans, and to submit a public comment for an upcoming Board of County Commissioners (BCC) Meeting.
Learn about COVID-19 contact information, status of county departments operations, online resources, Palm Beach County and state orders, testing sites, updates, and view videos and a list of what’s open — and what’s not.
NOTE: Palm Beach County Fire and Rescue will be doing COVID-19 Testing for home-bound Special Needs seniors and the disabled, starting with people already registered for the special Needs Shelter. Registration is highly suggested to be able to be tested at home. Doctors’ input is required. http://discover.pbcgov.org/Pages/COVID19.aspx
See Palm Beach County’s Interactive Testing Map with more than 50 testing sites here. It can help you find the closest private or community-based testing location. Several of the sites are government-supported and have free testing with a variety of restrictions and processes. Many others are private labs, urgent care facilities or pharmacies that will bill your insurance.
Here is a list of PBC Testing Sites:
http://discover.pbcgov.org/coronavirus/Pages/testing-sites.aspx
The City of West Palm Beach also has links to share what’s open and closed in its environs and beyond, information about ordering meals, registering for food distribution, reemployment assistance, and recovery assistance for small businesses, along with a Non-Profit Directory that provides information on economic support and recovery, food/water/medicine, resources for housing, along with seniors, children, and families.
Senior Assistance
The town of Wellington has a Senior Call Center, operated by the Community Services office only for Wellington residents 60+ years. call 561-791-4796 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Find more information about prescriptions, groceries, transportation, and meals for seniors at https://www.wellingtonfl.gov/751/COVID-19-Senior-Assistance
Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches has temporarily adjusted operations once-a-week deliveries of a multi-pack of frozen dinner and three breakfast meals to ensure the continued health and safety of the vulnerable senior population they serve, as well volunteers who are over 60 years of age. They have also opened temporary meal service eligibility to seniors who are normally mobile and able to shop for themselves, in an effort to minimize their exposure to COVID-19.
To inquire about eligibility and setup service please call (561) 802-6979 ext. 6.
Stay informed with the COVID-19 Resource Hub from Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, with information PPP, testing sites, free food resources, and more! Visit http://www.yourcommunityfoundation.org/covid19info.
BUSINESS GRANTS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY (Nonprofit organizations are ineligible)
Additional Funding for the Restart Business Grants Program has been approved by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners. See the Department of Housing and Economic Stability web site — https://discover.pbcgov.org/HES/Pages/Palm-Beach-County-CARES-for-Business.aspx — for program guidelines.
School District
Find information and resources:
https://www.palmbeachschools.org/students_parents/health_services/coronavirus_disease_2019__covid_19
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
http://www.pbso.org/news/corona-virus-information/
General non-emergency number call: 561-688-3000
Emergency call: 911
The Health Care District
Testing is available to anyone in Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Delray Beach, and Belle Glade. Call 561-642-1000 for an appointment.
211
Offers a full listing of all agencies, health and social services in Palm Beach County and on the Treasure Coast. Visit www.211.palmbeach.org
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
Offers shopping assistance for seniors and the disabled. Reach out to the helpline at 866-684-5885 to get connected. The ADRC will also work to help with home-delivered meals and Medicare needs through the SHINE program. Visit www.youragingresourcecenter.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=pages.covid-19 for more information.
Health Council of Southeast Florida
Can assist with a Florida KidCare health insurance application or assistance. Visit www.floridakidcare.org to apply with code HCSEF. For additional assistance, email [email protected] or call 561-469-8202.
Cross Ministries Food Pantries
Bring a photo ID and ID for all family members. Call 211 to verify pantry hours of operations.
Food donations are currently being accepted at the warehouse in Lake Worth. Contact the administration office at 561-233-9009, x103 for warehouse hours.
www.crosministries.org/food-pantries
Cross Ministries Caring Kitchen Meal Program
Providing “to go” meals in Delray Beach. Visit https://www.crosministries.org/caring-kitchen for times of operation and locations.
