• NYS Office of Mental Health-  Dedicated support line- 1-844-863-9314  This emotional support line office free and confidential support, helping callers who are experiencing increased anxiety due to the current coronavirus crisis. 

     Small Business Loan and Grant opportunities for NYS The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering two loan programs as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) to small businesses throughout New York State. See below for details of the SBA Paycheck Protection Program and SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. Applications are available and will begin being accepted on April 3rd 2020. This website has more information for those that are interested https://esd.ny.gov/small-business-administration-sba-covid-19-loans

    Poison Control- Upstate NY Poison Center: 1-800-222-1222

    TANF - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

    If you family is in need of financial assistance or benefits Erie County is now taking applications via phone and even online. You can reach them by calling (716) 858- 8000. The in person interview requirement for all applicants has been waived as order by the state in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. 

    online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov. Applicants should include a working telephone number with their application for interview purposes.

    Additional documents can be sent in the mail to - PO BOX 120 Buffalo NY 14201. The department of Social Services for Erie County also has a drop box located outside of their main office at 158 Pearl St. Buffalo NY 14202.

     Addiction Hotline: 716-830-7007

    Erie County Department of Health: FREE narcan- 716- 858-7695

    Social Emotional Learning  The Second Step Curriculum is used by K-5 School Counselors at Lake Shore for teaching such social emotional topics as feelings management, empathy, anger management, and bullying prevention.  In response to the challenges faced by schools and families while remote learning replaces classroom instruction, Second Step is currently offering free access to family resources. Here is a guide for accessing the site for free and an overview of resources:

    Instructions for families:
    1. Go to  www.secondstep.org 
    2. Under New Users, click “Create Account” 
    3. Complete the required fields 
    4. Add Program Activation Key: SSPE FAMI LY68
     
    The Imagine Neighborhood -This new podcast for families is designed to help children and grown-ups build their social-emotional skills. Each episode tells a story that’s amazing, fantastical, and maybe a little bananas, while it tackles the big feelings that come with growing up
    Some of their current topics:
    -Talking to Kids about Corona Virus Fears
    -Count Vacula Feels Afraid
    -Episode Zero: The Imagine Neighborhood- Anger
     
    Mind Yeti : 15 mindfulness program sessions available for anyone to use.  Designed for educators and families to do alongside children, and for older children to do on their own. Mind Yeti provides a great way for everyone to practice mindffulness during this difficult time.
     
    ParenTeen Connection - For families with older children, this resource provides an online experience they can share together. It's loaded with videos, resources, and useful advice to help teens and the adults in their lives address hot-button topics.  https://www.parenteenconnect.org/
     
    Little Children, Big Challenges - Committee for Children and Sesame Street have partnered to create a collection of resources for young children facing significant challenges.  These materials, aimed at building children's resilience may be useful for educators and families.  https://www.cfchildren.org/resources/sesame-street-little-children-big-challenges/general-resilience/
     
    PBS will be broadcasting educational programming, resources and home enrichment during the emergency closure period.  This is FREE and does not require internet access.
     
    Early Learning Ideas Without Needing Technology!