Help for Massena Families
MCSD Community Schools. Our Kids. Our School. Our Community.
Help available for families in Massena
During these stressful and uncertain times, the Massena Central School Rapid Response Team recognizes that families may be in need of assistance more then ever before. With that in mind, we would like to share the following information with Teachers, Community Partners, and Families. Please feel free to pass the below information with anyone that would find it useful.
If you would like to add any of your services to this list, please email kcmartin@mcs.k12.ny.us
Last of all, please be sure to click on the newsletter in to open it up in a new browser. Available services will be updated regularly and this way you will be sure to view the most recent version.
Thank you,
MCSD Rapid Response Team
Drive-Up Testing for COVID-19
St. Lawrence Health System (SLHS) is offering drive-up testing for COVID-19 at several testing centers in Potsdam, Canton, Gouverneur and Massena by APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Hours are Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm.
At this time, we are testing patients with symptoms of COVID-19 or based on a referral from the department of health.
Please note that testing is by appointment only.
For more information call the SLHS COVID-19 Hotline at (315) 261-6240 or St. Lawrence County Department of Health at (315)229-3448 if you have symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, unexplained severe fatigue, loss of taste or smell); concerned travel or concerned exposure.
St. Lawrence County Childcare Council
Any parents in need of childcare can call the St. Lawrence County Childcare Coordinating Council for a referral. 315-393-6474. Staff are all still working from home and have systems in place.
The Office of Children and Family Services also has a "Parents Needing Child Care Survey" https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3HSNNYJ that parents can fill out. The local office will connect with those parents and give them a referral.
Massena Central School Lunch & Breakfast Distribution
While schools are closed, Massena Central School will continue providing FREE meals to all children 18 and under.
Food Distribution Schedule Change
We continue to revise our food distribution plans to adapt to ever changing conditions including the rising spread of coronavirus across the county. Currently, we are distributing meals to students 18 and younger three days per week. Many schools have started to make bulk distributions one day per week to enhance worker and community safety. Massena will also move to this one day per week schedule on 4/20/2020
Starting on Monday, 4/20 the Massena CSD will be distributing meals on Mondays only. Families will receive a 5-day meal pack to last for the week. Food distribution will continue to take place from 11:00 am-12:00 pm at the following locations:
Massena High School Parking Lot 84 Nightengale Ave, Massena
The Community Center 61 Beach Street, Massena
Jefferson Elementary School Parking Lot 75 Bailey Road, Massena
Louisville Arena 44 Arena Drive , Louisville
Norfolk Fire Station Parking Lot State Highway 420 / 1 Furnace Drive
For questions or inquiries, call Kristin Colarusso Martin at 315-764-3710 ext. 3621
Internet available to Massena Parents & Students
Massena CSD and partners have provided free internet at the following locations:
- HS Parking Lot
- North Main Street, Dollar General Parking Lot / Ball Field
- Madison PlayGround / Parking Lot Backside
- Nightengale Playground
- Massena Public Library
The other option is to have an Internet Service Provider (ISP) provide the internet for you.
- Spectrum (855) 243-8892 - Offering free access to internet and WiFi for 60-days for new Pre-K to 12, college student and teacher households who don't currently have internet or WiFi service.
- Straight Talk - Mobile Hotspots currently available with No Contracts at Walmart
- SLIC (877) 754-2266 - Offering to waive installation fees for new customers with Teachers and students, but they do not cover all areas and the monthly fees would still need to be worked out.
Massena Salvation Army Food Assistance
The Massena Salvation Army will be distributing food on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10am-12pm at 178 Victory Rd.
Anyone in need of assistance is encouraged to call the office at (315) 769-5154 and leave a message, and someone will return their call.
Massena St. Vincent DePaul Society Food Assistance
The St. Vincent DePaul office & food pantry are open, Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Please call in for the emergency food (315-769-1200 Ext. 1) and schedule a time to pick it up. Pick up is preferred but if delivery is necessary, please call in and place the order by 12pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday. Boxes of food are assembled by volunteers and delivery is not available on Wednesday.
