• VCU RecSports offers virtual exercise classes. Virtual exercise offerings include live online fitness and wellness classes taught by Recreational Sports staff. Miss the session? Watch it later on the VCU RecSports YouTube channel. 

• Sitting all day?

• Enjoy these chair yoga videos you can do in the comfort of your own home.

• Join the American Heart Association’s #MoveMore Community. Join movers and shakers from across the country for short movement parties every weekday (live and recorded). You’ll get a fun new activity break that’ll keep you coming back for more. Tune in at heart.org/MoveMoreTogether

• Sitting for prolonged periods of time can be a major cause of back pain. It can also cause increased stress on the back, neck, arms, legs, including tremendous pressure on the back muscle and spinal discs. Additionally, sitting in a slouched position can overstretch the spinal ligaments and strain the spinal discs. Our colleagues in VCU Safety and Risk Management have provided some guidelines and resources to help make sure your work area is as comfortable as possible and cause the least amount of stress to your spine. Learn about stretches to do in your office, ergonomics, computer workstation design guidelines, and an ergonomics checklist to ensure you have a safe workstation that fits your needs. 

• Replicate your gym workout at home.

• Fitness Enthusiasts Think Outside the Gym During Coronavirus: People around the country who are self-isolating or maintaining social distance during the coronavirus outbreak have to think outside the gym when it comes to their fitness routines. Organizations like Peloton are offering extended free trial periods to test products.

• These fitness studios are live-streaming workout classes for free during the coronavirus outbreak.

• Yoga/Down Dog App is now available at a discount while people are home during COVID-19. With Down Dog you get a brand new yoga practice every time you come to your mat. It is beginner friendly and offers multiple practice types. You can download a practice for offline use and take it with you anywhere.

• Feeling sick? Consider using the COVID-19 Symptom Assessment provided by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to help evaluate your symptoms and next steps.

• See a doctor online. If you participate in a COVA Care or COVA High Deductible Health plan with Anthem, you can proceed to accessing the Live Health Online benefits included with your plan to connect with a board-certified doctor by phone or online. LiveHealth online is always free to COVA Care members, and is being provided to COVA High Deductible Health Plan members at no extra cost through June 14, 2020. If you participate in a COVA HealthAware plan administered by Aetna, telemedicine benefits are included with your plan and are being provided to members at no cost through June 4 2020. If your health coverage is not a COVA health plan, contact the phone number on your health plan ID card to ask about available services and coverage.

• Understand your health benefits. Details and announcements about health plans are available at hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/. Please note, COVID-19 testing ordered by your participating medical provider is currently covered at no cost by the COVA health plans.

Returning to work - COVID-19 checklist

As many will start returning to work, there may be people feeling anxiety about possily being exposed to COVID-19 or even returning to theri old routine after months of upturn. Below are some tips from the National Alliance on Mental Illness to help you adjust more easily.

• Do everything you can to help protect yourself and others from getting sick. Taking these steps may help you feel more in control, while also helping to prevent the spread of infection.

1. Wash your hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
2. Clean all high-touch areas every hour.
3. Wear a face mask or covering.
4. Stay six feet away from others when possible.
5. Stay home if you are sick and stay away from others experiencing symptoms if you can.

• Use resources offered to you to help cope with the changes and emotions. If you see a therapist, continue to stay in touch during your transition back into your work routine.
• Listen to the VDH Tips for everyday life during COVID-19
• Check out resources provided by the Virginia Department of Health
• Try to embrace the return to structure. Lack of a routine can be a driving force for many mental illnesses and can heighten anxiety. If you can, try to get into your work routine at home before physically returning – wake up at the normal time, get bathed and dressed as you would normally, and try to return to your normal timeline during the day.
• Try to make sure you are getting a healthy night’s sleep. While it may seem simple, getting enough sleep can make an incredible difference on our mood and amount of anxiety during the day. Try to get back to your routine from before quarantine and try to go to bed without interruptions to allow for the best rest possible.
• Remember – it is okay and normal to feel anxious. There is nothing wrong with feeling anxious about changes and uncertain times, and you are not alone in these feelings.

 

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NEW! Health Benefits Program Offers Online EAP Resources to Wage and Waived Employees: To assist with work, family and other personal issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, state wage employees may access website resources through the Anthem and Aetna Employee Assistance Programs until June 30. These online educational services are offered at no cost to wage and waived employees who are not covered by a state health plan. Individual services such as face-to-face counseling, legal consultation, telephonic financial counseling, and work/life consultation services are not included. 

