We have all been affected by the COVID-19 virus in one way or another. As you know, Governor Charlie Baker recently made the decision to close schools for the remainder of the school year. While this is concerning to school-based, youth-serving organizations like SSV, it is important that we all understand that these decisions are made with great care and with the health and safety of everyone as the number one priority.
We at SSV have been thinking about how these unexpected school closures may be affecting not only the youth in our programs, but also our volunteers. Mentoring research suggests that not providing a supported closure process can make young people more vulnerable to negative feelings like abandonment, fear, or confusion resulting from poor relationship endings. But we understand that volunteers may also be experiencing unresolved feelings of loss or uncertainty due to the abrupt end of match meetings.
Although we are working remotely, the SSV staff is here to support you! We are working with organizations like Mass Mentoring Partnership to come up with alternate strategies for connecting you with young people, if possible, and for keeping us connected to you – our caring community of volunteers and supporters. At the very least, we will be in touch with some options for providing some closure for your relationships until in-person meetings can resume.
We all look forward to the time when things return to normal. Whatever that may look like, we are confident that you will continue making a difference in the lives of Springfield students. If you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, feel free contact us at volunteer@springfieldpublicschools.com or (413) 787-7100, ext. 55697 and someone will be in touch with you. And be sure to connect with us on social media for updates, information and more!
Facebook: @Springfieldschoolvolunteers
Twitter: @SSVvolunteers
Instagram: @ssvvolunteers
