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Mostly Cloudy At-risk people helped in wake of Covid-19
The pandemic may be in the rearview mirror, but several area supermarkets and organizations are still continuing to help Baldwin’s most vulnerable and underserved residents.
One local supermarket, Gala Fresh Farms, at 2485 Grand Ave., continues to provide early access for customers ages 60 and over, as well as those with disabilities. For these vulnerable residents, the store opens from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and provides a special senior discount on Tuesdays.
“We still have free deliveries for anyone who needs help or support,” Jenny Jorge, owner of Gala Fresh Farms, said.
Jorge added that the grocery store diligently follows Covid-19 safety protocols and guidelines during all operating hours, especially during the period when they serve the elderly and disabled population.
These safety protocols took place shortly after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the implementation of Matilda’s Law in March of 2020, protecting individuals who are 70 and older by requiring them to stay home and limit home visitation to immediate family members or close friends.
During the height of the pandemic, local restaurants provided options for both pickup and delivery. However, Novi: New Old Venice Inn, at 99 Merrick Road, continues to offer those services, while A Touch of Italy, at 1187 Grand Ave., exclusively offers pickups.
During the pandemic, Baldwin Public Library employees encouraged local residents to use their community resources, which included e-books, audio books, live tutoring, language courses and test preparation. Residents who did not have a library card were offered digital library cards to provide access to these resources. In the aftermath of the pandemic, library employees continue to encourage residents to utilize these community resources that are available to them.
The library incorporates numerous programs connecting residents with local resources, including sessions for meditation, yoga and Pilates. Given the difficult challenges posed by Covid-19, the library’s social worker and consultant, Molly Miskiewicz, highlighted the significance of focusing on nurturing mental, physical and relational health and well being.
In the middle of the pandemic, Miskiewicz offered to help anyone unable to acquire essentials like food, water and clothing. Her inbox was flooded with messages from local residents offering donations to people in need, and she connected dozens of people with resources during the height of the pandemic.
Miskiewicz’s dedication lies in connecting individuals with resources, highlighting an ongoing demand for volunteer opportunities via local resources and non-profit organizations.
“We do our very best to try and supply basic necessities, hygiene, for example, … things like that,” Miskiewicz said. “It’s still going on.”
While the distribution of essential items is no longer available at the library, Miskiewicz mentioned that people could obtain a free lunch. She highlighted the library’s commitment to extending emergency aid whenever possible, encouraging patrons to reach out to her via phone, text or email for consultations or appointments.
“I can share my work cell and work office phone, but it’s also very often a lot easier to shoot me an email and schedule a consultation with me directly,” Miskiewicz said. “That’s certainly one of the big reasons I’m there, so it definitely encourages people, to help adults provide clinical services directly, but certainly help with providing people resources and referrals.”
Miskiewicz’s office hours are open to anyone seeking support or assistance. Whether through face-to-face meetings or phone conversations, patrons are welcome to discuss their circumstances.
“There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. That’s why I’m here, as well as other people in the world,” Miskiewicz said. “People are neat about it. I do really encourage them to reach out, and I’m (certain there are) more than enough people willing, ready and able to help.”
