The Institute of the Black World 21st Century Black Family Summit (IBW/BFS) has developed a culturally responsive helpline to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on African Americans and people of African descent who are employed as first responders and essential workers. The Community Cares Listening Line (1-877-719-1117)provides emotional support and resource information in critical areas of need.
We know our Black community faces a multitude of disparities, and COVID-19 is no exception. We continue to read and hear stories of the devastating, multi-faceted impact of this pandemic on the well-being of first responders and essential workers. The Community Cares Listening Line is grounded in a framework that recognizes the healing value of community and the importance of listening with empathy and instilling hope. Our volunteer listeners are trained in this framework and also provide information on resources to support the needs of callers.
“It is a great blessing that the Community Cares Listening Line is being established,” shared Susan L. Taylor, Essence magazine editor-in-chief emerita and founder and CEO of National CARES Mentoring Movement. “The COVID-19 virus has caused the chronic, debilitating impacts of impoverishment to become ever more acute among the working poor, and the only recently acknowledged essential workers.”
IBW founder and president Dr. Ron Daniels established the organization to be a progressive, African-centered, action-oriented resource center dedicated to empowering people of African descent and marginalized communities. The Community Cares Listening Line has been fully endorsed by the New York City chapter of 100 Black Men of America; New York City, Westchester and Nassau-Suffolk chapters of the National Association of Black Social Workers; the New York City and New Jersey chapters of the Association of Black Psychologists; Caribbean American Social Workers Association; Nigerian Social Workers Association and several member organizations affiliated with IBW’s Pan-African Unity Dialogue.
The Community Cares Listening Line can be reached by calling 877-719-1117. For additional information, contact the administrative support team at [email protected] or (929) 356-6201. Like us on Facebook @communitycareslisteningline or visit https://ibw21.org/community-cares-listening-line/
For more information follow this link https://drive.google.com/file/d/12jIuAS9mSwMf9589d2cc5de4OumWzHEn/view