• Anthem:  Services can be accessed by going to www.anthemeap.com and entering the Company Code EAP Can Help.
• Aetna:  Employees can contact Aetna Resources For Living (RFL) for support and resources.
• Please see Employee Assistance for Wage and Waived Employees for more details..

• Employees: How to Cope with Job Stress and Build Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Tips from CDC

• Prevention Tips on Daily Life & Coping, Stay Safe, and more!

• Amid COVID-19, Rams in Recovery advice resonates with a broader audience. Tools that help people recovering from addiction get through their day-to-day lives are largely applicable during this time of social isolation.

• 10 Secrets People in Recovery from Addiction Know that Could Help Us All Survive this Global Pandemic

• VCU RecSports mindfulness training program during COVID-19

• myStrength Can Help You Thrive! Turning on the news or surfing the internet on your phone may seem like a good way to fill your time. With COVID-19 in our midst, it seems important to stay informed. Still, a constant stream of devastating news from the outside world may overwhelm you. It may also take its toll on your mental and emotional well-being. There is so much these days that we can't choose, but we can decide how we respond and what we are willing to let in. Whether it's the news, health worries, your finances, or something else that's making you feel anxious, here's something you can do. Grounding is a tool that can calm you and help you get in touch with the moment. It's one proven way to balance your thoughts and emotions — and that is a skill that can help you move forward, no matter what. Ground yourself when you feel anxious. Connect with myStrength's Grounding to Pause and Find Your Way Forward resource.

• Calm amid COVID-19: Compassion - Join UC Berkeley psychologist Dacher Keltner, who has studied stress, relationships and well-being for 25 years, as he shares ideas and practices for cultivating resilience and connection as we face the challenges of the coming months. 

• Artfulness - Artfulness is a short web based curriculum developed here at VCU to help Npractice mindfulness and stress relief through the arts. There are 20 art based activities to choose from (and could be great for a whole family activity) Artfulness information

• Find Calm and Nourish Resilience - Mindful is offering free access to their premium course until June 30, 2020 to help calm anxious thoughts, strengthen emotional resilience, and cultivate compassion and connection. They also offer other free mindfulness resources during the COVID-19 outbreak.

• Rachel Wright, a New York City-based therapist, is holding virtual group check-ins for free. You can sign up for the free group online and virtually connect with others and get tips from Wright for managing anxiety and taking care of yourself during this time. Visit the Pop-Up COVID-19 Support Group.

• PsychCentral.com has articles about how to stay happy while in constant isolation.

• Wiredforhappy.com has mental-health articles, resources, and a community board so you can feel connected with others during this time.

• University Counseling Services has compiled a great Mental Health Care Package filled with resources to assist in coping with this new environment and anxieties linked to COVID-19. 

Mindfulness apps

• Ten Percent Happier - Learn to mediate from the world's top mindfulness experts. FREE six-month subscriptions to the Ten Percent Happier app to all healthcare workers and volunteers. Redemption Instructions. 

• Calm, an app that offers guided meditations and tracks to help you fall asleep is offering free resources right now to help you meditate, sleep, and stretch. Calm has a blog post with free meditation tracks, music playlists for kids, sleep, soothing, and other categories, and videos with guided evening stretches to get both your mind and body in a more relaxed state.

• Headspace also offers guided meditations and is offering free subscriptions right now to help people de-stress. 

• Daylio helps you track your mood and daily activity so you can keep a schedule that's beneficial to your mental health.

At home with the kids?

• If you have kids at home right now, meditation app Simple Habit has guided audio recordings for adults and children. According to Simple Habit founder and CEO Yunha Kim, the company is offering free premium memberships right now. To get one, email help@simplehabit.com and say you'd like a free subscription.

LGBTQ resources
If you're part of the LGBT community, there are resources that are specifically geared for your needs right now.

• The National Center for Transgender Equality has an article outlining which supplies transgender people should consider stocking up on right now, as well as tips for what to do if you're immunocompromised.

• Harper Jean Tobin, the National Center for Transgender Equality's director of policy, also suggested the Trevor Project's youth counselors, which are available to young LGBTQ people through online chat, text, or phone.