The next food distribution will be Saturday, April 18th from 9am-10:30 or until the food is gone. To maintain social distancing, this will be done drive thru style. The clients will be asked to stay in their vehicles. When they drive in, someone will take their information. Then they drive around and the food will be loaded into their vehicle. There is no delivery for Saturday food distributions.
Massena Neighborhood Center Food Assistance
Beginning immediately Neighborhood Center Food Pantries are going to an appointment-only service. Please call your closest center prior to going and schedule a pick-up time.
Please remember that food pantries are for emergency food needs. While center staff are happy to help you, food supplies are limited and should not be utilized to "stock up" as they continue to serve the community.
Appointments will be in 15 minute increments.Please only send one member of your household. To avoid person to person contact, each center will be putting the food box outside of their center for pick up.
Please follow the directions of the center you call as pick up will be slightly different for each location. Deliveries are not available.
Center times, locations, and phone numbers:
- Canton: 5 West Street, open 8am-12pm and 1pm-3pm Monday-Friday. (315) 386-3541
- Colton/Pierrepont/Parishville: Located at town halls in Pierrepont and Pierrepont, and at the South Colton Community Center, open 8am-1pm. Call for days and locations. (315) 244-0069
- Gouverneur: 15 Rock Island Street, open 8am-12pm and 1pm-3pm Monday-Friday. (315) 287-3370
- Massena: 61 Beach Street, open 8am-12pm and 1pm-3pm Monday-Friday, (315) 764-0050
- Ogdensburg: 727 State Street, open 8am-12pm and 1pm-3pm Tuesday-Friday, (315) 229-8181
- Potsdam: 2 Park Street, open 8am-12pm and 1pm-3pm Monday-Friday, (315) 265-3920
Massena Free Community Meal at the First United Methodist Church
Volunteers from the Massena Free Community Meal at the First United Methodist Church are able to offer food and other assistance to Massena community members.
Volunteers will be offering a to go lunch Monday through Friday from 11-12:15 or until we run out. This will be a hearty lunch which may be homemade soup and sandwich, goulash and anything else we can do. Distribution will be on a first come first serve basis and we would like to make the distribution in the parking lot of the First United Methodist Church on 189 Main St. Guests will be asked to remain in their car for the pick up.
Anyone in need of assistance is encouraged to call 315-769-8036 on Monday - Friday from 9-12 and leave a message and someone will return their call.
United Way of Northern NY
The United Way is providing assistance to communities throughout St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Lewis Counties by coordinating the delivery of much needed items to community partners. They will be delivering diapers, toilet paper, Lysol, dish soap, and other needed items to the Massena Community.
For more information, contact the Massena Salvation Army at at (315) 769-5154 and leave a message, and someone will return your call.
St. Lawrence County Public Transportation
SLC Public Transportation is still up and running. They are focusing on working with community members having transportation barriers due to Covid 19 to get access to a Food Source, Medical Appointment, Pharmacy and Employment.
To arrange a ride or set up a delivery of food, call 315-386-2600 or click the below link:
Form for requesting transportation:
https://form.jotform.com/200817539196159
Click here for updates on transportation scheduled: http://www.slcnypublictransit.com/
All bus fares have been waived until April 19,2020.
Public Transit staff is also coordinating with other transportation modes in the county to get people in St. Lawrence County access. There are on-demand and delivery services available as well.
SLC Chemical Dependency & SLC Mental Health Clinic
All clients can call Chemical Dependency at 315-386-2189 8 am-5 pm and Wednesdays until 7 pm and in many cases will be seen the same day. That includes new client evaluations and groups during this time. The Peer Support Counselor is available for people that do not want to enter treatment right now. She can be reached at 315-386-2189. Due to current travel restrictions, Chemical Dependency cannot do urine screens right now.
The St. Lawrence County Mental Health Clinic in Canton is also open the same hours. They can be reached at 315-386-2187.
Community Health Centers of the North Country
PRIMARY, BEHAVIORAL, AND PEDIATRIC CARE
All services, at all locations are open. People with underlying conditions are being looked at on a case by case basis. Some telehealth services now being offered. Please call ahead if you feel you have had any exposure to COVID-19. Canton: 315-386-8191 Gouverneur: 315-287-4440
Malone: 518-483-0109 Ogdensburg: 315-713-9350
SUBSTANCE USE CARE COORDINATION
All services now being handled via phone call only.
