Lane County COVID-19 Resources for Families
As things develop quickly around COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) and it’s impact on Lane County, we will be continually adding local resources for families to help you navigate this challenging time. Keep checking back for more offers from Lane County businesses and agencies, activities to do with your kids, free entertainment and educational resources, at-home self-care, and more. Below are links to jump to a particular section or just scroll down to see all of the resources listed.
Talking to Children About COVID-19
Community Resources & Updates
Food Assistance
Mental Health Services
Home Services
Entertainment
Family Education
Health & Wellbeing
Parenting Resources
COVID-19 Information
- Lane County Public Health:
- Local and up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Lane County including a non-emergency call center
- Oregon Coronavirus Information & Resources from Governor Brown
- Oregon Health Authority
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- Social Distancing FAQ
Talking to Children About COVID-19
- CDC: Talking with children about Coronavirus
- Child Mind Institute (also available in Spanish)
- PBS Parents
- New York Times: How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus
- National Public Radio (NPR): A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
- World Health Organization (WHO): Mental Health Considerations
- Understood (resources for kids and adults with learning differences or disabilities)
- The Autism Educator: What is the coronavirus?
- Autism Little Learners: Why do I have to stay at home?
- Zero to Three
- Mask Coloring Book
Community Resources & Updates
- State of Oregon COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program
- Eugene-Springfield NAACP
- access to computer/printer, food pantry, help with SNAP sign up, advocacy/referrals, and Black Cultural library.
- White Bird Clinic Community Resources
- Basic needs, food, health, shelter, transportation, and youth
- COVID-19: United Way of Lane County’s Response and Resources
- Parenting Now! Resources Directory
- Parenting Now! Resources for Parenting Through COVID-19
- Tenant Protections in Oregon During COVID-19
- Community Aligned Resources for Eugene/Springfield (CARES)
- Food, clothing, home starter kits, toiletries, and specific supplies for families that have a child with disabilities.
Food Assistance
- All Lane County school districts have developed their own plans to provide children with free meals while schools are closed. Click on your child’s school district to learn more:
- Eugene 4J School District
- Springfield Public Schools
- Bethel School District
- Creswell School District:
- Oakridge School District:
- Or call Oakridge School District Office at 541-782-2813
- South Lane School District
- Marcola School District
- Fern Ridge School District
- McKenzie School District
- Pleasant Hill School District
- Lowell School District
- Blachly School District
- Crow-Applegate-Lorane School District
- Or call the District Office at 541-935-2100.
- Junction City School District
- Mapleton School District
- Siuslaw School District
- Great Harvest Bread Co.
- If you have lost your income or job please come in and get a free loaf of locally made bread.
- Located at 2564 Willamette St.
- Free Lunch Fridays!
- In partnership with White Bird Clinic, Community Alliance of Lane County, NAACP Lane County
- Individual to-go lunches available for all community members
- Fridays 12 pm – 1 pm at 458 Blair Blvd
- Double Up Food Bucks
- Double your SNAP dollars at a farmer’s market near you.
Mental Health Services
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
- 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
- Eugene 4J School District:
- School-based health centers at Churchill and North Eugene high schools will be open next week to provide health and mental health care to 4J students. The health centers can bill private insurance and the Oregon Health Plan, and will also provide treatment for those unable to afford medical care. Call to schedule an appointments: Churchill: 541-790-5227 • North Eugene: 541-790-4445
- HOOTS (Helping Out Our Teens in Schools), a community partner that provides mobile crisis response support to 4J and other high schools, will offer mental health support by phone for high school students, families and staff while schools are closed. Staff are able to provide short-term counseling, resource referrals and Oregon Health Plan signup. Available weekdays 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at 541-246-2342.
- The White Bird Crisis Line will continue to be accessible 24/7 by phone at 541-687-4000. 15th Night will also be continuing to offer support and resources for unhoused youth and those working with them via phone and text at 541-246-4046.
- The Child Center:
- Telehealth outpatient therapy program for children and families:
- Can bill both CCOs (OHP) and private insurance (no co-pays).
- A phone or computer is required
- Crisis Response Program for children and youth under 18, free for anyone to use and is available 24/7 in Lane County.
- 1-888-989-9990
- Telehealth outpatient therapy program for children and families:
- WellMama virtual support groups:
- Also offer text support line (text SUPPORT to 541-525-0495) for one-on-one support for new and expectant parents
- Reach Out Oregon:
- provides crisis support, resource sharing and listening support for parents raising children who experience emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges. Support is provided from other parents and caregivers with experience navigating similar parenting challenges.
Home Services
- Comcast:
- Comcast will be increasing speeds for the Internet Essentials program, and making the program free to new low-income customers for two months.
- To sign up, visit www.internetessentials.com. The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. There are also two dedicated phone numbers 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
- EWEB:
- For customers who have a past-due balance and who have not enrolled in a repayment plan, EWEB returned to standard disconnection procedures effective Aug. 10, 2020. Learn more.
Entertainment
Screen time
- 15 Broadway Plays and Musicals You Can Watch On Stage From Home
- Highlights Kids
- PBS Kids
- Sesame Street
- Google Earth Has Virtual Tours of 31 National Parks in the U.S.
- Brainpop.com
- Animated movies and activities. For kids grades K-8. Some content free, subscriptions start at $15/month.
