COVID-19 Updates and Resources
At Mainstream Living, the safety and health of our members and staff are our highest priority. As you are all aware, the COVID-19 virus is a rapidly evolving situation. We have implemented a Pandemic Emergency Group that is meeting regularly to discuss guidance and directives based on information communicated by the CDC, state and local governments, and medical providers. This is going to be a difficult time and will require that we all remain vigilant, flexible, and patient. We appreciate that this will be especially hard on our members who may be anxious and fearful during these uncertain times. While not a complete list, this page is meant to serve as a resourse for our staff, our members, and their families.
Update 10/2/21: Mainstream Living will host drive-through flu vaccination clinics at each of our office locations. Individuals with disabilities are often at a higher risk for illnesses such as the flu and physicians are emphasizing the importance of mitigating the flu virus in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Staff will communicate directly with members and guardians for assistance in scheduling an appointment.
Update 1/28/21: Mainstream Living will host several vaccination clinics for members and employees. Clinics will be held in Ames and Des Moines. Program leaders will reach out to families directly for help in scheduling appointments.
Update 3/15/21: The Center in Ames has reopened for services for a limited number of members. The team continues to evaluate how to safely offer day-habilitation services to our members and will continue to communicate directly with members and their guardians.
Feeling Symptoms - cough, fever, shortness of breath?
- Do not go to the Emergency Room or your physician's office.
- In Ames, call McFarland Clinic's COVID-19 line at 515-500-6711 (8a-5p). After hours call 211.
- In all other areas call 211 for assistance.
- McFarland Clinic (Story County)
- Unity Point (Polk County)
- Iowa Department of Public Health
Member Assistance
- Statewide 24-hour Crisis Line (tollfree) - 855-581-8111 or text to 855-895-8398
- Tips For Managing Your Mental Health
- Helping Members Understand COVID-19
- Help with Social Distancing and Isolation
- CDC Information for At-risk Populations
- Support Groups Central - many free online support groups for a variety of topics
Food/Grocery Resources
- Find your nearest food bank.
- Story County Food Assistance (with updates)
- All Fareway stores allow at-risk individuals to shop during a specially designated time from 8-9am each morning.
Entertainment/Education/Activity Resources
- Virtual Tours of National Parks
- Cincinnati Zoo Virtual Experiences (2pm CST daily)
- San Diego Zoo Live Webcams
- Free "Adult" Coloring Pages
- Free live workouts with Planet Fitness (check website for times and class descriptions)
- YMCA 360 - 15 minute workout options
- Metropolitan Opera Free Daily Live Performances (6:30 CST)
- Daily Lunch Doodles with Kennedy Center Artist in Residence (12pm CST)
- Look, Cook, Eat - Recipe Videos for People with Disabilities
- Funology - Crafts, science experiments, and more.
- Kahoot - Trivia for Individuals, Groups, or those in Different Locations.
Unemployment Resources
If you are laid off due to COVID-19 or have to stay home to self-isolate, care for family members or due to illness related to COVID-19, you can receive unemployment benefits, provided you meet all other eligibility requirements. Work search requirements will be waived. Those requirements essentially include working for wages from an employer who claims you as an employee in six of the last eighteen months and have earned at least $2,500 in the same time period. More specific explanation of benefit eligibility can be found here.