April Issue: Catching a Curve Ball

Catching a Curve Ball The issue about the thing that everyone is talking about

In This Issue Catching the Curve Ball April 2020 Letter from the Executive Director

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Word of the month

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COVID-19 Resources

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In The News

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Coronavirus Q&A

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Escaping from an unescapable pandemic

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Letter from the Executive Director We were thrown a curveball, huh?

Just like everyone else, our writers and editors had to make a last minute adjustment with this issue.

First, we changed the theme at the last minute. Then, we made a few changes to our normal structure. Instead of creating a list of state resources, we tried to create a list of national resources. Those resources focus on jobs, since that is one of the biggest adjustments that we’re making.

still developing.

We threw in an “In The News” section, because there is no way we could cover ALL the information at the rate that things are changing. We included issues that you might be interested in that are

Many of you are on the front lines, a part of those essential services that we need. You may not have the benefit of working from home. Want you to stay safe, so we’ve included some reliable health info from the CDC. Finally, we get a first hand account from one of our writers, Isabella, as she tries to return to the U.S. as the COVID pandemic escalates.

As you know, things are ever-changing. We hope that by the time this reaches you, you will find something in here that you can use.

In the face of uncertainty, lots of messaging will tell you to be scared, but we know better don’t we? We know that if you can do time, you can weather a nasty virus and its consequences. You are resilient, we are resilient.

Take it seriously to keep yourself and others safe. We’ll see you on the other side.

Sincerely, Porche Proffit

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Masthead and Contributors Editor-in-Chief, Porche Proffit Editor, Ericka Foster

Contributors Contributing Editor, Lakia Goodman Writer, Maggie Allen Nutrition and dietician Isabella Dos Santos Art Director, Willow Wood Positive Transitioning Inc. is a non–profit organization that provides information and resources for individuals reentering the community after incarceration.

In addition to this magazine, Positive Transitioning Inc. offers a 24-hour Resource/Listening Line that services all 50 states. The Resource/Listening line is staffed by life coaches, and provides individuals with the immediate support and resources they may be needed during reentry.

Positive Transitioning Inc. also provides individuals life coaches that will assist them in every step of the reentry process: housing, education, employment, vocational training, obtaining government benefits, veteran assistance, medical management, sponsorship, financial stability, family reintegration, and legal assisting.

Currently Positive Transitioning Inc. is entirely web–based as we are hoping that this makes it easily accessible for anyone to access from anywhere.

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Word of the Month re·sil·ience the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness “If you're going through hell, keep going.” ― Winston Churchill

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COVID-19 Resources Local Job search resources  Florida - CareerSource Research Coast Virtual Services careersourcerc.com/covid-19-portal/ To support your immediate needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, we now offer virtual services! To schedule assistance, please visit the COVID-19 Portal.  Los Angeles Job Portal lajobsportal.org/ The City of Los Angeles is coordinating an economic response to help Angelenos who have lost their jobs or have had their hours cut back as a result of COVID-19, so that people can find help and jobs while adhering to the Safer at Home orders issued by Mayor Garcetti and Governor Newsom and businesses performing essential activities can recruit workers.

National Retail Federation has a list of companies that are hiring.

LinkedIn has a running list of companies that are hiring.

 State of Kansas Covid-19 Jobs and Hiring Portal kansascommerce.gov/covid-19-response/covid-19-jobs-and-hiring-portal/ Did you lose your job or have your hours reduced as a result of COVID19? Businesses across Kansas need thousands of workers for immediate hire. Learn more about who is hiring in your community.  State of Michigan COVID-19 Jobs Portal mitalent.org/covid-19-jobs-portal Michigan businesses are hiring job seekers for immediate openings  State of New Jersey COVID-19 Jobs and Hiring Portal jobs.covid19.nj.gov/ Businesses across New Jersey need thousands of workers for immediate hire. Learn more about who is hiring in your community.

National Resources  American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) aclu.org/issues/prisoners-rights Prisoners’ rights to read, write, speak, practice their religion, and communicate with the outside world are often curtailed far beyond what is necessary for institutional security. Not only are these activities central to the ability of prisoners to retain

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their humanity, but they also contribute to the flow of information between prisons and the outside world and thus provide a vital form of oversight of these closed institutions.  CareerOneStop careeronestop.org/Site/american-job-center.aspx Located across the country, American Job Centers can help you look for work and offer job search workshops, free computer access, and more.

COVID-19 and the Fair Labor Standards Act Questions and Answers

 National Alliance on Mental Illness nami.org/ The purpose of NAMI Alabama is to provide support, education, and advocacy for persons with mental illnesses, their families, and others whose lives are affected mental health disorders.  National HIRE Network hirenetwork.org The goal of the National H.I.R.E. Network is to increase the number and quality of job opportunities available to people with criminal records by changing public policies, employment practices and public opinion.  National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) nrrc.csgjusticecenter.org Funded and administered by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) is the nation’s primary source of information on reentry.