MARTIN COUNTY
Stay informed with the COVID-19 Resource Hub from Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, with information PPP, testing sites, free food resources, and more! Visit http://www.yourcommunityfoundation.org/covid19info.
The Health Care District
Testing available to anyone in Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Delray Beach, and Belle Glade. Call 561-642-1000 for an appointment.
211
Offers a full listing of all agencies, health and social services in Palm Beach County and on the Treasure Coast. Visit www.211.palmbeach.org
Martin County Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. If you’ve returned from ANY international travel or a cruise within the last 14 days and you’re sick, call your health care provider or Martin County Health Department at 772-221-4000. A COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7 at 1 (866) 779-62121 or [email protected].
Martin County Government
Partnering with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Martin County is monitoring the rapidly evolving situation with COVID-19.
Martin County’s Community Information Center is staffed to answer questions regarding county business, general information from elected officials and constitutional officers, and community partners, including the Martin County School District, as it relates to COVID-19. You can reach the Community Information Center at 772-287-1652 daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
You can find a COVID-19 Resource Toolkit with outreach materials on the county’s web site. http://martin.floridahealth.gov/
Testing
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health is now performing drive-through testing at Martin North Hospital for influenza and COVID-19 by appointment only. Testing will only be performed for individuals who meet FDOH criteria for COVIID-19. Individuals who may have symptoms must call 772-419-3360 between 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. For additional information, visit http:/martinhealth.org.
Actions Taken by Martin County
https://www.martin.fl.us/resources/covid-19-local-state-emergency.
Martin County Public Transit Service
MARTY, Martin County’s public transit service, will continue to provide service for riders performing essential activities. Increased cleaning and disinfecting will continue to be performed on all vehicles and at bus stops with seating.
Individuals utilizing public transit shall adhere to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with regard to social distancing. Passengers should make every effort to sit or stand at least six feet from any other passenger and the bus operator. Individuals that are sick are asked NOT to board MARTY vehicles.
Martin County Utilities
Ways to make a utilities payment:
- Pay online at https://www.onlinebiller.com/martincnty/
- Call 772-221-1434
- Leave payment in a secure envelope in blue drop-box located in parking lot at 3473 SE Willoughby Boulevard.
School District
Traditional (in school) and Remote Learning will be available to Martin County families.
Learn more about Remote Learning and link to the form on their web site.
https://www.martinschools.org/Domain/4
ST. LUCIE COUNTY
211
Offers a full listing of all agencies, health and social services in Palm Beach County and on the Treasure Coast. Visit www.211.palmbeach.org
Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County
A COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7. Phone 1-866-779-6121 or email [email protected]
Find your COVID-19 Toolkit at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/resources/#toolkitJump
Log onto https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/ to learn what you need to know about COVID-19 in Florida, and see the latest outbreak data.
You can contact the department at 772-462-3800 or http://stlucie.floridahealth.gov/
St. Lucie Public Schools
Visit https://www.stlucie.k12.fl.us/ for the most up-to-date information from the St. Lucie Public Schools.
St. Lucie County Parks & Recreation/Environmental Resources
The City of Port St. Lucie removed the barriers to the 20 playgrounds located inside City parks on June 1, 2020.
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/PSL-Playgrounds-Reopen-June-1–2020.html?soid=1101684572899&aid=F5QvzA3Av2w
The City of Port St. Lucie’s three dog parks — Lyngate Park, McChesney Park and Woodland Trails Neighborhood Park — reopened on Wednesday, May 20, 2020.
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/City-Dog-Parks-to-Reopen-on-Wednesday.html?soid=1101684572899&aid=u0PVDtOSFbA
STATE
Phase Three Reopening Guidelines
Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs that derive more than 50% of sales from alcohol can operate at full capacity. Plastic menus should be cleaned after each use.
Gyms and fitness centers can open at full capacity.
