Covid-19 Updates & Resources
News from New Horizons
Where to Find Covid 19 Vaccine and/or Booster Shots
Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.
Virtual Day Program Brings Day Services Home!
Virtual classes are now being offered. Stay in touch and take your classes on-line!
Messages
A series of videos by Miranda Barrett.
Ms. Barrett is an Arthur, Poet and Public Speaker. Her extensive background in nutrition, meditation and energy work, allows Miranda to fulfill her love of offering council and guidance for the mind, body and spirit as an intuitive guide. Visit mirandajbarrett.com to learn more.
Self Care During a Time of Self Distancing
Avoid Stress During a Time of Self Distancing
Creating a Defense During a Time of Self Distancing
General News
COVID-19 Information and Resources
Courtesy of the Department of Developmental Services
The safety of all Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities is our highest priority. We have experienced changes in almost every part of our lives during the public health emergency. Regional centers and service providers are dedicated to working with consumers and their communities to find different ways to help people and limit the spread of COVID-19.
The DDS bulletins below provides information on how to slow the spread, how to protect yourself and the people you serve as well as testing information, the importance of mental health and other resources available.
English: https://www.dds.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/COVID-19-FluBulletin_Vendors_11302020.pdf
Spanish: https://www.dds.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/COVID-19-FluBulletin_Vendors_Spanish_11302020.pdf
Tagalog: https://www.dds.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/COVID-19-FluBulletin_Vendors_Tagalog_11302020.pdf
Vietnamese: https://www.dds.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/COVID-19-FluBulletin_Vendors_Vietnamese_11302020.pdf
Chinese (Simplified): https://www.dds.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/COVID-19-FluBulletin_Vendors_Chinese-Simplified_11302020.pdf Chinese (Traditional): https://www.dds.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/COVID-19-FluBulletin_Vendors_Chinese-Traditional_11302020.pdf
For Those Dealing with COVID-19 and Battling Addiction and Co-Occurring Conditions
Covid-19 has impacted the lives of many in 2020. Unfortunately, that also includes the increase of those struggling with substance abuse and mental health by a staggering 40 percent according to the CDC. For that reason, ARK Behavioral Health has created a resource page that shares valuable information for those seeking help while battling addiction and co-occurring conditions.
By clicking this link https://www.arkbh.com/covid-19-resources/ you’ll find information on:
- The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and substance use
- List of mental health and addiction resources
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about telehealth
- Caring for a loved one who is struggling
Important Resources for Members, Staff & Anyone for 2022
Relief Protections for Land Lords and Homeowners
Tenants and landlords impacted by #COVID19, now have new protections and relief under the Housing Stabilization Act of 2020.
Visit the following site, http://housingiskey.com/, to learn more about your rights and options.
Need Internet Access for School, Work and to Make Health Appointments
From Los Angeles County, options available for low-cost internet services, low-cost computers & phones, and digital literacy services!
Learn more at the following link:
Online Homework Access
From LA County Library, FREE online homework help (both English & Spanish) from a live online tutor. All you need is your LA County Library card and PIN, and an internet connection.
Hours are every day from 12 pm to 10 pm. Available to K-12, college students, and adult learners. Find out more information at the following link:
FREE Parent-Ade
FREE ‘Parent-Ade: When Life Gives You Distance Learning’ virtual series from LA County Library, every Wednesday at 4 pm for the English language and 5 pm for the Spanish language. Covers a range of topics.
Learn more at:
Virtual Preparedness
FREE Virtual Preparedness Classes offered by the American Red Cross of Los Angeles Region.
Learn to be “Red Cross Ready” in their online format. Every Tuesday and Thursday (y los miércoles en español), the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region is offering FREE preparedness education classes designed to help you understand, prepare for and respond appropriately to disasters big and small.
For Those Dealing with COVID-19 Stress
California Governor Gavin Newsom and California Surgeon General Nadine Burke Harris announced state resources on managing stress and emotional health.
The Surgeon General’s ACEs Aware page also has a series of resources on trauma-informed care and sup- port during the COVID-19 crisis, including information on building organizational resilience and some of the potential barriers that people with disabilities and their caregivers may face.
