Over the next two weeks, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault shelter programs in Kenai, Kodiak, Anchorage, Cordova, Sitka, Nome, and Dillingham will receive gifts of laptops and tablets, in time for the new school year. The Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault received a donation of 35 laptop computers and tablets for distribution to shelter programs who house large numbers of school-aged children and had the most need for additional computer equipment for virtual classes.
L. Diane Castro, Executive Director of the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: “The state of Alaska and the U.S. Civilian Corps have partnered to increase the resiliency and preparedness for COVID-19, as well as future crises that may occur. The CDVSA and its funded programs are grateful for the responsiveness and generosity of the U.S. Civilian Corps and American citizens who donated funds to make these purchases possible; increasing school access and success for Alaska children and youth living in shelter.”
In April, the Council conducted a survey of all funded sub-grantees who work with and provide safety, shelter, and services to families impacted by domestic and sexual violence and other crimes. One critical question asked was how children in emergency shelters were coping with online school while also living in congregate housing during a pandemic. The survey indicated that children in shelter were struggling with schoolwork and that programs were also struggling without adequate computers and other equipment for young people to use for distance and virtual school.
After the survey, the Council sought out options to provide programs with adequate equipment for school-aged children in shelter.
The Department of Public Safety said that supporting young adults in their shelter programs gives them a sense of normalcy while they navigate their grief and healing.
