COVID - 19 Resources

The Safety and Well-being of Young People is Our Number One Priority.

A letter from Dawn McWilliams:

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka’s Commitment to Our Community, Stakeholders and Donors

Along with the rest of the world, we’ve been closely monitoring the evolving situation with COVID-19. It has brought uncertainty and disruption to the communities we serve, but Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka’s top priority has not changed: the health and safety of the children we serve. 

I wanted to take a moment to keep you informed on how we are doing everything we can to ensure the well-being of our Club members, as well as the staff and volunteers who work at/with the Club.

We remain in close and regular contact with local, regional and state health officials and are monitoring the regular updates from the Federal government, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as the World Health Organization (WHO). Though the situation around the virus remains fluid, our goal is to continue our mission – to serve those kids who need us the most – both during and after the crisis affecting all of us now.

 Here are some of the proactive steps we’ve quickly taken to continue to protect the well-being of our members, as well as to continue the important work of BGCT:

  1. Established a Coronavirus Preparedness Task Force, made up of Club leadership and Board members, to monitor the situation, stay in close contact with health officials and share insights to Club staff, parents and greater Topeka community.
  2. Reinforced our Standard Operating Procedures on safety, with additional emphasis on virus prevention protocols across the organization and to our Club members’ families.
  3. Expanded sick leave and pay policy for Club staff members to reduce their risk of contracting and spreading infections, and ensure they have the necessary support during these uncertain times.
  4. Defined what resources we can provide to our kids and families, whether the Club itself remains open or closed.
  5. Utilized virtual resources provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of America to continue connection and engaged with Club members remotely.
  6. Taken extra steps to ensure our Clubhouses are clean, sanitized and that those who enter are symptom-free.

The safety and well-being of our Club members remains our foremost priority, and we will continue to share updates with you as quickly and transparently as possible.

What Can You Do?

If you are interested in taking action to support the Club’s mission during this crisis, consider the following:

  • Continue to support us. We need you now more than ever! Our kids – and their parents – will need us throughout this crisis.
  • Continue to talk about the important work the Club does to your network and the greater community.
  • Ask your company if they are interested in a matching opportunity to support the important work of the Club.
  • Organize a food or supply drive with a no-contact drop off point
  • Like us on social media. Share, Click, Comment.
  • Mail gift cards from local grocery stores to our office for distribution to families in need

 Thank you for your continued support and care of Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka,

 

Dawn McWilliams

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

How can you help?

As we continue to assess how to best support BGCT families during these challenging times, two areas have been identified;

  1. family care packs to help families and
  2. direct donations to provide any and all resources possible to our Club families

 

 

Resources for Youth Development Professionals and Families to Engage Youth in Learning During COVID-19

In addition to virtual programming, there are lots of activities your Club can share with Club members, caregivers and your community:

Youth can also experience virtual tours of some of the world's most intriguing places, such as the San Diego Zoo or Yellowstone National Park. Learn more at the MyFuture resource center for frontline staff and families.

Resources for More Information 

For the latest information on COVID-19:

 

Suggestions for Cleaning Mobile Devices during the COVID-19 Outbreak

  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to clean commonly touched surfaces*.
  • One type of surface that we touch frequently is our phone touch screen.
  • Many manufacturers, including Apple, have provided new recommendations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Apple, Google and others are now recommending the use of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipes or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes.
  • PLEASE check with your manufacturer for specific instructions.

How to clean your phone:

  • Unplug all power sources, devices, and cables.
  • Use only a soft, lint-free cloth with a 70% alcohol solution.
  • Gently wipe over the surface of your phone. Avoid excessive wiping or scrubbing.
  • Don’t allow moisture to get into any openings.
  • Avoid aerosol sprays, chlorine bleaches, and abrasives.
  • Avoid spraying our pouring cleaners directly onto your device.

Consider buying a clear screen protector to place over your phone display OR a sealed case. This will minimize the effect of the alcohol solution on your screen.

*According to the Journal of Hospital Infection, coronaviruses “can persist on inanimate surfaces like metal, glass or plastic for up to 9 days, but can be efficiently inactivated by surface disinfection procedures with 62–71% ethanol.”