On April 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor announced new action regarding how American workers and employers will benefit from the protections and relief offered by Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

 U.S. Veterans Administration va.gov/ABOUT_VA/index.asp VA’s HCRV program is designed to promote success and prevent homelessness among Veterans returning home after incarceration.

 COVID-19 FAQs for the Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher and Native American Programs hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/COVID19_FAQ_PIH_Final.pdf This is a FAQ that lists resources for individuals in public housing.  How to Get COVID-19 Rent Relief investopedia.com/renters-how-to-get-covid-19-rent-relief-4800858 Many states have taken action to pause or suspend renter evictions, at least temporarily. This resource shows states that have halted evictions.

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In The News On March 20th, the CARES Act – also known as the stimulus bill—was signed into law to help people and business deal with the economic strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of the implications of that bill:

Sometimes, the news can indicate gloom and doom, so it’s exciting to link to positive stories about what facilities are doing to slow the spread among inmates

Stimulus checks - $1200 for individuals and $2400 for couples Unemployment  Individuals will receive federal money in addition to their state funds. It also extends unemployment insurance for an additional 13 weeks.  Unemployment funds for gig workers

African Americans are dying from the COVID-19 virus at a much higher rate.

It points to health care disparities that existed before this crisis that are now being (re) emphasized. Read more in the Washington Post.

Health care All private insurance plans to cover COVID-19 treatments and vaccine and makes all coronavirus tests free.  Telehealth will be covered like normal health care visits.

Other  There will be additional funds dispersed through food security programs (i.e. school lunch and SNAP)

Learn how Hispanic workers are being affected by the pandemic.

 All loan and interest payments would be deferred through Sept. 30 without penalty to the borrower for all federally owned student loans. This bill has lots of other moving parts that may apply to you. Click here for the full description. Due to the coronavirus, some inmates are being released early, without a place to go: Nowhere to go: Some inmates freed because of coronavirus are 'scared to leave'

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Q&A

By Maggie Allen

What is Coronavirus?

How does it spread?

If you are out there, feeling confused, afraid, and alone, trust me, you’re not.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

This is a trying time for everyone. All Who is most at risk? around the world, buildings and workplaces are closing down; public Is there a vaccine? events are being cancelled left, right, How can we protect ourselves? and center; people are doing stupid, dangerous things because they aren’t Are there protection measures for taking things seriously enough; and people who have traveled? there is a ton of fear and misinformation What are social distancing and selfbeing spread, much like the virus itself. quarantine? Why are they so important?

According to CNN, as of April 1st, 2020, What does it mean to “flatten the curve”? more than 210,000 people in the United States have been infected, and at least 4,669 have died.

To stay sane and combat the danger, here are some commonly asked questions, answering with information compiled from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and Johns Hopkins Medicine. Because at this time, perhaps more than any other, we need to be informed. It’s the best way we can take care of ourselves, each other, and the world we all share.

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

COVID-19 is the most recently discovered coronavirus, and the outbreak originated in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

How does the disease spread?

The virus spreads from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, typically when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.

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Possible animal sources of COVID-19 have not yet been confirmed, but while there has been one instance of a dog being infected in Hong Kong, to date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share updated findings.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms of this coronavirus are usually mild and develop gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop symptoms or feel particularly unwell; there is a 2-14 day incubation period after coming in contact with COVID-19. Deceptively flu-like, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients have also reported aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea as well.

If you or someone you know has trouble breathing; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; bluish lips or face; confusion; or lethargy, seek immediate medical attention, as these are emergency warning signs.

Some people report having a loss of sense of smell and taste.

Who is most at risk to develop serious symptoms or complications from COVID-19?

Older people, those with immunodeficiencies, and those who have underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness, but this is not always the case. COVID-19 can infect someone of any age, and around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing.

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-19. Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19.

However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.

What can I do to protect myself and my family?

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:

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● Washing your hands regularly with soap and water or using alcohol-based

hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. It is recommended to do this for 20 seconds each time. ● Maintain at least 3 feet between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. ● Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. ● Make sure you, and the people around you, cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze, then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

● Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty

breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local/national health authority, as they will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

● Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). Avoid traveling as much as possible.

It’s uncertain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses like COVID-19 may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of

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the environment). Examples of commonly touched surfaces include: doorknobs, light switches, handles, phones, keyboards, and toilets.

What are social distancing and self-quarantine? Why are they so important?

It is advised that people keep at least 6 feet to be safe. Other examples of social and physical distancing that allow you to avoid larger crowds or crowded spaces are:

● Closing schools or switching to online classes ● Visiting loved ones with video calls ● Cancelling or postponing large meetings (i.e. church services and funerals) Self-quarantine is how people who have the disease, or who may have been exposed to it, can avoid transmitting it to others. This process typically entails:

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Using standard hygiene and washing hands frequently Not sharing things like towels and utensils Staying at home Not having visitors Staying at least 6 feet away from other people in your household

Health experts recommend that this be done for 14 days, to be sure that no one else could get infected.