For Those Dealing with COVID-19 Mental Health Issues
Rehab4Addiction, an advisory and referral service for people who suffer from alcohol, drug and behavioural addiction in the United Kingdom, offers A discussion about guarding mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To read the blog, click the link below.
https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/coronavirus/mental-health-coronavirus
Help Through Art!
UCLArt & Healing is an organization devoted to “transform lives through creative expression by
integrating the characteristic benefits of the arts with mental health practices for self-discovery, connection, and empowerment.”
You and those you serve may also find upcoming events for their HOPE Program (FREE SERIES) attached and for more information visit https://uclartsandhealing.org/.
Free Medicare and Medi-Cal Counseling for
All LA County Residents
The Center for Health Care Rights’ (CHCR) HICAP Program provides free Medicare and Medi-Cal education and counseling services (information regarding accessing services through MediCal and MediCare) to all Los Angeles County residents.
The CHCR counselors can provide accurate, easy-to-understand information on many questions, such as how to:
- Coordinate Medicare and Medi-Cal with a parent’s employer-based insurance;
- Report other health insurance coverage to Medi-Cal;
- Get a prescription drug covered when it is not covered by a Medicare drug plan;
- Improve access to Medi-Cal transportation services.
How can you access CHCR’s HICAP counseling services?
- Call CHCR at 1-800-824-0780 for help with any Medicare and Medi-Cal questions. Family members and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities may call CHCR’s telephone hotline for assistance on behalf of the individual. Telephone translation services are available in any language that is needed;
- Use the CHCR Client Referral Form here to refer community members;
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Asesoramiento gratuito de Medicare y Medi-Cal para todos los residentes del Condado de Los Ángeles
El programa HICAP del Centro para los Derechos de Atención Médica (CHCR) ofrece servicios gratuitos de educación y asesoramiento de Medicare y Medi-Cal (información sobre el acceso a los servicios a través de Medi-Cal y Medicare) a todos los residentes del condado de Los Ángeles.
Los asesores de CHCR pueden proporcionar información precisa y fácil de entender sobre muchas preguntas, como por ejemplo:
- Coordinar Meicare y Medi-Cal con seguro del empleador de un padre;
- Reporte otra cobertura de suguro de salud a Medi-Cal;
- Obtener un medicamento recetado cubierto cuando no está cubierto por un plan de medicamentos de Medicare;
- Mejorar el acceso a los servicios de transporte de Medi-Cal.
¿Cómo puede acceder a los servicios de asesoramiento HICAP de CHCR?
- Llame a CHCR al 1-800-824-0780 para obtener ayuda con cualquier pregunta sobre Medicare y Medi-Cal. Los familiares y cuidadores de personas con discapacidades del desarrollo pueden llamar a la línea telefónica directa de CHCR para obtener ayuda en nombre de la persona. Los servicios de traducción telefónica están disponibles en cualquier idioma que sea necesario;
- Use el Formulario de recomendación de clientes de CHCR aquí para recomendar miembros de la comunidad;
- Horas de oficina son de lunes a viernes de 9:00 AM a 5:30 PM.
Important Resources for Members, Staff & Anyone Affected by COVID-19
Wilkinson Senior Center
Call (818) 756-7741 for information about homebound delivered meals for seniors.
ONEgeneration
Call 818-705-2345 for information about homebound delivered meals and grocery shopping assistance for seniors.
Drive Through Food Bank every Tuesday from 11 am to 1 pm. Open to all ages.
Transportation services for seniors 65+. Please call 818-708-6614 for information.
LAUSD Health & Wellness Services
Including a mental health hotline to help students and families. Click here or all 213-241- 3840 for a consultation, support and referrals, weekdays 6 am to 6 pm.
LA Area Charter Schools Meals for Students
Free meals to all students under the age of 18 at select schools. Click here.
San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission
Drive-thru food pantry at Northridge Fashion Center by appointment only. Click here to sign up.
Freedom Church
Drive-thru food pantry at Freedom Center (9200 Owensmouth Ave, Chatsworth) Wednesdays from 12 to 2 pm.
