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Hi there,
After another difficult week in our battle against COVID-19, we continue to find inspiration in the stories we hear of people stepping up in ways large and small to meet this moment—and the creative ways people are using to safely celebrate their traditions.
Obama Foundation leaders from around the world are shifting their existing projects and resources to look after their communities. Families are gathering together virtually to celebrate holidays and share meals, strengthening bonds while staying safe. As developing countries brace for the spread of COVID-19, changemakers are helping protect the most vulnerable from the worst of the virus. And people everywhere are showing their appreciation to the healthcare workers who are making tremendous sacrifices to treat our loved ones.
These are just a few of the stories we’ve witnessed in the past week of citizens doing their part to cope with the crisis. Help us share more stories of social connection in this time of social distancing at obama.org/HOPE.
Stay healthy, stay hopeful,
—The Obama Foundation
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Watch this video featuring the work of Obama leaders Rashvin Pal Singh, Gabriela Galilea, and Harry Grammer—three changemakers whose initiative and resourcefulness are helping counter this crisis.
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When a global health crisis hits, impoverished urban communities can be hit even harder due to limited resources and disparities in healthcare access. That’s why Obama Leader Kennedy Odede and his organization, Shining Hope for Communities, have taken a proactive approach to fight COVID-19 across Kenya. To flatten the curve, they installed over 30 hand washing stations throughout Kenya, in addition to providing accurate temperature readings and distributing supplies and educational pamphlets.
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Deborah from Soquel, California shared her ritual of making Shabbat dinner together with her family each week online, while they shelter-in-place. ”We speak about how to move through difficult times by aligning with love and community. Even the little kids are thinking how they can help."
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Katie from Narbeth, Pennsylvania shared this heartwarming letter from her daughter, Naomi, who was given the assignment to write a letter of thanks to a healthcare worker. Naomi chose her father, an infectious disease doctor who is working tirelessly to fight the pandemic.
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Many of you are already doing so much to keep your families, loved ones, and communities healthy, but if you're able, you can find ways to support others in need by donating to an organization near you.
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Hi there,
As communities across the world continue to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to see stories pour in of people stepping up to help others.
We’ve seen college students in Chicago step up to support our seniors. We’ve seen young leaders working to ensure historically underrepresented populations are counted in this year’s U.S. census, even if workers can’t currently go door-to-door. We’ve seen people dust off sewing machines to make masks to help keep essential employees safe. And we’ve even seen teachers offer drive-by smiles to their students.
These are just a few of the stories you’ve submitted at obama.org/hope. Help us share more so we can celebrate these changemakers—and hopefully inspire a few more acts of social connection in a time of social distancing.
Stay healthy, stay hopeful,
—The Obama Foundation
STORIES OF HOPE
FROM THE OBAMA FOUNDATION
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On Census Day, we celebrated Rocio Ortega, Oscar Sanchez, Jarol Rendon Jimenez, and Martha Armenta-Robles, members of our Community Leadership Corps, who are working to ensure under-resourced communities are counted in the 2020 census. Earlier this year, they teamed up with other Corps members to hold an outreach event with local organizations, which are now pivoting to virtual methods to continue the work.
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Jeannette Pomeroy, who’s been sewing since childhood, wanted to use her skills to ensure workers in a nearby assisted living facility had access to masks during the pandemic. Through her efforts, she was able to provide two masks for every worker.
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In Orland Park, Michael Arundel returned home and wanted to find a way to support his more vulnerable neighbors. Now, he and his friends are organizing grocery runs for senior citizens. What started in Chicago is becoming a nationwide effort—if you’re a college student and able to volunteer, learn more about the program here.
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Many of you are already doing so much to keep your families, loved ones, and communities healthy, but if you're able, you can find ways to support others in need by donating to an organization near you.
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