The Caring Commons
This webpage is designed to share resources among Bates faculty and staff during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic. While the resource list is not intended to be exhaustive, it will be updated periodically as new major or particularly relevant resources become available. If you wish to add or correct a resource, please email Kristen Cloutier at the Harward Center.
Please CLICK HERE to visit Bates’ central website for all college communications during the COVID-19 crisis.
General Information about Coronavirus
Note: Mainers can dial 211 (or 1-866-811-5695), text your ZIP code to 898-211, or email info@211maine.org to get virus-related information from the state. This line is TDD and TYY accessible for people with hearing impairment.
City of Lewiston Coronavirus Updates and Information
Coronavirus Updates and Information from the Office of Governor Janet T. Mills
Maine Center for Disease Control: Updates on the Situation in Maine
U.S. Center for Disease Control
Food Resources
Lewiston Public Schools Feeding Program
Auburn Public Schools Feeding Program
Trinity Jubilee Center (Lewiston)
Cumberland County Food Resources
Find Local Food Products Available for Pickup
Androscoggin County Nutrition Assistance Programs
Healthcare Resources
MaineCare Information and Resources
Department of Health & Human Services Maine Crisis Hotline
Utility Resources
Emergency Moratorium on Utilities Disconnection
Educational Resources
COVID-19 Resources from Lewiston Public Schools
Free Internet Access for Students from Spectrum
Maine Department of Education COVID-19 Resources for Schools
Educate Maine Resources for Educators, Families and Communities
Articles and Ideas on Remote Learning from Macaroni Kid
Educational Resources from WinterKids
Online Activities for Kids During COVID-19
Resources for New Mainers (many translated into various languages)
The city of Lewiston’s YouTube channel contains several videos explaining general CDC information and specific State of Maine guidelines regarding COVID-19 in several languages:
Portuguese
Somali
Maay Maay
Kirundi
French
English
Arabic
“Flattening the Curve” translations from The Washington Post:
French
Portuguese
Spanish
English
How to Self-Isolate for COVID-19 information from the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition (MIRC)
Portuguese
French
Arabic
English
COVID-19 Resources for New Mainers from the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition (MIRC)
City of Portland Multilingual Resource Guide
Employment/Labor Resources
Bates College Bernie Carpenter Employee Financial Assistance Program (See below)
Unemployment Insurance FAQs Regarding COVID-19
Federal Guidelines on Unemployment Benefits
Maine Department of Labor Information on COVID-19
Maine Department of Labor: Resources for Workers and Businesses
Q&A: Unemployment Insurance Benefits for Workers Impacted by the COVID-19 Virus
Small Business Disaster Assistance Loans
Housing Resources
Maine Court System: Temporary Halt in Trials
Mortgage Help for Homeowners Impacted by the Coronovirus
Updates and Information from Pine Tree Legal Assistance
Childcare Resources
Department of Health and Human Services Childcare Emergency Plan
Other Resources
Various Resources from Maine Equal Justice Partners
Information and Updates from the YWCA of Central Maine
COVID-19 Resources from the Maine Women’s Lobby
Various Resources from Catholic Charities of Maine
Information and Resources from the Maine Council on Aging
COVID-19 Cleaning Tips from the CDC
Resources for Faculty
Dean of the Faculty Support for Remote Teaching
Resources for Students
Remote Access to Campus Resources for Students
Bates Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) Updates
Bates College’s Bernie Carpenter Employee Financial Assistance Program (from Employee Handbook)
This endowed fund, established in 1997, honors the memory and tradition of helping fellow co-workers practiced by Bernie Carpenter for “giving help, when and how it is needed most, to those most in need.” It is available to all employees and is intended for emergencies such as major illnesses, accidents, or similar catastrophes.
Requests for emergency grants or loans will be made to the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources in writing with a description of the emergency need. The request will be held in confidence and a standing panel of three employees will review the request. The panel’s decision is final, without the possibility of appeal. All attempts will be made for the panel to meet and make a decision within seven days.
Repayment of funds is an expectation but is not a condition of receiving funds. Recipients are encouraged to contribute, when and how they can, to the fund after the emergency situation is resolved in order to increase opportunities for other employees in the future. If funds have not been repaid within one year, the amount of funds received will be added as income to the employee’s next W-2.
The panel will consist of one faculty member, one staff member, and one representative from the Human Resources Department. The names of panel members are confidential.
Ways to Help
Bates College’s Bernie Carpenter Fund: Use the on-line form (bates.edu/give) and select “Choose a designation” then “Other” and write in “Carpenter Fund.” You can also send a check to the College and note that it is for the Carpenter Fund.
Maine Initiatives COVID-19 Community Care Fund
Maine People’s Alliance Mainers Together Community Assistance Program
United Way of Androscoggin County COVID-19 Response Fund
Maine Community Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
The St. Mary’s COVID-19 Response Fund
The Marguerite d’Youville Fund
The St. Mary’s Nutrition Center and Food Pantry Fund
Volunteer Opportunities through the United Way of Androscoggin County
Volunteer Guidance on Safe Deliveries from Catholic Charities of Maine
American Red Cross Blood Donation