East Windsor Regional School District COVID-19 Resource Guide

This is a confusing and stressful time for all of us, and especially so for children. Children, like adults, may be confused, scared and/or stressed. The National Association for School Psychologists put together the resource “Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19” to help support families during this crisis. The guidance can be found here:

English

Spanish

Also, the Child Mind Institute has compiled a number of resources to assist families. The resources can be accessed here.

Message from the Department of Children and Families- Preparation and Planning

NJPSA/FEA webinar on Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
Presentation Slides
Recording

We are all learning how to adapt to our roles as we adjust to the new normal. Please know that you are not alone. EWRSD counselors and child study team members are here to support all students and their families via phone or web conferencing. If you need support outside of school hours, please see the resources listed below on this page.

24-Hour Public Coronavirus Hotline

1-800-222-1222     

Trained healthcare professionals are standing by to answer questions about coronavirus. The call is free.

Health Resources

Hightstown Walk-Up Test Site Information

The Diabetes Foundation

The foundation has opened a hotline for individuals living with all types of diabetes to receive a free two-week Diabetes Backup Emergency Supply Kit and Diabetes Emergency Insulin Administration Supply Kit. Anyone needing an emergency backup kit can apply to receive one by visiting diabetesfoundationinc.org or calling 973-849-5234.

How can I get treatment for COVID-19 if I'm uninsured or undocumented? How do I cover health costs associated with COVID-19?

For answers to these questions, please click here.

Mental Health Supports

The Crisis Text Line 

The text line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support via text messaging. Simply send a text to 741741. Your opening message can say anything. 

Catholic Charities of Mercer County (East Windsor)

Catholic Charities is operational (4/6/20) and offering clinical services to the community via telephone and web-based platforms.  Call (800) 360-7711 to be connected with a clinician.

2nd Floor Youth Helpline

If you prefer to talk, the 2nd Floor Youth Helpline can be accessed 24/7 at 1-888-222-2228. You must be between the ages of 10-24 to access the confidential and anonymous hotline.

JFCS

JFCS is offering a free 30-minute phone session to anyone in the community that is interested.  The goal of the phone session is to provide an outlet to share concerns and gain coping skills. Time slots scheduled for each day of the week; Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:00 - 12:00; Tuesday and Thursday 5:00 - 7:00. Please call 609-987-8100 Ext. 0 if interested. More information on JFCS mental health resources can be found here.

GenPsych

GenPsych offers psychiatric evaluations, medication protocols, substance abuse treatment, military programs, group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. During the COVID  crisis, GenPsych is providing telepsychiatry services. To schedule a new or follow up out-patient appointment for medication management or individual therapy, please contact the Hamilton office at (609) 403-6190 or email at info@genpsych.com.

Icare of East Windsor/Hightstown

Parent Support Network

iCare works with NAMI and The Youth Mental Health Project to bring parent support meetings to Hightstown on a monthly basis. Due to the current stay at home orders, Icare has moved the meetings to an online format. Click the link here to register.

Peer Grief Support

iCare has created a peer support group for young adults that have lost a friend or sibling to suicide or drug overdose. As a young adult, losing a friend at a young age can feel very confusing and lonely. This group is a chance to be able to share your feelings with those who understand the most. During the stay at home order, meetings will move to a Zoom format. The next meeting will is scheduled for Thursday, April 9th at 7:00 PM. The Zoom link is here.

Mental Health NJ Cares

The state’s behavioral health information and referral service now also offers free, confidential help to people dealing with anxiety and worry related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Call 1-866-202-HELP (4357).

Performcare - Mobile Response Services

Available 24 hours a day,  7 days a week to help children and youth who are experiencing emotional or behavioral crisis. The services are designed to defuse an immediate crisis, keep children and their families safe, and maintain the children in their own homes or current living situations (such as a foster home, treatment home or group home) in the community. Call 1-877-652-7624. 

Mental Health America- COVID-19 Resources

The Rise Social Services team is still offering the following services by phone call, text, or email:

• Case management
• Translation services with health professionals
• Coordination of special food deliveries

For more information, please call (609)-443-4464.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.

New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline

The New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for domestic violence victims and other seeking crisis intervention, information, and/or referral services. All calls to the hotline at 800-572-7233 (800-572-SAFE) are confidential.  

Womanspace

Womanspace provides services to individuals and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for adults and their families. Programs include crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, and housing services. Contact its crisis line, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 609-394-9000. Deaf or hard of hearing consumers are encouraged to text 609-619-1888. Its counseling office can be reached at 609-394-2532 Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Womanspace's main office number is 609-394-0136. 

Food Services

EWRSD Breakfast & Lunch

The school district will continue to offer grab and go breakfast and lunch items for all students on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the following schools:

• Ethel McKnight Elementary School
• Grace N. Rogers Elementary School

If your family is experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the current health crisis, you may enroll your child(ren) in the Free and Reduced Price School Meals Program, by submitting an application.  Please click here to enter the Parent Portal to complete an online application, or click here for additional information.  Please reach out to Paul Todd, Business Administrator, at ptodd@ewrsd.k12.nj.us or 609-443-7717, ext. 2028, with any questions regarding the process.

JFCS Community Food Pantry

The food pantry is open to everyone in the community. You can call 609-987-8100 ext. 237 to set up an assessment apppointment and a shopping schedule. An emergency one-time shop is available for walk-ins. For more information please see below:

Community Food Pantry Flyer (English)

Community Food Pantry Flyer (Spanish)

Rise Snack Shack

The Snack Shack is located at the Rise Thrift Store, located at 114 Rogers Ave in Hightstown. Any student of East Windsor/Hightstown can stop by for snacks and a drink. During the stay at home mandate, snacks will be delivered curbside and volunteers are practicing social distancing. 

JFCS Food Truck

The JFCS Mobile Food Truck brings the resources of their pantry on the road to locations across Mercer County. At each location, they park our fully-stocked truck and distribute groceries to those in need. If you are in need of food, please call 609-987-8100 Ext. 237.

Housing

If you lose your housing for any reason, please contact the district Homeless Liaison David Roe at 609-443-7717 ext. 2014 to be apprised of your rights and to be connected with resources.

SEL Activities