• For older LGBTQ adults, the SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline provides crisis response and helps connect people with community resources," Tobin told Insider. "There are many, many other online communities and support groups on a variety of platforms. Folks can find some of them through organizations like PFLAG, Gender Spectrum, TransMentors, or their local LGBT community centers."

• Trans Lifeline is reopening the microgrant application on April 1 at 1 p.m. ET to provide financial assistance for transgender people in need. They also have a peer support hotline.

Mental health
Use these tips from the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) curriculum to take care of your mental health while practicing physical distancing.

• Eat healthy food to keep your body in top working order.

• Exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, whether we’re working out at home or taking a solo jog around the neighborhood.

• Practice relaxation therapy. Focusing on tensing and relaxing muscle groups can help you relax voluntarily when feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious.

• Let light in. For some people, increased exposure to light can improve symptoms of depression. If you can, open the shades and let more sunlight in.

• Be kind to yourself! Treat yourself with the same compassion you would a friend.

• Stay connected. Even if you can’t get together face-to-face, you can stay connected to friends, family and neighbors with phone calls, text messages, video chats and social media. If you’re feeling lonely, sad or anxious, reach out to your social support networks. Share what you are feeling and offer to listen to friends or family members about their feelings. We are all experiencing this scary and uncertain time together.

• Monitor media consumption. While you might want to stay up-to the minute with COVID-19 news, too much exposure can be overwhelming. Balance media consumption with other activities you enjoy, such as reading, cooking or listening to music.

Talk to a professional

All health plans offered to state employees and their dependents have employee assistance programs (EAPs). Included are up to four sessions at no charge for such services as mental health, alcohol or drug abuse assessment, child or elder care, grief counseling and legal or financial services. EAP counselors are available to assist employees with problems related to alcohol, drugs, family, gambling, health, legal, financial, housing, mental health, child care, elder care, grief, spousal/child/parent abuse, workplace career planning, retirement.

In general, care must be authorized in advance. You or your eligible dependent will speak to an EAP specialist who will assess your problem and coordinate assistance. Should your problem require mental health or substance abuse care, you will be referred to a provider, under your mental health and substance abuse benefit. Your EAP specialist or care manager will arrange a referral according to your specific needs. Contact your plan's Member Services department for more information.

• COVA Care and COVA HDHP - Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Member Services: 1-855-223-9277, www.anthemeap.com

• COVA HealthAware - Aetna 1-888-238-6232, www.covahealthaware.com

• Kaiser Permanente HMO - (866) 517-7042 (toll free), www.achievesolutions.net/kaiser

NEW! 

The impact of COVID-19 seems to grow every day. It’s only natural to feel stress and anxiety related to it. The Anthem Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help!

The EAP website offers a variety of tools and resources related to COVID-19 including

• Online seminars with emotional support and practical information
• Regularly updated links to news outlets and health organization websites
• Links to articles and resources to help you stay informed

And of course the EAP can help you manage all the changes that are occurring each day. You can use the website for:

• Articles and tip sheets to help with everyday needs
• Information on child and elder care resources
• Legal and financial information
• And more!

Visit the Anthem EAP website for free confidential help! Click on the Log-In button and enter: EAP Can Help

This special entry portal is available for all employees, including those without health coverage.

NEW! Health Benefits Program Offers Online EAP Resources to Wage and Waived Employees: To assist with work, family and other personal issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, state wage employees may access website resources through the Anthem and Aetna Employee Assistance Programs until June 30. These online educational services are offered at no cost to wage and waived employees who are not covered by a state health plan. Individual services such as face-to-face counseling, legal consultation, telephonic financial counseling, and work/life consultation services are not included. 

• Anthem:  Services can be accessed by going to www.anthemeap.com and entering the Company Code EAP Can Help.
• Aetna:  Employees can contact Aetna Resources For Living (RFL) for support and resources.
• Please see Employee Assistance for Wage and Waived Employees for more details.

 

Financial webinars and online resources

• NEW! Webinar: Are You Financially Healthy? There’s never been a better time to understand your financial health. True financial health is based on four key components: Spend, Save, Borrow and Plan—and in this webinar, the Virginia Crecit Union will show you how to make yourself healthier in each. They will also give you a chance to confidentially determine your own Financial Health Score and show you just how to improve it.

• NEW! Coronavirus and Your Financial Health: Answers, tips, and advice for staying financially well during the COVID-19 pandemic - VRS has put together this comprehensive guide.

