The Maker’s Clubhouse Family Resource Guide
We at The Maker’s Clubhouse hope that you find this guide of resources helpful. This will be continuously updated so please make sure to check back often. Click the “Show document outline” button near the top left to skip to specific sections and information.
COVID-19 Information
Where to get reliable updates
Preventative Measures
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Social distancing. Stay home except for emergencies and limit grocery shopping to once per week
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Protect the immunocompromised people in your life (elderly, those with asthma) by social isolating and encouraging them to isolate as well
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No gatherings of more than 10 people
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Wash your hands frequently such as every few hours and every time you walk in the door
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Avoid touching your face
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Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as door knobs, counters, electronics
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If you feel you may have been in contact with it, remove your clothes when arriving home to wash them and take a shower. Take off shoes and wipe them down at the door.
What to do if you get it
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Stay home for at least 14 days
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Stay six feet away from other family members to prevent contaminating others
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Acetaminophen (i.e.,Tylenol) will treat fever
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Decongestant (i.e., Mucinex) will break down mucus
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Cold / Flu Medication will help treat symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and fever
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Moisture will alleviate breathing and break up mucus. Consider using a humidifier or using the steam from a hot shower
How to talk to your kids about COVID-19
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Explain to children that people are getting sick and in order for them to get better, it is important to stay at home to protect ourselves and others
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Encourage your children to use preventative health measures by washing hands frequently and coughing into their elbow
What are “essential businesses”?
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Grocery stores, speciality food stores, gas stations, general merchandise stores, pharmacies, utility companies, hospitals, community food and housing, banks
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Full list of PA "essential businesses" and full list of federal government list here
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If you are a small business owner and need an exception, click here to fill out this form.
What are “Allowable Individual Activities”
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Individuals may leave their residence ONLY to perform any of the following allowable individual activities and allowable essential travel.
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Tasks essential to maintain health and safety, or the health and safety of their family or household members (including, but not limited to, pets), such as obtaining medicine or medical supplies, visiting a healthcare professional, or obtaining supplies they need to work from home.
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Getting necessary services or supplies for themselves or their family or household members, or to deliver those services or supplies to others, such as getting food and household consumer products, pet food, and supplies necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences. This includes volunteer efforts to distribute meals and other life-sustaining services to those in need.
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Engaging in outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking or running if they maintain social distancing.
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To perform work providing essential products and services at a life-sustaining business (see below for details about life-sustaining business activities).
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To care for a family member or pet in another household.
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Allowable Essential Travel
Any travel related to the provision of or access to the above-mentioned individual activities or life-sustaining business activities (see below for details about life-sustaining business activities), travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons, travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services, travel to return to a place of residence from an outside jurisdiction, travel required by law enforcement or court order, travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the commonwealth, and anyone performing life-sustaining travel does not need paperwork to prove the reason for travel.
Additional Guidance
Additionally, nothing in this policy shall be construed to affect the operations of health care or medical service providers, access to life-sustaining services for low-income residents, including, but not limited to, food banks, access to child care services for employees of life-sustaining businesses that remain open as follows: child care facilities operating under the Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning waiver process; group and family child care operating in a residence; and part-day school age programs operating under an exemption from the March 19, 2020 business closure Orders, the news media, law enforcement, the federal government, and religious institutions.
What Is Social Distancing?
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Social distancing means staying away from close contact in public spaces. It includes actions like staying out of places where lots of people gather and maintaining distance — approximately 6 feet — from others.
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Social distancing also includes minimizing contact with people by avoiding public transportation when possible, limiting nonessential travel, working from home, and skipping social gatherings.
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All Pennsylvanians should practice social distancing — not just those who are seriously ill or at high risk.
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Social distancing is a proven way to slow the spread of pandemics.
Assistance and Information (Financial, Health, Food, etc)
Updates from the Government
Help and Information regarding Income, Rent, Utilities, Bills and more.