Other businesses that can reopen with limited social distancing; movie theaters, concert halls, auditoriums, bowling alleys, arcades, playhouses, and casinos).
Businesses should continue to encourage employees to work remotely but should begin implementing plans for them to return to work.
Employees can resume non-essential travel and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
Local governments can resume in-person meetings.
State parks can fully reopen, including for overnight stays, public beaches can fully reopen
Large sporting events can resume, but limited capacity is recommended.
Theme parks can return to normal operations with limited social distancing protocols.
Vacation rentals can reopen, but owners should continue disinfecting.
Businesses such as salons, barber shops and nail salons should maintain sanitation practices between customer visits and remove frequent-touch items such as magazines, newspapers and service menus.
Businesses can still require customers to wear masks, but DeSantis said “all outstanding fines and penalties that have been applied against individuals are suspended.”
All public and private playgrounds and natural areas are open, as follows:
Skate parks and bicycle tracks (with supervision, as determined by park management); playgrounds, water playgrounds, play and exercise equipment; water fountains; volleyball courts; campgrounds may take reservations for stays on or after October 1, 2020; supervised sports facilities with lights may be open after sunset; adult sports activities and leagues are permitted.
You can find the latest information on advocacy and industry alerts, watch webinars, and learn about operating restrictions and executive orders, as well as see a message from the Restaurant & Lodging Association’s COVID-19 Resource Center at
https://frla.org/covid-19/
Florida Department of Health
Number and types of COVID-19 cases in Florida
http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/index.html
850-2445-4444
Grocery Delivery Services
Many stores allow for grocery pick up or even deliver to your doorstep. Check out the links below:
Costco: https://www.costco.com/grocery-household.html
Walmart Grocery: https://grocery.walmart.com/
AmazonFresh: https://www.amazon.com/alm/storefront?
Hungryroot: https://www.hungryroot.com/
FreshDirect: https://www.freshdirect.com/index.jsp?serviceType=HOME
Instacart: https://www.instacart.com/
Brandless: https://brandless.com/
Shipt: https://www.shipt.com/?noredirect
Peopod: https://www.peapod.com/
Boxed: https://www.boxed.com/
FEDERAL
Center for Disease Control – CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
En Español: Centro para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades
Encuentre aquí toda la información sobre el Coronavirus
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index-sp.html
INTERNATIONAL
The World Health Organization
Tracks cases worldwide.
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen
RESOURCES & ARTICLES OF INTEREST
For Parents
https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/
https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Libraries/covid-19/resources_helping_kids_parents_cope.aspx
https://www.ffcmh.org/covid-19-resources-for-parents
https://www.adolescenthealth.org/COVID-19/COVID-19-Resources-for-Parents-and-Teens.aspx
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/covid-19-resources/
https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/helping-children-cope-with-changes-resulting-from-covid-19
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2020/05/talking-to-your-kids-about-covid-19/
https://www.cscpbc.org/news/covid-resources
Addiction
https://www.verywellmind.com/support-for-mental-health-and-addiction-issues-during-covid-19-4801794
https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/covid-19-resources
Mental Health
https://mhanational.org/covid19
https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/covid-19-support-resources
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2020/03/how-to-bethedifference-for-people-with-mental-health-concerns-during-covid-19/
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2020/04/supporting-friends-during-covid-19/
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2020/04/tips-to-help-teens-cope-during-covid-19/
For the Aged and Disabled
https://acl.gov/COVID-19
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/zoom-psychiatrists-prep-for-covid-19s-endless-ride1/
https://www.ncoa.org/ncoa_acf/covid-19-resources-for-older-adults/
https://www.wired.com/story/why-has-covid-19-hit-seniors-so-hard/
Guardianship
https://www.guardianship.org/covid-19-resources/
Domestic Abuse Support
https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/get-updates-information-covid-19/
https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/domestic-violence-child-abuse
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/world/coronavirus-domestic-violence.html