What does it mean to “flatten the curve”?

While it is thought that most people who become infected with COVID-19 can selfquarantine for the recommended time and thereafter recover, if the disease spreads too quickly through a given community, the number of people with severe and even lifethreatening symptoms will spike. “Flattening the curve” refers to using the protective practices outlined above to slow the rate of COVID-19 infection, so that hospitals will have adequate room, supplies and doctors for all of the patients who need care.

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This situation will prove stressful to my family and friends. What do we do during this time?

Many have been laid off or find themselves underemployed and unsure of when life will return to some semblance of normalcy. It is understandable to be stressed and concerned.

Check the In The News section to find out how the stimulus bill can affect those who are unemployed or underemployed in the wake of COVID-19.

But whether financially, mentally, or emotionally, there is only so much that can be controlled in these circumstances. It is imperative that people look out for themselves and their loved ones during this pandemic, as safely as they possibly can. If you find yourself becoming depressed or stressed out, please remember to: Need help? Know someone who does? ● Stay informed, but take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news If you, or someone you care about, are stories, including social media. Hearing feeling overwhelmed with emotions like about the pandemic repeatedly can be sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel upsetting like you want to harm yourself or others ● Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate • Call 911 ● Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, • Visit the Disaster Distress exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and Helplineexternal icon, call 1avoid alcohol and drugs 800-985-5990, or text ● Make time to unwind. Try to do some other TalkWithUs to 66746 activities you enjoy • Visit the National Domestic ● Connect with others. Talk with people you Violence Hotlineexternal trust about your concerns and how you are icon or call 1-800-799-7233 feeling. Many people are using video/audio and TTY 1-800-787-3224 conferencing services to make up for lack of in-person gatherings Look out for yourself and those in your life who may be going through difficult times.

More specific situational information, such as caring for others and young children during this pandemic, can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

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Escaping from an unescapable pandemic

By Isabella dos Santos Few weeks ago, I was reading the news sitting in the bus while going to class in my university in Marseille, France, where I was doing a one semester exchange. Little by little the information about COVID-19 started to arise. At the beginning it seemed like a virus that was only affecting a specific region in China; then, rapidly, tinted almost every country.

A couple of days before France closed its borders I decided to fly back home to be with my family. The gravity of the situation (in social, moral, ethical, economical and political terms) was still not very clear to me, but it soon became “crystal clear”: this pandemic was going to shake every one of us in unprecedented ways for most of the people alive.

I had a short layoff in the airport of Madrid, Spain, which was known to be a very contaminated place at the time. I literally ran from one airplane to another without touching anything: I was just too scared of getting the virus and spreading it. After many hours I finally arrived home, where I could not even hug my family. I did my 14-day obligatory quarantine, which soon combined with a national imposed quarantine. Thankfully it seemed like I did not “pick” the virus, but we all know it is still out there, attacking the most vulnerable of our people. Can we protect ourselves from it?

Well, yes and no. The virus, at has already been exposed, can affect any of us, despite of our age, sex, race or nationality. However, some people are more vulnerable than others. From a nutrition point of view, my main advices for you would be: 1. Eat for immunity: Zinc (legumes, seeds, meat, shellfish, nuts, dairy), Copper (whole grains, beans, shellfish, potatoes), Iron (fortified cereals, oysters, organ meats, beans, lentils) and Selenium (whole grains, dairy, eggs, pork, beef).

2. Drink lots of liquids (water, homemade lemonades, tea).

3. Do some physical and mental activity every day. Play games, dance, cook, do crosswords or paint. Do one different activity every day!

4. Engage in positive and creative thoughts.

5. Keep up. This will pass.

From my heart to yours, I send tons of good health and positive thoughts.

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Final Thoughts…

I think this is as good a time as any to add this new section to the issue. We always have decisions to make about what to include in the issue, and how we get to where we are. This issue was going to be about creativity And then, you know, everything happened.

When addressing an issue like this, we have to figure out a) what can we say that hasn’t been said before, and b) how can be responsible when writing about A GLOBAL PANDEMIC. The magazine, the organization is called Positive Transitioning. I wanted to be sure that are being positive. We wanted to give the facts, without freaking people out.

There will be a lot of people who will tell you that it is OK to scared and stressed out right now. But it is also OK if you’re not. In 2008, I was laid off from my job. It was by far one of the best things that happened to me. I realized then that I’m a lot tougher than I thought I was. And if you’ve ever been kicked in the teeth, you realize that your jaw isn’t made of glass. And you know that this could be the beginning of a fresh start.

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