Salem’s Connections365 need supplies and help with its campus as it continues serving youth and adults with reduced staffing. (Submitted photo)
Connections365 has served the Salem community for over 31 years, offering mental health counseling for individuals aged 7-97.
The nonprofit provides a long and important list of services including: therapeutic foster care, residential care, mentoring and counseling.
Like most nonprofits, the quarantine has been challenging, especially because Connections365 works directly with children and youth. As an essential residential care organization, located in south Salem. It continues to staff around the clock, assisting youth in 12 therapeutic foster care homes and two residential treatment homes.
Mental health, case management, and mentoring continue available online. The Mental Health Unit has moved to online and telecommunication options for the safety of youth and families.
The administrative team has had to work from home or been laid off. Due to COVID-19, the annual fundraiser and silent auction events were canceled.
Additionally, the nonprofit had been receiving volunteer support from COMCAST cares. Their investment would have assisted with $18,000 worth of work. Because that was canceled, deck work, painting, yard upgrades, and youth room maintenance will not be completed this year.
For those who have a heart for youth and outdoor skills, Connections365 seeks assistance with its outdoor campus, especially help on weekends.
The needs include paint for buildings, development for the therapeutic garden, construction assistance and maintenance, money and help for a sewer line, and a 15-passenger van for transporting youth to group activities.
Needs for Connections365 now:
Items for foster children and families: Restaurant gift cards, various activity gift cards, toiletries, shoes, jackets, clothing, and school supplies.
Cash donations can be mailed to 4890 32nd Ave. S.E. Salem, OR 97317 or be made online at Connections365.org.
Mary Louise VanNatta is a Salem public relations professional writing regularly for Salem Reporter. During the quarantine, she will be connecting with Salem nonprofits. Tell her about your nonprofit needs at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook.