• NEW! Money skills start at home. We all want our children to be financially secure and successful. In this webinar, Raising a Money Smart Kid, from the Virginia Credit Union, they will show you how to have money conversations with your child and model positive money behaviors. They will also highlight free online games, content, and activities that can help your children build positive money habit

• TIAA offers webinars that can help you keep your financial goals on track. Reserve your spot today at TIAA.org/webinars. These webinars provide general information that you should discuss with your personal tax and legal advisors to determine how it may apply to your individual circumstances. This material is for informational or educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice under ERISA. 

• Talent@VCU is your online home for learning, performance management and career development. In Talent there are numerous financial courses such as "Setting Your Financial Goals," "5 Personal Finance Tips," "Financial Basics Everyone Should Know," and more. Search "Financial" or "Budget."

• Remember to get your free online financial fitness check-up with Virginia Credit Union’s Financial Fitness Academy. You will receive a personalized action plan to boost your financial fitness and enjoy access to 200 online learning modules.

About the economy

• "Making Sense of COVID-19 and Volatile Markets" from TIAA

• "Market Volatility: Strategies for Uncertain Times" from Fidelity Investments

• "Taking the Long View: VRS Investing in Volatile Markets" from the Virginia Retirement System

Financial needs

If you have a VCU 403(b) Tax Deferred Annuity plan account, you may request in-service withdrawals and/or loans for COVID-19 related reasons as authorized by federal CARES Act legislation. Withdrawals that meet CARES Act criteria are not subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty. Loans that meet CARES Act criteria may be taken against your full balance. To initiate a loan or withdrawal, contact your account provider (TIAA and/or Fidelity Investments) directly. No VCU authorization is required. Loans and withdrawals are not available from the VCU Optional Retirement Plan, the VCU Cash Match Plan, or the Virginia Retirement System Defined Benefit Plans (VRS Plans 1 & 2, VaLORS Plans 1 & 2). If you participate in the Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), the Virginia 401(a) Cash Match Plan, and/or the VRS Hybrid 457, contact Virginia Retirement System Defined Contribution Plans customer service at 1-877-327-5261 for information about in-service distributions allowed under the CARES Act. For other loan options, contact the Virginia Credit Union or your own financial institution.

Professional development through VCU
VCU offers many online classes for employees through Talent@VCU. Log in and learn something new. Find these topics and more:

• Success Habits

• Creating Your First Android App with Kotlin

• Programming for Non-Programmers

• Writing in Plain English

• Singing Lessons: 2 Foundational Exercises

• Computer and Text Neck Stretching

• Creative Exercises to Spark Original Thinking

• Financial Wellness: Managing Personal Cash Flow

• 32 Ways to Make Extra Money

 

Free online courses
Various universities are offering free courses through Coursera.

NEW! News publications remove paywalls

Many news publications are removing their paywalls to make it as easy as possible for readers to stay up to date on the coronavirus pandemic. Some outlets are completely removing their paywalls, while others are removing paywalls specifically on coronavirus stories.

Below are some of the national sources doing so, but be sure to check your local papers as well.

• The New York Times

• The Wall Street Journal

• The Washington Post

• The Los Angeles Times

• The Guardian

• AP News

• The Athletic

Work-life balance

An important element of occupational wellness is work-life balance. During this difficult time, balance is key to well-being while working from home.

• It is important to create and maintain boundaries between work and family.

• It is important to keep a normal routine.

• Get dressed - It’s tempting to stay in pajamas all day but by getting dressed it helps you get started in the morning and stay productive.

• Designate a workspace or home office - this helps keep your work and home life separate.

• Keep clearly defined working hours - if you feel yourself extending your work hours because you aren’t doing anything in the evening….remind yourself it’s time to put work away, recharge, and start tomorrow with a fresh mind.

• Don’t get too sucked in by the news, or anything else! - distraction is a big challenge, stay focused!

• Communicate - make sure you stay in communication with your manager and co-workers. Don’t just email - phone or video chat helps to stay in contact and avoid miscommunication.

• Use fitness to ensure balance - make sure you continue to exercise whether it’s taking a walk or going for a bike ride.

• Frequent virtual get-togethers with family and colleagues are vital.

• Remember - we’re all in this together! It’s more important than ever that we reach out, connect, and take care of one another.

