Keeping Our Communities Safe Amidst Uncertain Times

To our City Year supporters,

The safety and well-being of the City Year community – AmeriCorps members, students, staff members, partners, and the broader communities we serve – is always our top priority. You may have seen the update from City Year CEO Jim Balfanz on our organization’s response to this crisis. In addition to the information Jim has shared, I want to provide you with an update on City Year San José/Silicon Valley’s response at this point in time. 

Both locally and nationally, City Year is reviewing guidance from health officials, proactively preparing, and responding in real-time to the rapidly evolving situation related to COVID-19. Additionally, we remain in constant communication with our school district partners in Santa Clara County as well as the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to align with their safety guidelines. Please find below some key steps we are taking during this uncertain time. 

Continuing Service 

On March 13th, Santa Clara County Office of Education announced the closure of its school districts from March 16th through April 3rd. During this time, City Year will take appropriate actions to implement a work remote service plan for all staff and AmeriCorps members. We remain committed to collaborating with our partner schools and districts during this time to best ensure students and families are best supported. 

Additionally, City Year will follow the recommendations from its cross-functional leadership team assembled to work on contingency planning regarding our service in response to school closures. 

Sharing Resources

City Year has created a digital platform where all staff and AmeriCorps members can find real-time information from City Year leadership and public health officials, including CDC and Santa Clara County Public Health Department, regarding COVID-19. Information regarding medical benefits, both physical and mental health, has been shared with staff and AmeriCorps members. 

Helpful resources that we are sharing with our staff and Corps that this community might find helpful: 

– Mental health and Coping During COVID-19 + CDC’s COVID-19 Summary 

– Coping and Staying Emotionally Well During COVID-19-related School Closures 

Modifying Events

In respect to Santa Clara County’s guidelines regarding gatherings, City Year has canceled all internal and external in-person events until further notice. We are modifying our annual “18-Minute Networking” event to be a virtual professional development experience for our AmeriCorps Members. Consider signing up to support this virtual event by completing this form.  

Ongoing Updates

In this period of uncertainty and ever-evolving information, we are committed to providing updates regarding our work and needs as quickly as possible. Please visit our website and follow us on Instagram/Twitter @CityYearSanJose where we will provide updates and and calls for support as they become available. 

As an organization, we will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of our programming and most importantly, our shared community. As we look ahead, I believe this community will be instrumental in helping us continue the work of supporting students and families in Santa Clara County. If you have any questions about City Year San José/Silicon Valley’s response plans to COVID-19, please feel free to contact me at psettelmayer@cityyear.org. 

Wishing you and your family good health and well-being. 

Yours in service, 

Pete Settelmayer 

Vice President & Executive Director