The normally bustling halls of Goodman Community Center, the largest community center in Dane County, have been eerily quiet these days as the Center has closed to the public. However, limited staff and a few volunteers have been busy serving the community in new ways.
“This is an unprecedented and extremely challenging time for our community, and our incredible staff and volunteers continue to amaze me with their dedication to ensuring our center is serving the most vulnerable in our community,” said Becky Steinhoff, Executive Director of the Goodman Community Center, in a statement. “We may not be able to bring people together under one roof, but we’re making sure our neighbors know we are still here for them.”
Here are the latest happenings at Goodman Community Center:
- Goodman is calling its older adults daily and are reaching out to our regular older adult participants daily to keep connected with them and generally check on their needs.
- Goodman is delivering meals to our neighbors: Starting today, March 19, and continuing 7 days a week for as long as necessary, we will deliver 100 dinners per day to children in the Darbo-Worthington and Brentwood neighborhoods.
- Goodman’s drive-thru food pantry will continue: Our first week is complete, and it feels great to be able to bring a little hope and sustenance to our neighbors. The pantry will be open again next week on Tuesday morning, Wednesday early evening and Thursday mid-day. For specific hours, visit our website: goodmancenter.org/corona
- Goodman had to close its educational programming: Based on Dane County and City of Madison guidelines, Goodman had to cease its on-site educational programming for children and teens.
- Goodman is reaching out to our families with kids in its programs: Goodman staff is reaching out to any participant family who may need resources, and is starting to donate its classroom games, crafts, and other educational tools. They want to ensure our families have the resources and connections they need at this time.
- Goodman’s buildings are closed to the public and they’re honoring social distancing as they clean and sanitize the facilities, and prepare meals and bags of groceries for neighbors. Only essential staff are working on-site, while others are working from home and some are using paid leave.
The Center has reported seeing an outpouring of support from members of the community, both in words of encouragement and monetary support, and needs more help. For more information about contributing to the Goodman Community Center, click here.
