Dear Womankind community,

News of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve daily. The health and safety of our communities is of utmost importance. We are reaching out to let you know that we are doing everything in our power to ensure the well-being of survivors and beneficiaries of our services, our staff, and our volunteers.

At times of economic downturn and isolation, we know that domestic violence and other abuse increases. We are prepared to meet the growing needs of our community and will assess and adapt accordingly.

We have taken the following immediate measures:

• We have exercised continued vigilance in our sanitation and screening efforts at our residences, and community and administrative offices.
• We have implemented a plan for our residential spaces that are designed to protect those currently in our care.

Starting today, Monday, March 16 until further notice, the delivery of Womankind services will transition to phone and email, with the exception of our Residential Programs. We are prioritizing undisrupted critical services, while collectively protecting our staff and survivors’ mental and physical well-being as best as we can.

What this means:

• Womankind’s 24/7 emergency residences will remain staffed and emergency services will continue.
• Our 24/7 free multilingual Helpline 1-888-888-7702 will continue to operate as usual. Chat and text services are available in English and Chinese as well.
• Our three community offices in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens will be closed until further notice. Office hours are by appointment only. Please call the helpline first for details on available services.
• For those seeking help for the first time, please call the helpline for details on available services.
• We encourage current survivors to contact their advocates directly with any questions or to schedule a call.
• We have cancelled all group activities until further notice including, but not limited to, Pathways to Healing, Later in Life groups, Support Groups, and Movies and Community.
• Our headquarters in Manhattan will remain closed during this time, and we encourage you to contact staff directly via email or phone.
• For active volunteers or those interested in volunteering, please do not hesitate to contact Tiffany Zayas, who is in charge of our volunteer program, at tzayas@iamwk.org for the latest updates on assignments and other needs.

We will remain in touch as things progress and/or change. We wish you and yours safety, health, and kindness. Womankind remains committed to helping survivors of gender-based violence rise above trauma and build a path to healing, especially at this time of uncertainty.

Sincerely,

Womankind