Shaping Elizabeth Creates Resource Directory for Community
Time and again one of the biggest challenges the Shaping Elizabeth coalition members have heard from our community is that residents know resources and support services exist, but don’t know where or how to find them. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this rings truer than ever, with word-of-mouth communications limited by all of the building capacity and physical distancing guidelines that are required to slow the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, it’s more important than ever to ensure our residents know where they can access the information, resources, and services they need to stay safe and healthy during this pandemic.
That’s why we’ve turned the Shaping Elizabeth Facebook page into a one-stop resource directory for Elizabeth residents. The information shared on our page covers everything they need to support their health and well-being through the pandemic, including:
- COVID-19 updates from Mayor Bollwage
- Health & Safety Updates from Trinitas Regional Medical Center
- Food Distribution Events by the City and County
- Grocery Shopping and Food Delivery Services for Seniors
- Social Call Programs for Seniors
- Virtual Walks & Runs
- Programming focused on Chronic Disease and Prevention
- Health & Wellness Programming
- Employment Ads for Essential Jobs
- Art Classes & Programs
- Outdoor Dining Options
- Weather Warnings and Updates
While this is a different type of data sharing than we originally planned for this grant period, our Facebook page is one of the most effective data sharing platforms available not only to our coalition members, but to our residents. Residents of all ages from children to seniors know how to access Facebook and the information we share there. In addition, it can be accessed from any internet-capable device and the page is updated in real-time so the most accurate information is available to residents. Considering how quickly information surrounding this pandemic changes, that is extremely important.
The new normal we’re living in is stressful to say the least, but Shaping Elizabeth is doing our part to help residents get through these times as easily as possible, with access to all of the information, resources, and services they need to support their health and well-being.
We WILL get through this TOGETHER!