Virtual Activities for Kids
- ArtSpark Online
- Video tutorials created by local artists bring accessible art making experiences to your home
- Doodle with Mo Willems:
- Bestselling author, Mo Willems, hosted lunchtime doodle sessions where you can join in some drawing fun.
- River Road Parks & Rec YouTube Channel
- Young Rembrandts: in-person and virtual drawing classes for children.
Family Education
- Scholastic Learn at Home
- Free resource that provides students with about 20 days’ worth of learning exercises
- Khan Academy
- Free education for ages 4-18
- Khan Academy Kids
- Free app for ages 2-8
- National Geographic Kids
- Oxford Owl for Home
- Reading, English, math, books, and activities
- TIME for Kids
- Magazine for elementary school students
- Wonderopolis
- An intriguing question is posed daily and explored in a variety of ways
- Free and low cost OSU Master Gardener Short Course Series
- Information and free tutoring for families during COVID-19 school closures
- Virtual marine biology camp from whale experts
- GreatSchools
- Lakeshore Learning
- 10 Prop Box Ideas: Mini Learning Centers at Home
- Vroom
- Daily brain-building activities
- Today Show: How to home-school during the coronavirus crisis with free resources
- Duo Lingo
- Learn a language using their app or website.
- NASA Kids Club
- STEM related games and activities, for children Pre-K – 4th grade.
Museums, Aquariums and Science Centers
- Adventure! Children’s Museum Facebook page
- Follow their daily newsletter (Museum @ Home) for activities that inspire kids to grow into artists, explorers, and innovators
- Children’s Museum of Manhattan
- University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History
- Virtual Little Wonders: video storytime, songs, and hands-on fun for preschoolers and their adults
- Family Fun Links: science and culture-focused links to partner institutions around the country
- Free Educator Resources: for teachers and homeschoolers
- Online Collections Galleries: the museum collections online
- Virtual Evening Talks: virtual talks about Earth’s landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems
- Eugene Science Center: Explore Science Online
- 15 science demonstration videos from ESC and a list of online resources for STEM exploration at home
- The Georgia Aquarium Has Live Cams So You Can Go Under The Sea At Home
Health & Wellbeing
Activities for indoor and outdoor play
- How to build a great blanket fort
- NYC Department of Education early childhood at-home activities (pdf)
- 20 old-school ways to keep kids busy without screen time
- 20 simple ways to entertain your toddler
- 32 Simple (and Free) Ways to Entertain Your Kids
- Willamalane Families at Home
- 30 Days of Family Activities (pdf)
- 20 indoor games to keep the kids entertained on a rainy day
- 50 Plus Easy Indoor Activities for Kids
At-home Exercise
- 15 Online Workouts You Can Do At Home Instead Of At The Gym
- These fitness studios are live-streaming workout classes for free during the coronavirus outbreak
- Cosmic Kids
- Yoga for kids; 14-day free trial then $10/month
- Go Noodle
- Dance-a-long videos for kids
- Eugene Family YMCA YouTube Channel
- Willamalane Fitness At Home
- The power of family dance parties when the world is falling apart
Meditation, Relaxation & Stress Management
- The Best Free Meditation Apps
- Immerse Yourself In These Peaceful, Nature-Rich Sound Recordings from Audubon Society
- CDC: Manage Anxiety & Stress
- 7 science-based strategies to cope with coronavirus anxiety
- JED: Tips to Manage Stress and Anxiety
Outdoor Activities
- City of Eugene Park and Trail Maps
- Outdoor recreation is encouraged while we practice social distancing but it is recommended that you and your family maintain 6 ft distance from other people and refrain from using playground equipment.
- Every Kid Outdoors
- Free pass for Fourth Graders to access Federal Parks, Lands and Waters.
- Nearby Nature: Explore Activity Pages
- Tinkergarten
- Fun, play-based activities to do with kids outside
Meal Planning
- Guide to meal planning
- 49 Make Ahead Meals
- 5 Fast Toddler Friendly Dinners
- 30 Quick and Easy Weekday Meals
Parenting Resources
Triple P: Positive Parenting Program
- Triple P Guide: Parenting During COVID-19
- Top Tips for Parenting in Uncertain Times
- Triple P Online
- Online parenting education for caregivers of children 2-12
- Free for families on OHP; available in English and Spanish
- Now includes a section on parenting during COVID-19
- Triple P blog: Can’t we all just along?! Steps to minimize conflict among siblings
- Triple P blog: Parenting in Uncertain Times: Part 1
- Triple P blog: Tips For Parenting In Uncertain Times: Part 2
Parenting Tips & Strategies
- Hand in Hand Parenting: online parenting education and support
- FACT Oregon: COVID-19 Response and Resources
- Resources for families experiencing disability
- FLIP-IT
- Parenting strategy to address challenging behaviors
- KITS Resources for Families in Times of Covid-19
- Categories include educational activities, reading, virtual field trips, educational videos & programs, for children with special needs, food & necessities, physical activities, health & wellness, helping your neighbors
- NCTSN: Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019
- How to Get Your Kids to do Chores at Home
- A Guide to Chores at Every Age
- Healthy at Home: A Toolkit for Supporting Families Impacted by COVID-19
- ReadyRosie informational videos on prevention & care, emotional wellness, and learning at home