Mommies in Need is a relatively young organization formed to fit a specific niche - caring for the young children of parents diagnosed with an illness requiring ongoing medical treatment. Founded five years ago, the agency has provided over 20,000 hours of in-home care at no cost to families via nannies.
Enter the coronavirus pandemic. While shelter in place orders and social distancing are keeping many of us at home and making us think twice before entering businesses or restaurants one thing we can’t put on hold is caring for our own health. Mommies in Need’s Pivot, or response, is creating virtual communities.
Through these communities families receive printed materials and activities geared specifically for their young children ages 3 to 6. Plus, the agency schedules one-on-one virtual time with the children and a nanny to let parents have a bit of a break. Supplies, activities, toys, crafts, etc. are delivered to homes and a Chromebook or tablet is provided if needed - all at no cost to families. The virtual communities are open to families dealing with a health crisis along with families of first responders.
Virtual childcare - an example of innovation in programming.
Lakewood Advocate article on Mommies in Need and their pivot strategy in response to COVID-19.
Photo by Sara Torda @saratorda