Two months ago, we pivoted to connect with members remotely - by phone, email, and letters. Maintaining connection during this crisis is crucial, and members are extending support within their own communities despite technological barriers.
by Aubree Sentkowski, Member Engagement Manager
We’re all living amid consequences of the global COVID-19 crisis, and we continue to glean knowledge about our members’ needs on our calls. So far, staff and volunteers have seen a spike in member panic, fear, and crises.
Even though we often don’t have answers or solutions to change the situations our members face, having consistency in outreach and service around grief and loss support has been beneficial.
Resources
Maybelle staff have also been working hard to collect resources to guide members asking for support in accessing items such as food boxes, health care, and technology connections. With resource locations shifting day-to-day, there’s an overwhelming sense of exhaustion in finding the current access point.
There are often not enough resources for everyone - and yet our community prevails. When agencies no longer can assist, community members are stepping up and helping each other.
Accessing Technology
Like many of us, our members are looking to technology as a bridge to connection amid social distancing. Some members have cell and internet connections. Others lack access, need training, or are technology-adverse.
What’s next?
As we uncover which strategies are working, we need to know more. We completed our first member newsletter in April, which included a survey of their needs. While surveys are still trickling in, members overwhelmingly said they want to connect more during the pandemic. But how they want to connect, and what technology they can access, is all over the board - there is no quick fix.
Understanding which of our members need additional resources to connect will be our task in the coming days and weeks as we adjust to the “new normal.” Stay tuned as we roll out several new remote programs, including a pen pal program and virtual community room!
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