March 14, 2022
As we have done from the beginning of the Pandemic, we continue to follow the recommendations and guidelines of the CDC, the Michigan Department of HHS and the Washtenaw County Health Department. As the CDC has recently updated their guidelines, we will are following suit.
Washtenaw County is currently listed at a transmission level of Low. The current recommendations for Low include:
People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.
You can always find additional information and the most up to date recommendations, and or guidelines on their website, which are linked below. We, of course, will reach out directly, if anything changes. If you have questions or want additional information regarding how best to stay safe, testing or vaccinations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us so that we can connect you to the appropriate resources.
Center for Disease Control
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Washtenaw County Health Department
August 2021 Update
As we have done from the beginning of the Pandemic, we continue to follow the recommendations and guidelines of the CDC, the Michigan Department of HHS and the Washtenaw County Health Department. As the DELTA variant of COVID-19 has spread into our area, and we have moved to an Enhanced Risk County, the recommendations are to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status, and thus, that is our current recommendation for all match activities.
You can always find additional information and the most up to date recommendations, and or guidelines on their website, which are linked below. We, of course, will reach out directly, if anything changes. If you have questions or want additional information regarding how best to stay safe, testing or vaccinations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us so that we can connect you to the appropriate resources.
Center for Disease Control
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Washtenaw County Health Department
May 24, 2021 Update
Safety Comes First
As always, the safety of our Littles and their families and the safety of our mentors is our top priority. Given the serious realities associated with infectious disease transmission, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County (BBBS-WC) has set forth the following policy as a requirement for all volunteer mentors, children and families enrolled in this program.
Adherence to the following policy is a requirement for all program participants and is not optional. Should BBBS-WC learn that any member of the match team (mentor, child, parent) is violating this policy, BBBS-WC reserves the right to take action to ensure the continued safety of the match beginning with coaching and a final warning and up to terminating the match.
BBBS-WC has developed these guidelines in consultation with other BBBS agencies, nonprofits, businesses, etc. and has designed it to comply with state and national recommendations. Even when the state or national recommendations relax fully, this policy will remain in force until BBBS-WC issues alternate policy. As such, all program participants MUST continue to follow this policy until they have received explicit written notice from a BBBS-WC representative that this policy has been modified.
Infected/Sick Individuals or Those with Known Exposure
We require ALL sick individuals or individuals with known exposure to infections (included, but not limited to COVID-19, influenza, etc.) to do the following:
Health Questionnaire
Before any outing, Big and Parent/Guardian should assess their/their Child’s Health and Exposures.
Masks and Immunizations:
COVID-19 Protocols
If a BBBS participant has tested positive for COVID-19, the participant should:
1. Follow CDC guidelines regarding isolation/quarantining,
2. Notify the Washtenaw County Health Department, and
3. Notify the Mentoring Specialist immediately, if there has been close contact with BBBS staff and/or other BBBS participants.
If a BBBS participant has been exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual, the participant should:
1. Follow CDC guidelines regarding testing and isolation/quarantining
What counts as close contact?
As we have done from the beginning of the Pandemic, we continue to follow the recommendations and guidelines of the CDC, the Michigan Department of HHS and the Washtenaw County Health Department. As the CDC has recently updated their guidelines, we will are following suit.
Washtenaw County is currently listed at a transmission level of Low. The current recommendations for Low include:
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
- Get tested if you have symptoms
- If you are immunocompromised, learn more about how to protect yourself.
People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.
You can always find additional information and the most up to date recommendations, and or guidelines on their website, which are linked below. We, of course, will reach out directly, if anything changes. If you have questions or want additional information regarding how best to stay safe, testing or vaccinations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us so that we can connect you to the appropriate resources.
Center for Disease Control
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Washtenaw County Health Department
August 2021 Update
As we have done from the beginning of the Pandemic, we continue to follow the recommendations and guidelines of the CDC, the Michigan Department of HHS and the Washtenaw County Health Department. As the DELTA variant of COVID-19 has spread into our area, and we have moved to an Enhanced Risk County, the recommendations are to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status, and thus, that is our current recommendation for all match activities.
