HOPE makes modifications to services/postpones fundraising event

The current COVID-19 crisis is magnifying the concerns that the clients of HOPE already experience daily such as unemployment; food insecurity; living on a fixed income; or having difficulty making ends meet. HOPE has been providing and will continue to provide essential services to an already vulnerable population, and the needs and the number of those in need is expected to grow over the next few weeks. HOPE's on-going clients and expected new clients need the services that HOPE provides however, in response to COVID-19, HOPE is modifying the services delivered to Cherokee County residents by reducing face-to-face contact to keep our clients, community and staff safe and healthy.

First, HOPE is asking clients not to gather at the front and back doors, but return to their cars and call inside for service (903) 596-7781 or they can also email: Kathy Barker kbarker@hopecenter.info - Clinic of HOPE; Ramona Johnson rjohnson@hopecenter.info - Client Services; Lizette Salazar lsalazar@hopecenter.info – PAAP/ Senior Box ; or Andy Davis adavis@hopecenter.info - Kitchen of HOPE.

HOPE will continue to provide the following services although there will be some modifications. The Clinic of HOPE, we will continue to assist patients but by phone only. Patients will receive a call at their appointment time. As per HOPE's policy, the Clinic of HOPE helps patients with chronic conditions; and non- emergency matters. The Clinic of HOPE does not treat colds, test for the flu or COVID-19. HOPE is working on rapidly deploying a telemedicine service allowing Dr. Ballard to see patients virtually.

On Monday, March 23rd the HOPE Manna Pantry converted to a drive through model of service. Clients will call inside for service, sign-up/sign-in for food by phone, and be assigned a pick-up number. Staff will pack the groceries, deliver them to the curb with their assigned number visible and clients will be asked to put the groceries into their car. If clients need help putting groceries in their car, the staff will help.

For the Prescription Assistance (PAAP) and Emergency Antibiotics Programs all clients seeking PAAP/ Emergency Antibiotics will use fax, phone, or mail to submit applications or required paperwork. All inquiries regarding these programs are to be sent to Lizette Salazar lsalazar@hopecenter.info phone: (903) 586-7781; fax:(903) 586-2569 or by mail: 595 S. Ragsdale ST Jacksonville, TX 75766.

HOPE's Transportation services will continue, with a slight modification. We will limit our pickup and drop offs to one client at a time and ask that clients be patient with any delay this may cause. Regarding the Backpack Program, each Thursday HOPE will distribute additional food through our Backpack Program to students seeking a meal at East Side Elementary during lunch distribution. The Kitchen of HOPE will continue to serve meals Monday thru Thursday; however, the meals are for pick up only. No clients will be allowed to dine in the dining room. The Brown Bag program for those unable to leave their home will continue as normal and HOPE will still refer clients for emergency dental service if there is a provider available. Dental services are only for emergencies and clients are screened before a referral to a provider is made.

HOPE continues to follow all CDC recommendations including but not limited to and in addition to our year-round daily cleaning measures: every 2 hours, sanitizing common surface areas including door hardware, tables, seats, etc.; communicating online and to our partners, clients, and volunteers the precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19; continuing to monitor developments with Feeding America, Feeding Texas, East Texas Food Bank, the North East Public Health Department, the City of Jacksonville, and CDC; communicating to volunteers and staff to stay home if sick; continuously reviewing and updating pandemic plans; conduct daily departmental briefings for communication updates and planning; enforcement of year-round volunteer policies, such as volunteers/staff wearing nitrite gloves during all food handling activities; enforcing hand-washing procedures at clock-in, breaks and clock-out; and actively rejecting any volunteers/staff who demonstrate flu-like symptoms.

It is with a heavy heart but in our efforts to follow best practices for the collective health of the community that the Board of Directors has decided to postpone HOPE’s bi-annual fundraising event, “A Renaissance Night of HOPE” which was to be held on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at the Castle on the Lake. HOPE will announce a new date for the event at a future time. Any tickets that have been purchased will be honored at that time and sponsors of the event are being contacted with more information.

HOPE is aware that the impact of COVID-19 is rapidly changing and ask that the community visit HOPE’s social media pages for updates. Please go to Facebook & Instagram @hope.jacksonville; Twitter HOPE_Jville; or the HOPE website http:// hopecenter.info .

HOPE is determined to continue to serve those in need as well as anticipate an ever-growing need in our community during this critical time. Monetary donations or donations of food are greatly appreciated. To make a monetary donation please visit HOPE’s Facebook Page @hope.jacksonville or HOPE’s website at http:// hopecenter.info. or by mailing to HOPE, 595 S. Ragsdale St., Jacksonville, TX 75766. Donations of food can be dropped off at 595 S. Ragsdale St., Jacksonville, TX 75766.