Whether you are doing in-person or virtual learning for the second semester, be prepared with our information below.  Start the New Year with a plan!

As our nation continues to respond to the public health crisis posed by COVID-19, we at BBBS Greater Fredericksburg have made the difficult decision to suspend all face-to-face contacts between Bigs, Littles, Families, and Program Staff. While we have not determined how long this suspension will last, we can say that this will be our policy until federal and state mandates on social distancing are relaxed or ended. We have compiled a list of virtual activities and communication tools that our matches can do/use to stay connected during this time of social distancing. If you have any questions or other suggestions for what matches can do during this time, please email your Match Advocate. Thank you!  MORE INFORMATION

When it comes to the future of our children and the well-being of our communities, we’re all in this together. So it should come as no surprise that we need the parents and guardians of Littles to be involved every step of the way, starting with the initial match.

Not only will you provide information about your child’s strengths and needs, but you’ll also approve the selection of the Big Brother or Big Sister. Once the match is made, you remain closely involved in many ways, including:

• Approving activities and outings for your child and their Big

• Asking your child questions about those outings, and sharing what you learn with the agency staff

• Reporting your child’s progress and milestones to the agency on a regular basis (Big Brothers Big Sisters will contact you, but we welcome your feedback any time)

• Participating in training on child safety offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, and communicating with your child about the training he or she receives.

RENT AND MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE

Financial assistance is available to pay rent or mortgage payments past due beginning April 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020 for families impacted by loss of income due to the pandemic and who meet specific guidelines.  Contact the Rappahannock United Way to apply at (540) 373 0041 x 300 M-F 8:00am-4:30pm.

Here are some situations that qualify for loss of income due to the Coronavirus pandemic:

• Those who have been laid off;
• Those whose place of employment has closed;
• Those who have experienced a reduction in hours of work;
• Those who must stay home to care for children due to closure of day care and/or school;
• Those who have lost child or spousal support;
• Those who have not been able to work or missed hours due to contracting COVID-19;
• Those who have been unable to find work due to COVID-19; or
• Those whose are unwilling or unable to participate in their previous employment due to their high risk of severe illness from COVID-19;

This funding is provided through the Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP) is designed to support and ensure housing stability across the commonwealth during the coronavirus pandemic.  For more information and eligibility visit:  www.dhcd.virginia.gov/rmrp/

In addition, any facing eviction or foreclosure and in need of legal advice may contact Legal Aid Works at https://www.legalaidworks.org/get-help/

COMCAST INTERNET ESSENTIALS PROGRAM

Fast, affordable internet service $9.95 a month (+ tax). If your child receives free or reduced price school lunches, you may qualify. Internet Essentials

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Virginia Department of Social Services has implemented an online application system – CommonHelp. You may apply for Childcare, SNAP (Food Assistance), TANF (Cash Assistance), Medical Assistance and Energy Assistance online. Additionally, you may check benefits, report changes or renew online. This system is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. For more information go to www.Commonhelp.virginia.gov or contact the Caroline County Department of Social Services at (804) 633-5071. If you need help completing the form or require any other assistance call your local office or the above Richmond number.

View or Download A Family Guide to Using the Internet

Family Services of Fredericksburg

Family Services Fredericksburg is now able to offer the following psychological testing and assessment services:

Cognitive Assessments

Children and adults Learning disabilities ADHD IQ/Ability Testing

Personality Assessment

Children and adults Emotional issues (depression, anxiety, etc.) Interpersonal patterns

Testing and assessment leads to more accurate diagnoses, improved treatment planning, and parent-school collaborations. Many insurances accepted, sliding scale available for those unable to use insurance. Contact Dr. Michael Horne at 540/371-1124 with any questions or to schedule an appointment

As our nation continues to respond to the public health crisis posed by COVID-19, we at BBBS Greater Fredericksburg have made the difficult decision to suspend all face-to-face contacts between Bigs, Littles, Families, and Program Staff. While we have not determined how long this suspension will last, we can say that this will be our policy until federal and state mandates on social distancing are relaxed or ended. We have compiled a list of virtual activities and communication tools that our matches can do/use to stay connected during this time of social distancing. If you have any questions or other suggestions for what matches can do during this time, please email your Match Advocate. Thank you!  MORE INFORMATION