Fish of West Valley Food Pantry
Food pantry of the Congregational Church of Chatsworth open Saturdays from 12 to 5 pm. at 20440 Lassen Street, Chatsworth.
Get Food Delivery Services
The County has launched a Critical Delivery Services program to deliver food and other vital items to adults age 60+ and individuals with disabilities who are unable to leave their homes due to COVID-19. Items must be prepaid and ready for pick-up. There is no cost to the client for delivery. For more information, click here or call 1-888-863-7411.
For Assistance, or If You Do Not Have Access to the Internet
Dial 2-1-1. Multilingual operators are available to help members of the public find free food resources.
Need Help Paying Childcare?
Child Care Resource Center has received additional funding to pay for child care for essential workers who qualify. This emergency funding is short term for the period of May 1st to June 30th, 2020. Click here for the application.
SOVA Community Food & Resource Program
Food pantry at 16439 Vanowen St, Van Nuys. Open Sundays from 9 am to noon and Monday thru Friday from 10 am to 1:30 pm.
LAPD Devonshire PALS Youth Center
Meals for LAUSD students Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 11 am at 8721 Wilbur Ave., Northridge.
North Valley Caring Services
Learn about NVCS’s food pantry and other services – click here.
Meet Each Need with Dignity (MEND)
Food distribution on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 11 am at 10641 N. San Fernando Road, Pacoima. Call 818-897-2443.
LA Regional Food Bank
To find a food bank near you, click here.
Breakfast for First Responders by McDonald’s
Healthcare workers, police officers and firefighters with a valid ID or uniform are eligible to receive a free small coffee and Egg McMuffin sandwich during breakfast hours at participating McDonald’s restaurants in Los Angeles County.
Costco Offers Priority Access to Their Warehouse
Costco offers Priority Access for Healthcare Workers and First Responders
Costco is temporarily allowing priority access to its warehouses during all open hours for Costco members who are healthcare workers and first responders such as police officers, EMTs and firefighters. Healthcare workers (which includes pharmacists and all hospital employees with a hospital ID) and first responders who present a Costco membership card and official identification of their role, will be allowed to move to the front of any line to enter the warehouse. Only members who meet this criteria will be allowed priority access.
Cal Fresh
CalFresh is a Nutrition Assistance Program that can help people in low-income households purchase food by increasing their food-buying power. Apply here and see eligibility requirements here. In addition, the Department of Public Social Services provides a number of services. Contact them here: www.yourbenefits.laclrs.org/ybn/Index.html .
California Employment Development Department (EDD)
Unemployment Insurance: edd.ca.gov/unemployment
Small Business Benefits and Resources
Chamber of Commerce Reopening GuideChamber of Commerce Small Business Issues and Solutions Guide
Other EDD Covid-19 Resources
Important Ways You Can Help Those Affected by COVID-19
Giving Food-Related Offers and Donations
Does your business or organization seek to sell or donate food-related resources to support COVID-19 response efforts? The County is helping to match available food resources with those in need. Fill out an online questionnaireto let us know what food resources you have to share. Our partner providers are in need of food resources, services, and equipment including:
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- Prepared meals ready-to-eat meals: no heating required
- Prepared meals: just heat and service
- Groceries: non-perishable, shelf stable food items and perishable food such as produce, meats, and dairy
- Specialty foods: Vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and other specialty options
- Food delivery: drivers and vehicles, including special vehicle types such as refrigerated trucks.
Other Types of Donation and Support
Looking for other ways to lend a hand during this crisis? Explore the County’s COVID-19 resource page to learn how you can help, from doing wellness checks on older neighbors to donating blood.
Starting a Food Pantry
Interested in offering free food to community members? If you are interested in receiving donated food to re-distribute, consider partnering with the L.A. Regional Food Bank, which is currently accepting new applications for partner pantries. More information here.
Joining a Food Recovery Network
There are a number of organizations that use mobile apps with matching technology to recover unused food from restaurants and other businesses and re-distribute it to communities in need. If you work for a restaurant or other business that is interested in donating food, look for the following in your mobile app store:
