We understand that this is a difficult time for you, and we want to try our best to help you prepare as much as possible. Below are some resources and information about home-learning materials, community services, and foodbanks. The Resource page will be updated frequently. If you have any questions, updates, and needs that are not covered, please do not hesitate to contact us via communications@englishempowermentcenter.org, call us at 703-237-0866, or message us via Facebook.
English-Learning Resources
Read Aloud Books Online
- The Indianapolis Public Library: This is a great way for parents and children to enjoy stories together from anywhere, even without a trip to the book store or the library. VIEW THE COLLECTIONS.
- Storyline Online: This free children‘s literacy resource features the world’s best storytellers reading books out loud. Each video includes an activity guide with lessons for K-5 students to do at home. VISIT THE SITE.
- Unite for Literacy – Listen and read along with stories on a variety of topics for families. Hear the stories read in multiple languages. VISIT THE SITE.
- Bow Valley College ESL Literacy Readers - Listen and read along with stories about adult immigrants and refugees. VISIT THE SITE.
Family Activities
- PBS: Find MORE THAN 125 FUN AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES and games that support parents of 3-8 year olds to help their children boost their literacy. There are also GAMES AND VIDEOS.
- National Geographic: Keep brains engaged with National Geographic’s approved science experiments, fun quizzes, animal and music videos, and study guides. ACCESS THE RESOURCES.
- Scholastic’s Learn at Home: This free resource provides your children with 20 days of exciting articles and stories, videos, and fun learning challenges available on any device. They can go on virtual field trips, meet best-selling authors, or dig deep into a topic they love. VISIT THE SITE.
Math and Music
- Bedtime Math: This site makes math part of the family routine. Parents can sign up by email, on the website, and on a free app. Whether it’s flamingos, ninjas, or pillow forts, kids can see the math in their favorite topics. No logins. No drilling. No scores. It takes only five minutes a day, and kids clamor for it. VIEW THE RESOURCES.
Virtual Tours of Famous Museums and Cultural Heritage Sites
- Visit over 500 museums and galleries around the world and explore famous historic and cultural heritage sites through Google Arts & Culture's collections.
Various Resources
- USA Learns app for very beginners. Free to download on your phone or tablet. There are four different apps. Each app has 5 different units. Listen and learn vocabulary.
- English with Jennifer YouTube lessons. VIEW THE VIDEOS. Beginning lessons are videos 1-65. Intermediate lessons are videos 66-95.
- VOA News Learning English: Read, listen and learn. VISIT THE SITE.
- Wonderopolis – Listen and read stories. Great for families. VISIT THE SITE.
- EngVid – Watch and learn. VISIT THE SITE.
- ELLLO - More than 2000 listening lessons. VISIT THE SITE.
- REEP World English Practice for Beginners: Read, listen and learn about health, family, and work. Only on computer. VISIT THE SITE.
- USA Learns free beginner, intermediate, and citizenship courses. Only on computer. VISIT THE SITE.
- Proliteracy Distance Learning Resources. SEE THE LIST
- News for You Online—FREE access to a weekly publication for adult learners that uses current event articles and human interest stories to engage learners’ interest while building skills in reading, comprehension, and vocabulary. Use the password 22667F through April 30, 2020, to access News for You Online at https://www.newreaderspress.com/news-for-you-online.
Community Resources
LCNV Emergency Resources List
- Emergency Resources (selected from our SNAPSHOT)
Combined Service Lists and Resources
- City of Alexandria animated videos about the prevention of COVID-19, available in English, Amharic, Arabis, and Spanish (Call your local health department with questions or to get help!)
- Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center list of resources during this time
- ECHO gives food and financial help to people with short-term emergencies and provides clothes and household items to people with low incomes; please call 703-569-9160 between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm on a weekday (except federal holidays) or between 7:00 and 9:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Facebook Coronavirus Information Center
- FACETS Resource List
- Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services
- Fairfax FISH
- Falls Church Community Services Council
- Northern Virginia Family Service
- Share of McLean provides food, clothing, and financial and other assistance
- United Way of the National Capital Area
- Western Fairfax Christian Ministries; 703-988-9656
Government Resources
- City of Alexandria Assistance from a Distance; 703-746-5700
- City of Alexandria COVID-19 resources and updates
- City of Falls Church Housing and Human Services provides guidance and assistance in accessing the housing services
- Fairfax County COVID-19 resources and updates; and Toolkit for slowing the spread of COVID-19
- Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning hotline: 703-222-0880. They have staff able to speak 16 different languages and a language line for any languages they cannot speak. If the caller is outside of their service area, they will be able to refer out.
- Fairfax County Department of Family Services Assistance from a Distance
- Fairfax County Human Services Resource Guide lists nonprofit and government services
- The Falls Church City Government provides a host of support services
- Government of Virginia frequently asked questions from workers regarding covid-19
- Staying Safe at Home and Assistance from a Distance (in 6 languages) flyers from Fairfax County Department of Family Sevices
- Virginia Department of Social Service COVID-19 resources and app
- The Virginia Employment Council (VEC) Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Application is now live. For more information on how to apply as well as eligibility requirements, see the frequently asked questions below or click here for information from the VEC.
Food and Housing Assistance
- Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) food pantry; 703-222-0880
- Arlington Food Assistance Center feeds neighbors in need
- ALIVE! provides food, clothing, and financial and other assistance; (703) 662-1067
- Alexandria City Public School provides grab-and-go meals
- Capital Area Food Bank
- City of Falls Church Housing and Human Services provides guidance and assistance in accessing the housing services
- Committee for Helping Others (CHO)
- Comunidad and partners are delivering groceries to families in Falls Church, just need to fill out the Request Assistance Form
- Cornerstone provides food and shelter services
- Dulles South Food Pantry
- Fairfax County Public Schools offers grab-and-go meals
- Food for Others
- Grace Episcopal Church Food Ministries
- Hunger Free Alexandria produces a daily list of food programs and services
- Lorton Community Action Center provides food assistance and is taking donations; (703) 339-5161
- Meals on Wheels
- Share Food Network
- Southgate Community Center Meals
Financial Aid and Job Research
- Britepaths and the Financial Empowerment Center at South County (FECSoCo) are offering many services by phone and internet (eg. Zoom, Google). See the list.
- Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington Facebook page has started a group called NoVA Employment Opportunities During COVID-19. This is a place to share temporary job opportunities, work from home opportunities for clients as well as needs that companies might have during this time
- Homestretch provides financial and meal support for the community's most vulnerable populations
- National Restaurant Association provides Restaurant Employee Relief Fund to help restaurant industry employees
- Upwardly Global free resources for job seekers
Legal Services
- Eviction Legal Helpline by the Virginia Poverty Law Center 1-833-NoEvict
- Fairfax County Consumer Affairs - Tenants with questions about issues relating to their lease agreement or evictions can call Consumer Affairs at 703-222-8435 for guidance and to determine if a complaint for mediation is needed
- Legal Aid Justice Center - for help regarding evictions or other legal advice for issues relevant to the pandemic， 703-778-3450
- Legal Services of Northern Virginia is a law firm providing free legal counsel to the region’s low income and neediest populations on matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic. See their flyer for covered issues and ways of contacts.
Medical and Mental Health Resources
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Alzheimer Support (https://www.alzheimersupport.com/) is a free service that helps families who have loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. By using their free search tool and nationwide database of Alzheimer’s care facilities, families who are in need of care for their loved ones can locate licensed care homes and communities that are properly equipped to provide care for their loved ones.
- Inova Partnership for Healthier Communities (PHC) provides free, one-on-one help to those who want to learn about, apply for, or renew Medicaid coverage.
- Mental Health America provides mental health resources
- Some pharmacies offering to waive delivery fees for prescriptions for the near future. See the full list
Children and Family Services