• Visit the Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) provided by The National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

 

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Working with kids at home? 

Consider these tips from Anna McKay, founder of Parents Pivot. 

• Organize your schedule to have power working sessions during nap times, quiet times, or after your kids have gone to bed. Managing your work schedule with your partner’s work schedule can help. Talk to your manager about your schedule and availability for meetings or other contact.

• Have a routine and schedule for what you’re doing and what your kids are doing. Plan the schedule with your kids each day, and involve them as much as possible. Keep a list of fun things to do that they can pick from if they get bored or you have a phone call.

Think field trips are out of the question? Think again.  25 Amazing Virtual Field Trips For When You Can't Be There in Person - Think field trips are out of the question? Think again. Thanks to technology, it’s now possible for kids to visit all kinds of places from the comfort of their classroom (or home!). We’ve compiled a list of the best virtual field trips for you, so enjoy your “visit!”

Free subscriptions. Many education companies are offering free subscriptions due to school closings. You can access a full list at kidsactivitiesblog.com.

Love legos? Richmond Habitat for Humanity is hosting its first virtual lego build competition for kids! The "ticket" on Eventbrite you sign up for is just the start of your week. Kids have a full week, Monday-Friday, to build their house. This competition is open to ages 5-13. Families can compete, but we ask that the build be driven by the kids. Teams will need their own LEGOs to participate.

Many people working from home face isolation challenges. Emerging technology, such as social media and e-learning, can help make sure working doesn’t take over your social life. Here are some tips to get your social strength back in order.

Use communication apps

• Just because you don't see your coworkers, that doesn't mean you can't talk to them. One of the challenges of working remotely is being able to collaborate, and that requires the use of collaboration apps like Slack, Twist, and Hive. These same apps can be used for idle chat as well as working on projects. Initiate casual conversations as you would in a traditional workspace through private channels or just asking someone how their day or weekend’s been. If you prefer face-to-face interactions, use Skype or the Google hangouts feature. 

• This may be a time to step up your communications to make sure that your loved ones aren’t feeling too lonely and isolated. Video communications can help you better see how they are doing, which will be important if they need medical care.

Make time for life outside work

• One of the biggest advantages of remote working is that you are in control of your time. However, that can easily become one of its most stressful factors if you don’t manage your time properly. It’s easy to find yourself working beyond the required hours, especially as there is no official clocking out time. In order to avoid burnout set strict working hours or a schedule that won’t seep into your social life.

• Center for Community Engagement and Impact has resources and tools you can use to support our VCU Health and community partners to connect, innovate and keep on partnering. These include virtual volunteering opportunities and ways to get involved locally, nationally and globally.

Go outside

• There are ways to enjoy the outside and be social, and staying in social isolation. Take a walk in your neighborhood and wave to the neighbors. Enjoy a hike or a walk, as long as you stay at least 6 feet from others while doing so.

Don’t forget to laugh!

• COVID-19 comedy from Charlie Berens

• Goodbye Corona music video by Prairie Joe

Some activities to enjoy!

• If you’re looking for a little entertainment for a good cause, tune into the Flying Squirrels’ YouTube channel today to watch the team’s VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell walk 500 bases at The Diamond to help raise help raise funds for Richmond-area organizations assisting with COVID-19 relief efforts. The Flying Squirrels are collecting donations of $25 for each base Parney hits and $100 for each lap, with proceeds going to Flying Squirrels Charities for distributing to Richmond-area organizations helping with coronavirus relief efforts. Donations can be submitted by texting BasesOfLove to 76278 or online at BasesOfLove.givesmart.com.

Spiritual wellness is about connecting your mind and body, and participating in activities that are in line with your values and beliefs. It can be achieved through prayer, mindfulness and a variety of other techniques. 

• Refresh your mind with a free guided audio meditations. Led by experienced practitioners (including Dr. Joe Loizzo, Sharon Salzberg and others), these brief meditations use proven stress-reduction techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness and positive imaging. Take a few moments to participate to experience greater clarity, focus and positive energy.

• Meditate to unwind and relax. One-Minute Meditations for When You Really Need a Minute.

• Shift your mindset. Mindset is a muscle that strengthens during meditation. Join Oprah and Deepak Chopkra for Hope in Uncertain Times to make HOPE your default mindset. Meditate for free. 21 Days of Meditation. Harness strength. Find peace. Create connection.

