Dear friends,
This week, the governor extended the state’s Stay-at-Home order 
through April 26, 2020, which means at least a few more weeks of social distancing for most of us. But even though it’s necessary to maintain physical distance right now, that doesn’t mean that we can’t connect with one another. In fact, it’s more important than ever! We just have to be a little more creative about it.
Here are a few ideas for connecting with friends, family, and the community during COVID-19.
Put technology to use.
Imagine being alive during the pandemic of 1918. At that time, social distancing meant being isolated from everyone and everything outside of your house. Thankfully, in 2020, we can use technology to socially connect with friends and family, whether they’re next door or halfway across the world.
Send a quick “thinking about you” text. Call each other the “old fashioned” way over the phone. Stay up to date on social media. Or set up a video date to share coffee or a meal together. If you’ve never set up a video call before, click here for a great guide to get you started.
Join a community event online.
Many groups are moving events online as a way to create shared experiences. Reach out to your favorite local theater or music group to find out if they have any live-streaming events. Or look for educational opportunities or webinars that allow you to interact in real time.
Here at The IC, we invite you to join us for these live virtual events via GoToMeeting.
- My COVID-19 Health and Wellness Plan
April 15, 1pm-2:30pm
This learning session will offer ideas for sustaining your physical and mental health and teach you how to utilize your support circle during social isolation. - The Healthy Food and Gardening Learning Group
Begins April 20, 1pm-2:30pm
Learn about and share ideas for healthy recipes, how to make the most of staples in your home, food resources, and how to grow vegetables and fruits in your home. - Mindfulness Learning Group
Begins April 21, 11am-12pm
Discover the benefits of mindfulness, different types of mindfulness practices, and ideas for starting a personal practice and making it your own.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to RSVP, please email Carrie Baatz at cbaatz@the-ic.org or call 719-471-8181, ext. 116. After you RSVP, you will receive instructions on how to join the meeting. Please let Carrie know if you need accommodations like captions or an ASL interpreter.
Volunteer to help.
When there’s a crisis, one of the best things we can do is to lend a helping hand. While volunteering in person is not an option for many of us right now, there are a number of virtual ways to get involved. (Note: The IC is not directly involved in any of the resources listed below. Please vet each group/site to determine if it’s the right fit for you.)
- Help Colorado Now – This is a central website for people who would like to volunteer for or contribute to the state’s response to the coronavirus.
- Mutual Aid Efforts – The links below will take you to Facebook pages where you can help others in Colorado Springs.
- Colorado Mask Project – Residents of Colorado are being asked to wear DIY masks in public to slow the spread of the virus. This site lets you get involved in making masks for yourself and others.
- Offer support to nursing home residents – Quarantine and social distancing can be especially hard on residents of nursing homes and assisted living centers. Click here to learn about various groups that are actively soliciting letters, cards, drawings, and even recorded videos to cheer up this vulnerable population.
Remember, all of us at The Independence Center are here to support you. Just give us a call at 719-471-8181. If you have a more urgent mental health need, call Colorado Crisis Services at 844.493.8255, or text the word “TALK” to 38255.
Stay well,
Patricia Yeager