Help Older Adults Enjoy Quality Life, Community

With the Coronavirus continuing its spread across Wisconsin and the world, we're working hard to help economically vulnerable families, especially our senior populations. They need us now, more than ever. Today I've answered phone calls from people worried about seniors in their lives. 

 "My 72-year old dad is terrified to go to the store- and even if he went, would there be any supplies for him?" 

"I have an elderly neighbor who needs Depend®. She went to the store today and couldn't find any. Can you help? This is so sad."

Our first wave of response is:

• Triple distributions of adult care essentials (Depend® or Poise®) through our community partners
• Host Senior Safety Drive-Thru Basic Needs Distributions
  • This is quite literally a drive-thru, where we're working to minimize any contact. We're using signs and hand signals, then placing needed items into trunks/backseats of vehicles
  • Items distributed include incontinence supplies, toothpaste, and other hygiene basics
• Double diaper distributions to community partners serving medically fragile families

This is a highly fluid situation. Also on our radar is distributing period products to school-aged children grab 'n go style alongside lunch distributions that are also grab 'n go. We are also evaluating doubling baby diaper distributions. 

Hope Factory is now closed to public volunteers. We're operating with a minimal staff and volunteer crew, while maintaining increased sanitation and social distancing within Hope Factory. We're also using our whole-Factory air exchange system, which completely changes air in less than three minutes. 

Things are going to get even tougher for the families we serve as school and work closures grow, adding even more financial pressure to fragile situations. 

Thank you for your continued support. I encourage you to reach me at stephanie@jakesdiapers.org with any questions you may have. 

~ Stephanie

Links:

• Senior Basic Needs Drive Thru