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Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA)
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Click here to visit the URA’s website for updates
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Click here to get information about short term rent/mortgage/utility financial assistance from the URA and Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
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Pittsburgh Financial Empowerment Center
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Click here to schedule a free, one-on-one virtual financial counseling session
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Your Rights as a Tenant
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Know Your Rights from Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced no tenants can be evicted during this time
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Mortgage or Rent
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If you can’t cover your mortgage payment or rent, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Do not wait until you’re behind on payments.
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Some lenders may work out an agreement with you to waive late fees, set up a repayment plan or offer loan forbearance.
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Mortgage information: visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or find a housing counselor near you.
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Rental assistance: visit the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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Student Loan Deferment and Forbearance
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You may qualify for deferment or a forbearance in which you can temporarily suspend your payments
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Click here for more information from the U.S. Department of Education for applying for deferment and forbearance
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PA Department of Banking and Securities
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Visit the DOBS’ website for more information and options for rent, mortgage and utility payments
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Avoiding Scams
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Individuals and groups may try to take advantage of the public in uncertain times
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Click here to for more information from the Federal Trade Commision (FTC) on how to avoid these schemes
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Financial Assistance for Members of the United States Armed Forces
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Visit the Military Onesource website for more information
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Utilities
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On March 6, 2020, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Chairman signed an emergency order prohibiting terminations by utilities that are under the PUC’s jurisdiction, including:
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Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, Telecommunication, Steam
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Internet Essentials from Comcast
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New customers will receive two months of free service in response to the Coronavirus emergency if you apply before April 30th, 2020
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Households with outstanding debt owed to Comcast may be eligible for Internet Essentials
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Click here to for the application
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Utility Assistance Options from Allegheny County
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Step 1: Contact Your Utility Company to Arrange a Reduced Payment Plan
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Options: Energy Assistance Programs (EAP), Customer Assistance Program (CAP), Customer Assistance Referral and Evaluation Service (CARES)
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Natural Gas Companies Websites and Phone Numbers
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Columbia Gas 800-537-7431
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Peoples Natural Gas 800-400-9276 (WARM)
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Equitable Gas 800-654-6335
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Electric Companies Websites
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Water Companies Websites
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Learn more at this link
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Step 2: Apply For a Dollar Energy Fund Grant
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If you're eligible for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), you must apply for it BEFORE applying for this grant
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Apply
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Requirements
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Dollar Energy Hardship Program: Your household income is not more than two times (200%) the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
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Dollar Energy Fund: Your household income is not more than one-and-a-half times (150%) the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
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Step 3: Apply for LIHEAP
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Eligible if your household income is not more than one-and-a-half times (150%) the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
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Apply
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Online at Compass
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Visit an Allegheny County Assistance Office
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Call the numbers below
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LIHEAP Cash
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(412) 562-0330 or (866) 857-7095
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Does not require that you have past-due bills
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Where to Find Food
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Grab and Go School Meals
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Pittsburgh Public Schools Grab and Go Meals
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Meals are distributed between 11:00AM to 1:00PM Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Multiple meals will be distributed on Tuesday and Friday
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See below for a list of locations in the eastern section of the city
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2-1-1/United Way
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Click here to visit 2-1-1’s website on COVID-19 service
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Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
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See below for a list of local locations
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Click here to find more locations
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Income Guidelines
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Household Size: 1, Annual: $18,735, Monthly: $1,561
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Household Size: 2, Annual: $25,365, Monthly: $2,114
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Household Size: 3, Annual: $31,995, Monthly: $2,666
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Household Size: 4, Annual: $38,625, Monthly: $3,219
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Per additional person add $6,630 per year/$553 per month
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COVID-19 Emergency Distributions Update
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Only cars will be served at 1 N Linden St, Duquesne, PA 15110
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Monday, March 30th, 2020 from 12PM to 3PM
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Click here for updates
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Giant Eagle
