COVID-19: Resources and Updates
for Al Éxito Families and Students
Dear Al Éxito Participants and Families:
All of us at Al Éxito send out our thoughts and prayers to all of our participants and their families at this time of uncertainty. Please know that Al Exito staff, Gabby and myself, as well as your site facilitators, are here to help in any way possible. If you are in need, have questions, or need contact with resources, please let us know. We will do our best to make sure you and your families are supported. Call Dawn Martinez Oropeza for help in English at (515)-480-0904. Call Gabby Guerra for help in Spanish (515) 494-6564.
Iowa Workforce Development
If you have questions regarding work or unemployment go to https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/updates-and-resources-about-covid-19
Iowa Economic Development
If you have a small business the State of Iowa released funding to help. Applications are due March 31. Please share this with local business owners. If you need assistance with the application Al Exito is here to help. https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/programDetails?pid=136&ppid=26
Iowa Legal Aid
Iowa Legal Aid is updating information regarding Coronavirus updates regarding evictions, utilities, unemployment, and taxes. https://www.iowalegalaid.org/resource/2020-coronavirus-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know
United Way of Central Iowa Hotline 2-1-1
United Way of Central Iowa has a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1
Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa
Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa has information and resources in Spanish at https://www.refugeeallianceofcentraliowa.org/covid19-information
Worker's Rights: COVID-19
Health and safety video is now available in Spanish, thanks to terrific work of Guillermo Morales, voice recording from UI history professor Lina-Maria Murillo, and sound work by Labor Center oral historian John McKerley. Please find the video on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/ZGGXPJ7M6LQ
Des Moines:
Des Moines Public Schools
DMPS will be offering meal assistance while closed, see information
DART
Beginning March 26th, DART will be reducing their service hours. Please look below for additional information
Des Moines Public Library
Kanopy Kids, a video streaming service that’s free with your Des Moines Public Library card. Kanopy Kids includes hundreds of movies, TV shows, and read along books you’re your kids will love. The app is appropriate for children ages 2 and up, with an emphasis on programming for ages 2-8.
If you haven’t yet created a Kanopy account, it’s easy to get started. Go to dmpl.kanopy.com, and sign up using your library card number and PIN. Afterward, when you log in again, you’ll use the username and password you set up during registration. Residency restrictions apply - cardholders must live in Des Moines or rural Polk County to use Kanopy.
The Blank Park Zoo
set up lighted animal displays around the parking lot and has invited the public to drive through.
It will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. - it's free, but the zoo will be accepting donations.
Additional Resources:
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ArtFul Connections for everyone starting Monday (3/23). Check out our 11:30 a.m. posts on Facebook every weekday for easy and fun art activities designed to reduce stress and anxiety. For all ages, with materials, you have available at home. Here's where you can join us: www.facebook.com/artforceiowa
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From Audible: FREE Access to Audible for Students and for as long as schools are closed, Audible is offering students FREE access to their huge collection of audiobooks! All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet. Explore the collection, select a title, and enjoy. Spread the word!
Additional Updates:
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Social Security office in Des Moines is closed until further notice.
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USCIS has suspended all face to face interviews until at least April