You can always find additional information and the most up to date recommendations, and or guidelines on their website, which are linked below. We, of course, will reach out directly, if anything changes. If you have questions or want additional information regarding how best to stay safe, testing or vaccinations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us so that we can connect you to the appropriate resources.
Center for Disease Control
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Washtenaw County Health Department
May 24, 2021 Update
Safety Comes First
As always, the safety of our Littles and their families and the safety of our mentors is our top priority. Given the serious realities associated with infectious disease transmission, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County (BBBS-WC) has set forth the following policy as a requirement for all volunteer mentors, children and families enrolled in this program.
Adherence to the following policy is a requirement for all program participants and is not optional. Should BBBS-WC learn that any member of the match team (mentor, child, parent) is violating this policy, BBBS-WC reserves the right to take action to ensure the continued safety of the match beginning with coaching and a final warning and up to terminating the match.
BBBS-WC has developed these guidelines in consultation with other BBBS agencies, nonprofits, businesses, etc. and has designed it to comply with state and national recommendations. Even when the state or national recommendations relax fully, this policy will remain in force until BBBS-WC issues alternate policy. As such, all program participants MUST continue to follow this policy until they have received explicit written notice from a BBBS-WC representative that this policy has been modified.
Infected/Sick Individuals or Those with Known Exposure
We require ALL sick individuals or individuals with known exposure to infections (included, but not limited to COVID-19, influenza, etc.) to do the following:
- REFRAIN from in-person contact with their Big, Little, or Little’s family until no longer contagious and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding contagion periods/windows.
- When one is unable to meet with their Little/Big in-person due to infection or exposure to infection, AND one is also well enough to engage in virtual contact, we strongly encourage you to initiate meaningful virtual contact to keep the relationship strong and engaged until you can meet in person again. Consistency is one of the top qualities among great mentors!
Health Questionnaire
Before any outing, Big and Parent/Guardian should assess their/their Child’s Health and Exposures.
- Does Big/Little have:
- a fever of 100.4 or above?
- cough (not due to known medical reason, i.e. allergies)?
- shortness of breath?
- loss of taste or smell?
- two of more of the following: chills; muscle aches; headaches; sore throat; fatigue (not otherwise explained by another known cause); diarrhea (excluding diarrhea due to a known medical reason); nausea or vomiting; congestion or runny nose?
- Have Big/Little had close contact with anyone that has tested COVID-19 positive in the last 14 days?
- Has Big/Little had a covid test within the past 14 days? If so, did they get the results back and what were the results?
Masks and Immunizations:
- While wearing masks when sharing time together OUTSIDE is no longer required by BBBS-WC (in line with the CDC & MI-HHS guidelines), we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE all those who have not received immunizations to continue to always wear masks. Further, we STRONGLY encourage those who have received recent vaccinations to follow CDC guidance that advises wearing masks until maximum inoculation is achieved.
- HOWEVER, please note that should ANY member of the mentoring relationship request continued mask-wearing, the other party MUST honor the request.
- Further, a parent may require their child to wear a mask even if not requiring the Big to do so. Bigs may also decide to wear a mask even if their Little does not. Honoring your relationship by fulfilling each other’s requests is both a requirement and demonstration of respect.
- Should Bigs and Littles visit venues/locations together that require masks, they must comply regardless of immunization status.
- Providing personal information regarding immunization is not a requirement of our program and no BBBS-WC program participant should feel pressure to share this information or request this information of another party.
- Sharing one’s immunization status is purely voluntary and permitted.
- PLEASE NOTE, however, that sharing your immunization status DOES NOT mean the other party should/must share their status. Should members of the match disclose their immunization status to BBBS-WC, staff will keep this information confidential.
- Ultimately, mentors and parents/guardians should continue to make thoughtful choices about what is the best for themselves/their child.