• Mindset Shift 1 – Things are only going to get worse.

• Shift: Whatever happens, I have the inner resources to make it through.

• Mindset Shift 2 – Social distancing means loneliness and isolation.

• Shift: I take this opportunity to create new ways of connecting to the people I love.

• Mindset Shift 3 – My mind won’t stop racing with worry and uncertainty.

• Shift: There is peace inside me that’s always accessible through meditation.

• How does spiritual wellness relate to health? What does it mean to be well? What about your spiritual wellness? What can you do to enhance your spiritual wellness? Get these answers and more at Spirituality and Your Health.

• Music soothes the soul. Check out these creative performances.

• The Rotterdam Philharmonic teamed up with a Dutch health care provider to film the finale of Beethoven’s 9th with the musicians playing their parts by video from their homes.

• Members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra put their tech together to play Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring remotely.

• Andrew Lloyd Webber took to twitter to bring us music during this time of social distancing and self-isolation.

• Many artists are performing virtual concerts. Here are live streams and virtual concerts to watch during the coronavirus crisis.

• Weekly Group Mindfulness Sessions with Mia Liadis @The Well

• Each week on Wednesdays at 2:30 pm, The Well is providing an option for a 15-20 minute group guided meditation. This will be a live audio stream. Different guided meditations each week will be practiced. Suitable for all levels of practice. No need to sign up for the sesion, just join via Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/389956986 

Letters of Encouragement and Thanks to VCU Health and VCU

VCU Health is accepting letters of encouragement and thanks for healthcare and support workers to help brighten their day. While accepting donations from the community, VCU Health also received notes of thanks and gratitude for the doctors, nurses, bedside caregivers, and support staff that are on the frontlines of COVID-19. Donations can be made Monday-Friday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m at the valet entrance at the address below. Email letters to nathan.cunningham@vcuhealth.org or mail a physical letter to the hospital address below.

VCU Medical Center - Main Hospital

1200 East Marshall Street

PO Box 989143

Richmond, VA 23298

COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:

• Recently launched by the City of Richmond, RVA Strong is a website dedicated to helping residents get connected with groups and individuals who are providing aid during this crisis. Housing, food, healthcare, and other topics are listed, as well as resources for small businesses. You can also find opportunities to donate or volunteer.

• Feed More is in need of volunteers to help load up boxes for our seniors in need. Please visit FeedMore.org/GiveBack for the dates, details and to register today!

• Other Youth Activities: Every two weeks we are releasing FREE youth activities that are Habitat related. If you are interested in getting to connected to that just sign up here: https://forms.gle/2ScgruDW64NpPWeJA

• Virtual Volunteer Opportunities: we are putting together several virtual volunteer opportunities. These are ones that can be done at home from your computer. They all require being comfortable with using a computer and training will be provided by the appropriate Habitat Staff member. Position descriptions are being created now, but if you are interested please let me know. One is helping Development, the others are related to helping the ReStores and Marketing with the virtual store. Email me to get connected to those, wguthrie@richmondhabitat.org! 

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE RESOURCES:

• Help1RVA is a new resource created by the YMCA of Greater Richmond that provides information about free or reduced-cost services in the Richmond area. An incredible, holistic service, Help1RVA allows you to search by either zip code or program type (transportation, education, job seeking, etc.). 

• Recently launched by the City of Richmond, RVA Strong is a website dedicated to helping residents get connected with groups and individuals who are providing aid during this crisis. Housing, food, healthcare, and other topics are listed, as well as resources for small businesses. You can also find opportunities to donate or volunteer.

• 2-1-1 Virginia - 211 is a free, confidential referral and information helpline and website that connects people of all ages and from all communities to essential health and human services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Check out their webpage for more information such as Child Care Resources, SNAP Benefits, Food Resources, and more.

Education and at-home resources for children and families

• NEW! Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is Tending Their Blog. If you're headed outside, make sure to read through some of the entries on the LGBG blog! They are writing creative tips for birdwatching with kids, suggestions for starting a vegetable garden, and have a good discussion on the value of trees. They remain an excellent resource about all of nature!

• NEW! Science Museum of Virginia's STEM at Home. Sound Jam Recipes, Biodiversity Bingo, Solar S'mores....The Science Museum has new projects for kids and adults to try every day! Fun AND educational!