DENTAL
All non-emergency dental services are postponed. Please contact our Dental Department at (315) 386-8191 if you need further clarification. Please call if it is an emergency only.
EYE CARE SERVICES
All non-emergency eye care services are postponed. Please contact our Optometry Department in Canton at (315) 386-8191 if you need further clarification. Our team will be in contact to reschedule existing appointments.
Our Watertown Optometry Office is currently closed.
WIC SERVICES
St. Lawrence and Franklin County WIC are also changing practices to protect the community and their clients. Effective immediately, all WIC appointments will be handled through phone calls only. Please call your local WIC office for more information. At this time, walk-in clients are NOT being taken.
St. Lawrence Health Initiative
For ADK/Unite Us Referrals: Phone Assistance call 315-261-4760 and select Option 2
Navigator Services are prioritizing people that are recently unemployed so that they can get healthcare coverage.
Notice regarding stimulus payments: Guidance received from the state in regards to the Economic impact payments or stimulus payments that we will receive as a result of the new CARES Act passed in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. This payment as you know is a one-time payment and for most consumers, it will be $1,200 per adult and $500 per child*.
It is important to note that these payments will not be added as income for any NY State of Health consumer. What this means for consumers is, if you and/or your family member are enrolled in Medicaid, Essential Plan, Child Health Plus or a Qualified Health Plan with an advanced premium tax credit (APTC), the one-time payment will not affect your eligibility. If you or your household have recently experienced a change in income, a layoff from Coronavirus, a loss of employer insurance or were dis enrolled enrolled for non-payment of your monthly premiums, contact a Navigator to report those changes. It could affect your eligibility and your monthly premium in some cases, if you are required to pay a monthly premium.
St. Lawrence Health Initiative Navigators are available to assist you by phone at 315-261-4760, ext.(s) 236 or 237; Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:00am – 4:00pm. If we are unavailable, please leave a message and one of our Navigators will return your call promptly.
Special Enrollment Period for NY State of Health
Uninsured New Yorkers can apply for coverage during a special enrollment period that ends May 15, 2020. If you lost employer coverage, you must apply within 60 days of losing that coverage. Because of a loss of income, New Yorkers may also be eligible for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, subsidized Qualified Health Plans or Child Health Plus.
Telehealth Co-payments Waived
If you are feeling sick, use telehealth services before going to the doctor's office, urgent care or the emergency room. Telehealth services keep you safer and those around you safer.
The State Department of Financial Services will require insurance companies to waive co-pays for telehealth visits. This action will encourage New Yorkers to seek medical attention from their homes rather than visit a hospital or doctor's office - ultimately reducing strain on the healthcare system and preventing further spread of the virus.
Free Mental Health Services
As of March 26, more than 8,600 mental health professionals, including individuals from other states, have signed up to provide free online mental health services. New Yorkers can call the state's hotline at 1-844-863-9314 to schedule a free appointment.
SLC DSS
DSS is staffed at 25% or less in office. To observe social distancing clients are asked not to come into the DSS building. Applications can be submitted via fax or mail. Changes, requested documentation can be submitted by fax or mail. SNAP and TA application interviews are being done by phone. Anyone with issues with their current benefits can call the Agency at 379-2111.
HEAP is open until 4/24/2020 for Regular and emergency benefits. Applications for SNAP, HEAP can be made through myBenefits.ny.gov Changes and requested documentation can be submitted by fax, mail, or Mobile Document Upload.
Massena Independent Living Center
Citizen Advocates - Massena
Staff are doing most of their treatment right now via Telemental Health (video) or via phone. They are accommodating some walk in crisis's and assessments, but clients will be screened upon walking in to make sure they are symptom free. New clients are still being seen.
North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council, Inc.
Home Visiting Program – Our Maternal and Infant Health Community Health Workers are providing home visits and parenting supporting utilizing a social distancing approach. Home visits are being conducted virtually using Google Duo, Facetime, Facebook, etc. On-going support is being offered via text messaging and phone calls. Breastfeeding Support is also being conducted virtually or utilizing text and phone support. Call 315-788-8533 or 315-836-6480 for additional information.
