An update on COVID-19
A few years ago, a teen in our care did some writing she passed along to us. One thing she said was: “Love146 will never abandon me, because Love146 is my family.” Many of you have reached out with concerns about COVID-19. During this pandemic, we are committed to staying a constant in a child’s life. One thing that’s clear: the needs of children won’t go away.
As schools and many community activities close, many children will spend more time online. This is where most youth in our care met their traffickers. They may be more lonely, stressed, or even burdened by added financial strain their families will go through. Traffickers see opportunity here and certainly won’t stop working right now. We cannot stop working either.
We’re being responsive as new information becomes clear. But these are the present steps we’re taking to keep our staff and the children we care for as safe as possible.
- Children in our safe homes in the Philippines are all moving to homeschooling.
- We’ll continue to connect with and be available for youth in the US Survivor Care program.
- We’re still getting calls about children who need help, and we’re answering those calls.
- Our offices are working from home and avoiding mass transit.
- Trainings, meetings, and events over the coming months are being handled case by case, and we’re watching closely to decide what gets cancelled and postponed.
If you’re wondering how you can help right now, the biggest need is to hold steady in our commitment to be there for children. The weeks ahead will be stressful. It will be easy for many people to put charitable giving aside, and many nonprofits are understandably worried. One of the best things you can do today is give whatever you can. If you haven’t yet, set up a monthly gift, of whatever amount you can. And right now, there is a donor who is adding $100 to your first monthly gift:
Many of us are rightfully concerned about those we love who are vulnerable because of their advanced age or compromised immune systems. Having experienced complex trauma is also a vulnerability that can impact our body’s ability to fight off disease. Know that the support you’ve given to protect children and help survivors recover from trauma is an investment in more resilience through this and future trials.
The increased stress and real threat of illness is affecting all of us. Please remember to take care of yourself, too.
