The COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis with devastating local consequences. At SPAN we recognize the additional risk that vulnerable and isolated individuals, like domestic violence survivors and their children, face during this challenging time. We are committed to do everything we can to continue supporting survivors while also protecting the health and wellness of our clients, staff and volunteers.
The SPAN 24-hour Crisis & Information Line (303.444.2424) will remain in full operation. The SPAN Emergency Shelter will continue to provide safe refuge for survivors and their children. The Shelter capacity will be reduced to limit the spread of illness. Shelter residents will not share bedrooms with non-family members.
SPAN’s Outreach Counseling and Legal Advocacy services will be conducted over phone/video-conferencing. In limited, emergency situations, in-person support may be arranged. Counseling assistance and legal advocacy support is available by contacting the SPAN crisis line (303-444-2424). At present, both the Boulder County Courts and the Broomfield Combined Court are closed or operating on a limited basis. SPAN’s court-based Protection Order Clinics will be suspended; however, survivors can access legal advocacy support, including our Lawyers for Victims Program, by contacting the SPAN crisis line.
SPAN’s Housing Team will arrange phone/video calls with housing clients rather than in-person visits. We are particularly concerned about our housing clients’ access to food and basic needs while they are caretaking school-age children and unable to work. Our staff is working closely with other community organizations to ensure families have access to food and basic needs support throughout this crisis.
With the closing of Boulder Valley School District, SPAN’s school-based prevention curriculum presentations are suspended. Youth involved in SPAN’s Peers Building Justice Program will continue to meet through phone/video conferencing. (Watch for more information about a PBJ Open Mic event in April that will be presented “virtually”!). SPAN’s Creating Protective Environment (CPE) Project will work with Youth Advisors and CPE Project partners remotely until social distancing protocol is lifted.
SPAN’s trainings and events planned through April will be rescheduled at a later date. Regular hand washing, additional cleaning, virtual staff meetings, social distancing, and other advised practices are in place at the SPAN Shelter and Outreach Center to reduce virus transmission.
We recognize that the measures needed to slow the spread of COVID-19 create hardship and challenges for many in our community. We are additionally concerned about the isolation and increased danger that domestic violence survivors may experience during this time. If you or someone you know are in need of support, please call the SPAN 24-hour crisis line. We are in this together and we will emerge stronger as a community.