Health Insurance – NYS of Health Marketplace is prioritizing those who are losing their jobs and those with income changes as result of the COVID-19 pandemic. All Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Essential Plan cases will be automatically extended 4 months. At this time, all enrollments are being done over the phone. Call 315-788-8533 or 315-907-7513 for insurance assistance or help answering your questions.
Community Health Advocate Program – This program is available to those who are experiencing issues with medical billing or issues obtaining medical supplies or prescriptions. Call 315-788-8533 or 315-418-5144 for assistance.
Fidelis Health Insurance
There is a special enrollment period for individuals who are affected by COVID-19 and the current social distancing strategies where they can purchase a qualified health plan through April 15th. Fidelis can also assist any individual who might have been laid off and would like to explore other options outside of COBRA. They may be eligible for reduced cost or free insurance during these difficult times. Additionally staff are continuing outreach efforts to those currently enrolled in order to keep them renewed.
Below is a permission to contact form to send in to Fidelis.
St. Joseph's Outpatient Treatment Center - Massena
Staff are doing all sessions by phone/video.
St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging Implements Free Telephone Reassurance Program for Older Adults
The St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging has started a Free Telephone Reassurance Program for older adults to help address isolation and depression concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to checking on the physical well-being of the client, the program also reduces loneliness and provides an opportunity to be in regular phone contact with another person. Weekly calls from friendly volunteers ensure their health and well-being; as well as help identify problems before they escalate into more serious hardships. For more information or to sign up for the program, please call (315) 386-4730.
Contact:
Andrea Montgomery
Department Head
St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging
(315) 386-4730
Massena Community Resource Guide
Free Online Meetings and Virtual Platforms
• 12 Steps.org https://www.12step.org/social/online-meeting-calendar/ Listing of online 12-step meetings on various platforms.
• Al-Anon Electronic Meetings https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/electronic-meetings/ This forum and recovery chat room for Narcotics Anonymous members features voice chat, Skype, and text chat meetings connecting people from around the world.
• Alcoholics Anonymous Online Intergroup http://aa-intergroup.org/directory.php Listing of online meetings from AA Intergroup.
• Smart Recovery https://www.smartrecovery.org/community/calendar.php https://www.smartrecovery.org/smart-recovery-toolbox/smart-recovery-online/ Message board, chat room, online meetings, and online library.
• Adult Children of Alcoholics https://adultchildren.org/quick-search/?audiobt=Click+Here Phone and Online Meetings
• In The Rooms (Online Meetings) https://www.intherooms.com/home/ An online platform supporting a wide range of 12-step and non-12 step meetings
• Bridge Club Virtual Meetings https://www.jointempest.co/bridge-club-events?tag=Virtual%20Events Meetings that are specifically focused on women and LGBTQIA+ folks who are sober or interested in sobriety.
• Refuge Recovery Online Meetings https://refugerecovery.org/meetings?tsml-day=any&tsml-region=online-english Listing of daily online meetings
• Families Anonymous Virtual Meetings https://www.familiesanonymous.org/meetings/virtual-meetings Online meetings for parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, significant others, other family members and friends of those with a current, suspected or former drug problem.
• Life Ring Recovery https://www.lifering.org/online-meetings Listing of online meetings.
• The Temper https://www.thetemper.com/online-recovery-meetings-groups/ An online publication/site that explores life through the lens of sobriety, addiction, and recovery. Includes links to resources
• My Recovery https://www.myrecovery.com/online-meeting/ Online 12-step meetings
• Sober Grid https://www.sobergrid.com A free online social networking platform for people in recovery. Available in mobile app stores
• Narcotics Anonymous https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/ Listing of online meetings provided by NA.
Community Schools at MCSD
Email: kcmartin@mcs.k12.ny.us
Website: https://www.mcs.k12.ny.us/apps/pages/communityschools
Location: 84 Nightengale Avenue, Massena, NY, USA
Phone: 315-764-3710.3621