The economic shutdown, during this pandemic, has disproportionately impacted our most vulnerable families across Southern California due to work hour reduction or complete job loss. As we persevered through these unprecedented days, it became clear to KIPP SoCal Public Schools that there was a void that needed to be filled based on the lack of coverage from COVID-19 relief programs: “most initiatives fund in-kind services instead of providing families in-need direct access to funds for basic necessities”1 such as food, rent, and childcare.
For most of us, the coronavirus feels uncertain and scary. Thus, our team has been moved to call our KIPP SoCal families who have demonstrated need, and ask, “How can we help you?” We are witnessing up close just how hard things are for families as they experience challenges at multiple levels.
“My husband got laid off from work for two months. [...] And we didn’t qualify for a lot of support services,” recounted Monica Robles, a now stay-at-home parent of two KIPPsters with a third child on the way. “We were falling behind on rent and car payments.”
Meanwhile communities are reopening, the spread of the virus continues to exhaust resources, closing businesses and leaving our neighbors without jobs.
“Yo me quedé sin trabajo en Abril,” said Monica Caratachea about her unemployment after dedicating 12 years as a volunteer and 2+ years as an employee at Eastmont Community Center helping to provide adult education, food, and services for seniors living in Commerce, East Los Angeles and Montebello. “A mi me llegó una depresión [...] de todo lo que yo estaba pasando. Quedamos debiendo renta en Mayo,” shared Mrs. Caratachea, a mother of three, about her financial stress and well-being.
But, we are all in this together and will continue getting through this difficult time by putting humanity first. In those efforts, our KIPP SoCal team joined One Family LA, which includes over 30 community organizations, to provide direct family assistance awards of $250 or $500 to more than 100 families. This financial assistance gave community members the flexibility to prioritize and cover their essential needs.
“I am grateful for KIPP. [...] You all have been helping us a lot,” stated Mrs. Robles who received $500 in support and was able to make payments and prepare for their new family member – “we bought a crib and a car seat.”
Together, we are responding to this public health emergency with kindness and hope.
“¿Hermano, qué quieres? Te voy a llevar un jugo” are the simple words that brought a smile to Mrs.Caratachea as she was able to bring groceries to her family. “Los $500 nos ayudó para las necesidades básicas [...] y yo me siento feliz de poder ayudar a la gente. [...] También me ayudó mucho lo que nos dieron en la escuela de los niños la distribución de comida – eso nos ayudó demasiado. Yo se los agradezco con toda el alma,” expressed Mrs. Caratachea with sincere gratitude for the financial support and grab-and-go meal sites that allowed her to help others.
In a time of increased stress for all of us, it has been that much more important that we take care of our students, families, and team. Our community is even stronger when we all come together. KIPP SoCal Public Schools is here for you. And, in the words of Mrs. Caratachea, “La comunidad es la comunidad.”
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1 Song, J. (2020, March 25). Retrieved from www.greatpublicschoolsnow.org/onefamilyla.