Resources for Children and Families

Highlights

If you are an adult or a child and do not feel safe where you are staying, or struggling with overwhelming feelings, see the Safety and Your Environment section.
See the Public Benefits section above for information on public and private financial assistance, including SNAP and WIC.
See the above Food Resources section above for information about free, nutritious meals available for New Yorkers.
All schools in New York State are closed until at least May 15th.
All playgrounds are closed until further notice by the state, you may be fined for noncompliance.
All New York Public Library branches have been closed. Their website continues to be a valuable source of information and activities.
You can always find free meditation guides, workout videos, educational materials and much more on websites like YouTube.

Free Internet

Free Devices for Online Learning

The Department of Education is working with Apple and T-Mobile to provide devices for online learning to participate in their education from home. There are ways to get devices to those who don’t have them, and you should contact your child’s school for more information.

Talking to Children about Coronavirus

The Child Mind Institute has advice for families on how to talk to kids about COVID-19. Find their article about COVID here. They offer information and parenting techniques across a variety of topics on their website, as well as telephonic mental health appointments for children. To schedule an appointment, call 212-308-3118 and read about the types of appointments offered here. Also available in Spanish.
The CDC’s webpage on Caring for Children in a Disaster has advice for parents of children at any age on how to help children and families talk about and understand a global emergency.
On the Informed Immigrant website, find coping mechanisms for managing your emotional health while caring for those around you.

The IRC’s Refugee Youth Summer Academy 2020

The International Rescue Committee is hosting their Refugee Youth Summer Academy remotely for children ages 5-21. The camp begins in July.
Spots have filled up for Summer 2020, but the camp runs every year. Find more information on their flyers here, available in several languages, including English, French, Arabic, Spanish, and Russian.