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Ages 60, differently abled or immune-compromised shoppers can shop from 6AM to 7AM Monday through Friday
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No Contact Pickup: Free pickup for orders of $35 and over
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No Contact Delivery: Next-Day Delivery - as low as $5.95, Same-Day Delivery - as low as $9.95
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Click here to begin a cart
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Payment Options: Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover), Giant Eagle gift cards, cash and checks at select locations
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ALDI
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Hours for vulnerable customers
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On Tuesdays and Thursdays, ALDI will open at 8:30AM and reserve the first hour of business for vulnerable shoppers including senior citizens, expectant mothers and those with underlying health conditions
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Grocery Delivery and Pickup
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Grocery Delivery: Free delivery on first three orders of $35 or more (Use code SHOPALDI20 at checkout)
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Grocery Pickup: Free pickup on first three orders of $35 or more (Use code SHOPALDI20 at checkout)
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Click here to begin a cart
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Payment Options: Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover)
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Operation Better Block Map of Food Spots
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Walmart
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Grocery Pick Up:
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Grocery Delivery: Free 15-day Delivery Trial
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Imperfect Food
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A produce delivery service that sends “imperfect” foods that grocery stores won't accept for appearance reasons
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Sign up here
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Reduced cost box for people who receive SNAP (33% off)
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Access to Technology
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Computer Reach
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Link to website here
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If possible, donations are needed to refurbish laptops so students and families have access to technology during this time of online homeschooling
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Mental Health Resources
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United Way of Southwest PA's COVID-19 Hotline
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Toll free number: 1-888-856-2774 or 211.
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Resolve Crisis Network 24-Hour Help
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Click here to go to their website
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Toll free number: 1-888-7-YOU-CAN (796-8226)
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Peer Support and Advisory Network (PSAN)
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Click here to go to their website
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Hotline
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Click here to go to their website
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Toll free number: 1-800-985-5990
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Women Resources
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The Women's Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
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Click here to go to their website
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Protection from Abuse (PFA) Procedures in Allegheny County during the COVID-19 Crisis
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Mindfulness
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Mindfulness Tips
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Establish routines - Routine is essential in maintaining normalcy in uncertain times.
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Set intentions - When you wake up, take some deep breaths and set an intention for the day; no matter how big or small an intention can help to keep you focused and positive.
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Stay active, if possible - Take walks, stretch, or anything else that helps you get your body moving and loosen any anxiety you may be experiencing.
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Simple meditation - Sit comfortably with your feet on the floor and your back supported by a chair. Take some deep breaths and notice how your body is feeling. Take notice of the sensations you are feeling and honor any tension or anxiety you may be holding.
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Links to mindfulness-based media
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How to Cope in Uncertain Times - Apple Podcasts
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Coronavirus: A Time for Kindness - Youtube Video
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Random Acts of Kindness & Online Enrichment - Website Link
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Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Locations
(within 3 mile radius of 15208
or 3 mile radius of 15206)

Staying Connected
Zoom
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Free 40 minute video calls for up to 100 people
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Sign up for free account at this link
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Click here for Zoom Video Tutorials
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Download Links
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iPhones/iPads - Apple App Store
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Android Phones/Tablets - Google Play Store
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Chrome Web browser Extension - Chrome Web Store
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Skype
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Free video calls
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Sign up for a free account at this link
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The Beginner’s Guide to Skype from Mashable
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Download Links
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iPhone - Apple App Store
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iPad - Apple App Store
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Android Phones/Tablets - Google Play Store
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Macs and PCs - Apple MacOs and Windows OS
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Educational Resources
General
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Khan Academy Kids (Pre-school, Kindergarten, 1st Grade)
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Khan Academy Kids is a free, fun, educational app with thousands of activities and books for young children ages 2-7
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Account Creation Instructions
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Download Links
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iPhone, iPad - Apple App Store
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Android Phones/Tablets - Google Play Store, Amazon App Store
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Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents from NCTSN
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Click here for the PDF
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Math
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Khan Academy
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ST Math
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Free access for parents and students until June 20th, 2020
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How to set up videos (Youtube)
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Login Page
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Computer Browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Safari, etc.)
