Like most organizations, the Black Parent Initiative (BPI) has really had to pivot due to the pandemic. Their parent education service model that was previously based on close in-person relationships between staff and clients had to shift to meet the needs of their client community, low income and exclusively Black and multi-ethnic families, who have also been disproportionately impacted by the virus.
Wiggle Stool
The virtual “classrooms” in lieu of in-person learning have exacerbated already compromised family situations. Many of the families are lacking the physical space for at-home learning, have children of different ages who have schooling at different times, may not have adequate home wifi, and oftentimes lack the necessary technical knowledge. It’s truly challenging.
BPI is trying to meet these challenges at every level, finding the gear the kids need like desks and "wiggle” seats, an innovation that allows a fidgety child to move comfortably, while the Together We Can Home Visiting Program staff work with families to support them vis-a-vis stable housing and employment. BPI has also launched a virtual monthly parent connect. January's theme was Self-Care: BPI's home visitors assembled and delivered self-care boxes filled with lavender, epsom salts, candles and a self-care resource guide.
Everybody could use some self-care these days, especially those hit hardest by the pandemic. We’re proud to call Black Parent Initiative a grantee partner.
– Karen Rich and Anne Bothwell, Liaisons to BPI