The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year
On March 8th, 2020 the world shut down. A new virus was killing people by the thousands. This virus had a name, and it was called Covid-19. The State of Florida closed, and people were told to stay home, and avoid contact with others. As medical professionals scrambled for answers, and hospitals filled to capacity there was a growing concern at Vita Nova that was basic, simple, and needed to be spoken out loud. That concern was, what do homeless children do to protect themselves, and where to they go for information, safety, and help?
Since the beginning of the pandemic it was clear that our mission, work routines, and practices all needed to change. The world was being introduced to N95 masks, social distancing, and Zoom. Hand sanitizer became a daily necessity rather than a cute stocking stuffer - there was a new normal. Vita Nova needed to adapt to these external changes, and for the hundreds of youth in our care, we were glad we did.
There is a passage from "Who moved my Cheese," that speaks to the need for change. It goes, "The quicker you let go of old cheese, the sooner you find new cheese - Spencer Johnson." Vita Nova needed to pivot quick to inform, support, and care for 400 youth who were asking for help about how to stay alive during a pandemic. Vita Nova partnered with groups who believed our youth were vulnerable too and different services were provide to make sure basic needs were being met. A tire company gifted us hundreds of bottles of hand sanitizer for the youth. A mobile shower company provided showers for youth daily. We created out door spaces for wellness discussion, mental health, and education about the virus from doctors. Vita Nova connected with a restaurant that was closed so we could provide warm meals, and bag lunches. Finally, Vita Nova handed out masks - before they were free and accessible.
The result - lives were saved, and youth had a place to go during the scariest events in our world history.