- Matches should always consider ripple effects and their recent exposures. They should also consider members of their family and whether in-person meetings will place immunocompromised individuals or individuals with other health concerns at a heightened risk. Members should be careful and sensitive in assessing if anyone feels anxious or concerned about safety and wellness. Should any party need support around how to have such conversations, they should contact BBBS-WC for guidance.
- Ultimately, being a Big is to be a role model. A mentor’s responsibility is to model healthy behavior, responsible decision making, self-care, and being a rule-abiding and conscientious community member. Mentors also model ways to cope with frustrating and stressful situations by talking about feelings, suggesting healthy self-care activities, and being open about good days, as well as bad days.
COVID-19 Protocols
If a BBBS participant has tested positive for COVID-19, the participant should:
1. Follow CDC guidelines regarding isolation/quarantining,
2. Notify the Washtenaw County Health Department, and
3. Notify the Mentoring Specialist immediately, if there has been close contact with BBBS staff and/or other BBBS participants.
If a BBBS participant has been exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual, the participant should:
1. Follow CDC guidelines regarding testing and isolation/quarantining
What counts as close contact?
- You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more.
- You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19.
- You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them).
- You shared eating or drinking utensils.
- They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you.
We will continue to update this list as resources are identified.
Resources for talking with kids about COVID-19
COVID-19 Care Packages
Ypsilanti residents can apply for COVID-19 assistance ‘care packages’
COVID-19 Assistance Care Packages Application
Care package includes:
- https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html
COVID-19 Care Packages
Ypsilanti residents can apply for COVID-19 assistance ‘care packages’
COVID-19 Assistance Care Packages Application
Care package includes:
- One reusable cloth mask for each household member
- Two rolls of toilet paper
- Two rolls of paper towels,
- One three-ounce bottle of hand sanitizer
- One three-ounce bottle of cleaning disinfectant
COVID-19 TESTING
NEW! Washtenaw County Testing Information
NEW! COVID-19 testing available in Michigan - Find a testing center near you
NEW! Packard Health is Offering COVID-19 Testing
- Packard Health
550 Perry Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 971-1073
Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.
www.packardhealth.org/covid-19-updates
FOOD RESOURCES |
ANN ARBOR
Ann Arbor Public Schools Resource Page
Food Gatherers - Food pantries and other resources
High Velocity Sports - drive through free lunch for anyone in need from 11:00am-1:00pm, Monday-Friday
Peace Neighborhood Center - Produce distribution on Fridays 10am-12pm at our main center.
Conor O'Neills -
MILAN/SALINE
Aid in Milan - Food/utility assistance may be available
Saline Social Services - Food/Other support may be available- (734)429-4570
YPSILANTI
Ypsi Community Schools - Food/7 breakfast and lunch meals see pick up locations below
Ann Arbor Public Schools Resource Page
Food Gatherers - Food pantries and other resources
High Velocity Sports - drive through free lunch for anyone in need from 11:00am-1:00pm, Monday-Friday
Peace Neighborhood Center - Produce distribution on Fridays 10am-12pm at our main center.
- Working on daily lunch distribution sites for the unexpected two weeks. That should be finalized by 1pm and will start next week
- Eat More Tea, around the corner from TeaHaus: 211 E. Ann St. across from the Hands on Museum.
Conor O'Neills -
- We'd like to extend an offer of boxed lunches for any children being impacted by school closures. If you're in need of a meal, please feel free to stop by the pub between 11am-1pm and one of our staff will gladly assist you.
