A few of you have taken advantage of our mini-grants up to $2000 to cover unforeseen expenses that arise as you continue providing services. Those grants are still available. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Connect through books
As you know, Partners for Sight is the publisher of Select Editions Large Type condensed books. Each volume contains two books. The most recent selections are: You Knew Me When – Emily Liebert; The Last Road Trip – Gareth Crocker. During the COVID-19 crisis, we thought some of you might wish offer book clubs to your clients who like to read as an additional means of staying socially connected. RDPFS will provide the books free of charge. You provide a list of members and their addresses and RDPFS will mail the books directly to them . You set up and coordinate the group. For more information, contact [email protected]
For students (and grownups)
This looks like a great opportunity for creating intergenerational connections.
It’s My Job at the Paths to Technology site at Perkins School is developing a list of blind/visually impaired students (kindergarten through 12th grade) who would like to conduct interviews, as well as adults who would like to be interviewed.
Would you like to be an interviewer? It’s easy! You can interview an adult who is blind/visually impaired who you already know about his/her career or field of study, or we can match you up with someone from a growing list of people who would like to be interviewed.
To ask questions, suggest topics, or ask how to become an interviewer or interviewee, contact us:
Phone (text or voicemail): 202-688-5044
Email: [email protected]
Behavioral and Medical Health Services
An RDPFS board member shared a copy of the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) COVID-19 Information and Resource Guide, which includes topics like what to do if you are quarantined, and how to find support after losing a loved one.
Lighthouse Guild in New York City is making medical and behavioral healthcare available via telehealth, using phone, mobile phone or computer. To refer a patient to Behavioral Health services call 212-769-7800. To refer a patient to services in our Health Center call 212-769-6313. For general questions about these services, please call 800-284-4422.
Support Connections
Lighthouse Guild is also offering an online or phone-in Adult support group, “Coping with Vision Loss: Where Do I Begin” on alternate Wednesdays beginning April 15 at 2 p.m. EDT.
Register at or call 212-769-7833.
For more information email [email protected]
Finance
We are hearing a lot in the media this week about the slow rollout of the Federal stimulus. RDPFS’ advisors sent this message last Friday.
“We wanted to make sure that you are aware that as part of the CARES Act enacted last week, many nonprofit organizations are eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program. This information might be relevant for you and/or for your colleagues in the nonprofit sector.
Loan applications are expected to begin on Friday, April 3. FDIC insured banks and Small Business Administration (SBA) approved lenders will be participating in this program, though each of them are setting their terms of participation. The program is on a first-come, first-serve basis so we would recommend if those considering this loan apply sooner rather than later. Many financial institutions have indicated that they only are accepting applications from their current clients, so we strongly encourage potential applicants to start by contacting their current bank, credit union, or SBA approved lender.”
For resources available on the SBA website:
Nancy Miller, ED at Visions in NY, added an important comment: This is a loan that converts to a grant if you maintain your workforce.
Financial Resources for nonprofits and individuals
CANDID’s site has a comprehensive list of emergency financial resources for nonprofits, individuals, small businesses and artists, which can be found here.
I found the information under “CARES Act: How to Apply for Nonprofit Relief Funds – A guide created by Independent Sector” direct and easy to understand.
