The Challenge

The abrupt closure of schools and offices in response to the coronavirus pandemic left many parents overwhelmed with the dual responsibility of providing round-the-clock care and education for their children. Parents who are part of the essential workforce have been forced to choose between childcare and earning a living. Members of CIDA (Community Inclusion & Development Alliance), a parent alliance that provides support to families of children with disabilities, are voicing concerns about the widening gaps they are experiencing in services that address this challenge. Most of them are 1st- or 1.5-generation Korean American mothers, who began gathering virtually in large numbers to learn and share information and skills, as well as to support one another emotionally. 

Our Response

In April, we developed a curriculum on how to facilitate online programs and provided an interactive webinar on this topic to our current and past grantee partners, including CIDA, as well as grantee partners of our affiliate organization, KACF-SF. 

Webinar Impact

• CIDA’s improved engagement with parents and youth members, using tools for virtual gatherings
• Creative approaches from CIDA to practice advocacy and combat social isolation 
• Building a culture of community fundraising through online platforms