- Mon-Tues: 12-3 pm
- Wed-Thurs: 8:30-3 pm
- Fri: 10-2 pm
MILAN/SALINE
Aid in Milan - Food/utility assistance may be available
Saline Social Services - Food/Other support may be available- (734)429-4570
YPSILANTI
Ypsi Community Schools - Food/7 breakfast and lunch meals see pick up locations below
- Parkridge Community Center: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p. m. | 591 Armstrong Dr. Ypsilanti, MI 48197 | 734-483-7700
- Community Family Life Center (CFLC) Food Pantry: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | 301 S. Harris Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 | 734-480-0077
- Christian Love Fellowship Church: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | 1601 Stamford Rd, Superior Charter Twp, MI 48198
- West Willow Neighborhood Association: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | 2057 Tyler Rd., Ypsilanti, MI 48198
- ACEE: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | 1076 Ecorse Rd., Ypsilanti, MI 48198 | 734-221-1686
- If you are unable to reach a YCS site through the listed phone number, please call 734-221-1024 or Food Gatherers at 734-761-2796
- If you are in need but are unable to pick up during this window, contact Food Service at 484-7072 to discuss.
- They will have emergency groceries available during operating hours. (734) 484-2989
- Appointments are available by calling 734.484.9945 on Thursday and Friday prior to pantry day.
- Dear Neighbors,
If you know of any students that rely on free or reduced lunch through school programs, please reach out. During this three-week COVID-19 shutdown, we will prepare free food for any kids to pick up!
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Lincoln School District - Resources for each grade
Khan Academy - We’ve put together a series of resources to help you plan for potential school closures and student absences.
AAPS Educational Enrichment Resources - Ann Arbor Public Schools' links to enrichment activities.
NEW! BrainPop is offering free access to their educational website during this time!
NEW! YpsiWrites is a nonprofit community writing center with trained writing tutors and workshop leaders virtually available to help teen and adult writers with any and all types of writing, including resumes, grants, essays, stories, business plans, poetry, memoirs, and more!
HYGIENE RESOURCES
Packard Health - Clinic is open: Call for information
- Ann Arbor West 734.926.4900
- Ann Arbor East 734.971.1073
- Ypsilanti 734.985.7200
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Ozone House - Available 24/7 for youth looking for support or are at risk of homelessness. 734-662-2222
Crisis Text Line 7414 - Free 24 hour mental health support
Crisis Text Line 7414 - Free 24 hour mental health support
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Labor and Economic Opportunity - Displaced workers can file for unemployment benefits by calling 1-866-500-0017 or on the state website. No in-person applications will be accepted at state unemployment offices, which are closed to the public.
NEW! Friends In Deed Services - It is their mission to fill in any gaps in the safety net system for Washtenaw County. During this time, they are opening up to applications for housing assistance. They also offer financial assistance with car repairs, car insurance, medical needs, temporary transportation, gas for vehicles and more. They are available on the Helpline 734-484-4357 Monday - Friday 9:30 AM - 2PM.
NEW! Friends In Deed Services - It is their mission to fill in any gaps in the safety net system for Washtenaw County. During this time, they are opening up to applications for housing assistance. They also offer financial assistance with car repairs, car insurance, medical needs, temporary transportation, gas for vehicles and more. They are available on the Helpline 734-484-4357 Monday - Friday 9:30 AM - 2PM.
INTERNET & UTILITY RESOURCES
Comcast - Low cost internet $10/month
United Way - COVID-19 Community Relief Fund
United Way - COVID-19 Community Relief Fund
- Call 2-1-1 Our 24/7 hotline that can connect you to services in our community
- Water services will be maintained for households with delinquent payments.
- Water services will be maintained for households with delinquent payments.
OTHER
Lincoln School District - Family Resource List
City of Ann Arbor-COVID-19 Information
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
The Ann Arbor Community Center
City of Ann Arbor-COVID-19 Information
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
- (MDHHS) hotline has public health and other experts available to answer health-related questions about COVID-19. The team can also direct residents, providers and more to the right resources in their local communities and in other state government departments. The hotline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-888-535-6136
The Ann Arbor Community Center
- The Ann Arbor Community Center is focusing on supporting urgent needs during the COVID-19 situation. If you have an urgent need, please call them at 734-662-3128 and leave a message. Be clear about what your need is in your message.
