Groundwork NRG: Our COVID-19 Response

NEWS RELEASE

May 18, 2020

Contact: Dajaun Hindsman

Community Planning & Communications Coordinator, AmeriCorps VISTA

dhindsman@northeastkck.org

913-204-0264

Groundwork NRG’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

To our Neighbors and Beloved Community,

Since its founding, Groundwork Northeast Revitalization Group (Groundwork NRG), formerly the Historic Northeast-Midtown Association (HNMA) has worked towards our mission of improving the quality of life of residents in KCK and by empowering individuals to create measurable improvements in their lives. That has not changed during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Groundwork NRG has continued to be a vital resource to Kansas City, KS during this time, while also revolutionizing our approach to our work in preparation for adjusting to our collective “new normal.”

Here is how Groundwork NRG has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic:

COVID-19 Information and Resource Page:

It has been a priority of Groundwork NRG to provide accurate information to the community about this pandemic. This includes explaining COVID-19, its symptoms, how the disease spreads, and providing up-to-date information on the public health measures that are keeping people healthy and safe. Groundwork NRG also understands that some may face heavier burdens during this time so we also continue to share information on resources the community can access for everyday necessities.

The link to the our COVID-19 Resource page is: northeastkck.org/COVID-19

Staff Transition to Remote Work Environment:

For the health and safety of our staff and the community, and to minimize the spread of the disease, Groundwork NRG began conducting our operations remotely in adherence with federal health recommendations to practice social distancing on March 18, 2020. During this remote work period, our staff has continued to provide support and serve the community.

Learn-to-Earn Virtual Semester:

The Groundwork NRG youth program, Learn to Earn, was held virtually this semester. Youth met weekly through an online platform. The youth increased their knowledge of how local governments receive funding and what residents can do to participate in the process. The youth also engaged in a social media campaign to promote the 2020 Census.

Community Needs Assessment (Survey):

Groundwork NRG launched a survey to assess the needs of the community during this time and how our organization can best serve the community going forward. The goal of this survey is to guide Groundwork NRG's work in KCK and to inform our approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/s2aE2Znvn9Krig2aA

Dial-a-Neighbor:

Groundwork NRG and partners have started an initiative to reach out to our neighbors during this pandemic. Staff and volunteers are conducting telephone wellness checks and encouraging residents in hard-to-count census tracts to pledge to take the census and make sure Wyandotte County receives its proper allocation of funding for the next ten years.

Launch of Disaster Planning and Response Training:

This summer, Groundwork NRG will hold its first Disaster Preparedness and Response Training. This training is open to NE KCK residents and community groups and will support community-wide disaster planning and resilience efforts . Each quarter, Groundwork NRG's Disaster Training will cover weather-related disasters as well as other hazards that could impact the KC metro area. Groundwork NRG will offer information on climate change, tips for creating a household disaster plan and other community preparedness measures, and resources to support NE residents as they prepare for the next local or global upset.

Groundwork NRG Re-Opening Plan

Groundwork NRG is following the Unified Government’s ReStart WYCO Plan. Our organization anticipates a phased-in reopening starting June 1, 2020. This means that the Groundwork NRG office will be operating and staff will be on site, but with limited capacity. For the safety of the staff and community, the building will not be available to the public for large group meetings or events.

Groundwork NRG wants the community to know that we are standing together and strong during this time. Please reach out to us if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.