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App Download Links
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iPad - Apple App Store
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Android Tablets - Google Play Store, Amazon App Store
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Pittsburgh Public Grade-Level Activity Packets
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Pittsburgh Public Schools External Online Resources
Reading and English Language Arts
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Pittsburgh Public Grade-Level Activity Packets
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Kindergarten through 2nd Grade
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3rd through 5th Grade
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Additional Reading Practice
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Chatterpix by Duck Duck Moose (Free App)
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iPhones/iPads - Apple App Store
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Android Phones/Tablets - Google Play Store
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Outdoor Family Fun with Plum (Free App)
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iPhones/iPads - Apple App Store
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Android Phones/Tablets - Google Play Store, Amazon App Store
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Scholastic Learn at Home
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Storyline Online: A website and app that reads aloud books with children.
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Edmentum Worksheet Bundles
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Khan Academy
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Book Lists
STEAM
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Pittsburgh Public Grade-Level Activity Packets
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Code.org
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Free coding activities for Kindergarten through 5th Grade
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Computer Science Fundamentals Express Courses
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Computer Science Fundamentals
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Early-Elementary
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Older-Elementary
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International Computer Science Fundamentals
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Scratch Jr
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An introductory programming language that enables young children to create their own interactive stories and games
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App Downloads
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General Information
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Activities
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Curriculum
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Assessments
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Scratch
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Create your own interactive games, stories, animations and share them with your friends.
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Get Started: Scratch Editor, Starter Projects
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Downloads (For Offline Use): Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, ChromeOS, Android
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Join for free @ this link
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Kodable
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A free self-guided iPad game that introduce kids 5+ to programming basics
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App Downloads
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Vidcode
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Learn JavaScript by bringing your photos and videos to life. Create filters, graphics, emojis, and special effects with step-by-step project tutorials (Grades 5-12)
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Requirements: Web browser or Chromebook
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Activities
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Tynker
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Tynker makes it fun & easy to learn programming. It makes it visual. Kids build games and mobile apps by arranging blocks of code (Ages 5-13) (20 free coding games with an account creation)
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Requirements: Web browser
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Social-Emotional
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Pittsburgh Public Grade-Level Activity Packets
Other
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Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting from COVID-19 from NASP
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Stay calm, listen, and offer reassurance
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Be a role model: Children will react to and follow your reactions
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Be aware of how you talk about COVID-19: Your discussion about COVID-19 can increase/decrease your child’s fears
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Explain social distancing: Children probably don't fully understand why parents/guardians aren't allowing them to be friends
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Demonstrate deep breathing: This is a valuable tool for calming the nervous system
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Focus on the positive: Celebrate having more time to spend as a family
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Establish and maintain a daily routine: Keeping a regular schedule provides a sense of control, predictability, calm, and well-being
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Identify projects that might help others
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Monitor television viewing and social media
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Take time to talk
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Be honest and accurate
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Correct misinformation: Children often imagine situations worse than reality; therefore, offering developmentally appropriate facts can reduce fears
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Explain simple safety steps: Tell your child this disease spreads between people who are in close contact with one another, when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or when one touches infected objects or surfaces
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Keep explanations age-appropriate
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Early elementary school children: provide brief, simple information that balances COVID-19 facts with appropriate reassurances that adults are there to help keep them healthy and to take care of them if they do get sick. Give simple examples of the steps people make every day to stop germs and stay healthy, such as washing hands. Use language such as "adults are working hard to keep you safe."
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Upper elementary and early middle school children: this age group often is more vocal in asking questions about whether they indeed are safe and what will happen if COVID-19 spreads in their area. They may need assistance separating reality from rumor and fantasy. Discuss the efforts national, state, and community leaders are doing to prevent germs from spreading.
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