• NEW! Our friends at Maymont have all sorts of activities you can do out in nature. While we love their live streams of otters in particular, we're also excited to get outside and start nature journaling with them! Click here to visit their website and use their online resources. 

• NEW! Whether you're looking for a storytime for the kids, a craft project for teens and tweens, or how-to videos using our online databases, RPL has been creating a LOT of content lately! If you haven't been to our YouTube page, click here and check out our latest videos.

• NEW! Some people craft, others write! On Commaful, teen writers get creative with their fiction, poetry, even comics! There are a lot of new and innovative ways of telling stories on this site, and it showcases the talent of young writers. Click here and start reading or even typing.

• NEW! Michelle Obama reads one of her beloved children’s books aloud on Monday, live streaming to hundreds of thousands of people stuck at home. The virtual story time was the first in a four-week series called “Mondays with Michelle Obama.” The former first lady said she would share some of her favorite children’s books and try to give families a much-needed break. The readings will be streamed on the PBS Kids Facebook page and YouTube channel and Penguin Random House’s Facebook page every Monday at noon E.S.T.

• NEW! Money skills start at home. We all want our children to be financially secure and successful. In this webinar, Raising a Money Smart Kid, from the Virginia Credit Union, they will show you how to have money conversations with your child and model positive money behaviors. They will also highlight free online games, content, and activities that can help your children build positive money habits.  

• NEW! Bring Outdoor Activities Indoors with Recreation.gov. Let Recreation.gov help you bring some fun outdoor activities indoors! No, we don't mean letting wild animals into your home or creating an indoor sandbox. Our team has pulled together some outdoor-themed, indoor activities for the whole family. A-B-C our public lands with a location search challenge on the website, complete an outdoor activity word search, color pictures of your favorite animals and locations (great for kids, and a good stress-reliever for adults), or follow our tips for an indoor camping trip. Send us pictures of the activities you complete along with your favorite Recreation.gov location and the reason for the chance to be featured in the next edition of The Story Board

• NEW! Kids at home? Connect with myStrength's Managing Time At Home With Kids resource. In the face of this global challenge, you want to stay focused on what matters. You want to be a role model of resilience for your family, and you want to help where you can. That can be hard to do with a toddler pulling on your pant leg or a teen with problems of their own. Parents, this isn't easy, and you are not alone. A change in routine can be stressful for kids, and for you. It can also be an opportunity to bring your family closer. If you find yourself juggling it all-limited childcare, online school, competing priorities, a cluttered house, and an even more cluttered mind-myStrength can help.

• J.K. Rowling and her Wizarding World partners have launched Harry Potter At Home today to help children, parents, carers and teachers confined at home during the Covid-19 outbreak. WizardingWorld.com is hosting Harry Potter At Home, a hub of information and activities for parents, children and carers to discover the magic of Harry Potter, by reading or listening on their own or together with loved ones, whilst staying at home. Explore the hub for a wealth of creative and craft activities, quizzes, puzzles and more. There will also be a weekly email newsletter bringing fresh ideas into inboxes each Friday.

• Keep learning with these 57 free educational websites for kids while schools are closed.

• VCU Engineering is providing free programs and resources to keep kids learning at home. VCU Engineering offers a free, online Early Engineers Handbook of kid-tested engineering learning activities for students in grades K-8. This resource, provided by the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement, is designed to spark curiosity and introduce/reinforce STEM concepts. No special equipment is required; just ordinary household items such as marshmallows, toothpicks and paper towel tubes. There’s also a free, online book of paper airplane designs. They are also offering a free online coding camp for middle school students called Code Beats.

• Wide Open School multi-subject education resources for grade pre-k – 12

• PBS Learning Media Video Lessons

• PBS Kids for Parents resources, tips and activities

• ABC Mouse – Ages 2-8- Free for 30 days

• Printable Census activity sheets for kids

• Scholastic Learn at Home Lessons

• 30+ Virtual Field Trips 

• Virtual Museum Tours

• Where Imagination Grows arts & crafts activities

• Story Pirates Podcast

• The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian Story Podcast

• Zero to Three Play Activities by Age Group

• Free stories for children ages 3 and up

• Storyline children’s books read by your favorite celebrities

• Highlights online activities for kids

• Into the Book reading teaching tools available in English and Spanish

• National Geographic Kids online activities

• Sparkle Stories audio stories for kids

• Sesame Street Caring for Each Other Resources

• NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory STEM activities for kids

