March 26, 2020 - In light of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, RIT is bringing our community together in new ways.
First of all, we’d like all our friends and supporters to know that we are so grateful for their overwhelming support to keep us going during this difficult time. To all the volunteers reaching out and asking how they can help, to supporters seeking to donate cash and needed items… thank you! You are essential.
RIT On-site services:
Following Shelter-in-Place policies in the SF Bay Area, RIT has moved our on-site programming to the virtual space. RIT staff are working remotely. We are:
Reaching out to the RIT community to reduce social isolation and provide education about COVID-19, the Census, and community resources;
Continuing family support services over the phone;
Helping address clients’ economic security issues related to COVID-19;
Launching distance learning strategies for students in our educational programs;
Starting a YouTube channel of educational videos for students (led by RIT team members).
Pictured: Educational video of RIT staff, Amanda, reading a children's book for our youngest students.
Home-based tutoring/mentoring:
We are encouraging all of our home-based volunteers to continue meeting with their students virtually. We are reaching out to volunteers to provide resources.
Take action:
In these times of increased social isolation, RIT services are needed more than ever to bring our community together in new ways. By supporting RIT, you help ensure that our Bay Area community comes out of this crisis stronger, more welcoming, and more resilient.