• Khan Academy lessons for kids ages 2-18

• JAMaROO Kids music and movement videos for kids

• Math activities for preschoolers

• Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems art and drawing lessons

• Outdoor Learning Activities for Kids

• NASA STEM Engagement at-home learning activities

• Youtube Learning video lesson playlists and channels for preschoolers

Spanish-Language At-Home Learning Resources for Children & Families

• Printable Census activity sheets for kids

• Sesame Street online activities

• Sesame Street printable activities

• PBS Kids activities in Spanish

• Free Spanish-language ebooks for children

• Storyplace online ebook library and activities

• Brainpop English language learner activities

• Commonsense Media Spanish-language resources (scroll to bottom of page)

• The Spanish Experiment classic children’s stories told by native Spanish speakers

• 101 Easy Spanish Activities for Kids Stuck at Home

Try out one of these activities the next time you have a conference call. One upside of our new normal is that more and more cultural institutions and creative individuals are making their content free and available online — which means more opportunities to keep your kids engaged throughout the day.  

• Circle Round: This free podcast from WBUR offers folktales from around the world, “Mystery Recipe” trivia, and celebrity readers.  

• Lunch Doodle: Beloved author and illustrator Mo Willems opens up his studio every day for a fun drawing and writing session. Pick up some paper, pencils, and crayons and your kids can get creative! New episodes will be posted each weekday at 1:00 p.m. E.T. Each daily episode is accompanied by a downloadable activity page. 

• Scholastic Learn at Home: From pre-K to 9th grade, Scholastic is offering day-by-day projects to keep kids reading and learning. Your kids will watch videos, read books, draw, write and sing!  

• Stories Podcast: Fun classic children’s stories that range from 15-25 minutes.

• Virtual Zoo Tours: From the San Diego Zoo to the Houston Zoo, there are over 30 virtual field trips your kids can go on and explore wildlife from the living room. They can get inspired and make lists of all their favorites to share with you after your call. 

• Molly of Denalil — This podcast features Molly Mabray, an Alaska Native girl growing up with her parents, family and friends. Over eight episodes, Molly and her friend Tooey discover the identity of a mystery creature that has stolen Molly’s birthday cake.

• Pretend Office: For your littlest ones, set up a fake keyboard or phone next to your desk so that your child can mimic (quietly) what you’re doing and feel like they’re working too. Give them assignments like coloring or writing. 

• Origami: This is an activity that will help your child stay quiet as they also learn fine motor skills. Show them how to create something before your call and ask them to make a few while you are on. All you need are sheets of colorful paper and the instructions. YouTube has a lot of tutorials or you can find a few fun projects here. 

• Story Pirates: This Gimlet Media podcast is written by kids, and the stories are woven into a narrative about a musical-theater company’s magical misadventures. Featuring Claire Danes, John Oliver, Dax Shepard, and other celebs . 

• Calm Kids Podcast: Soothing stories, written and recorded by sisters Lucie and Charlotte, designed to help kids fall asleep. 

• But Why?: In an ask anything format, kids ask questions about nature, words and even the end of the world. Hosted by public radio personality Jane Lindholm.

• Time for Kids: Time Magazine‘s digital subscriptions are great for elementary and middle school students. There are vocab words, quizzes and age-appropriate stories kids can get excited about. 

• Earth Rangers: In this podcast, Ranger Emma, a wildlife biologist, takes you around the jungle, frozen Arctic and wetlands teaching you about animals and science along the way.  

• BroadwayHD: The theater-streaming service is allowing people to watch performances from Broadway and the West End for free. It’s currently offering a seven-day free trial. Musicals, plays, and ballets are all available. Great for kids and adults alike! 

• California Science Center: Every weekday at 10 a.m. P.D.T., the California Science Center is live-streaming “Stuck at Home Science,” a new video series of science activities.

• Teachable Moments: NASA launched Teachable Moments, connecting classrooms — and homes — with resources for investigating the latest discoveries about our universe. There are a range of activities and lessons suitable for grades K-12.

• NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Activities: Rocketry 101, space shuttle tours, astronaut training, and living on Mars! Educators share daily Facebook Live videos that pair with hands-on activities (instructions are available as free downloads).

• Creative Writing: Children in grades 3 to 12 can learn to write their names in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, in this step-by-step guide from the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada.