As the coming health and economic impacts of COVID-19 press on our communities, Deep Center’s goal is to work with a clear-head and open-heart toward the best possible outcome for our young people and families. Our guides will be science and love.
With this in mind, Deep Center’s response to COVID-19 is to model and advocate for what public health experts call “social distancing.”
Staff: As of today, Deep Center staff will work from home, interact remotely, and use best practices regarding social distancing if we absolutely have to be in person.
Programs: Deep has paused our in-person programming and, where possible, we will continue programs using remote technology. We will provide periodic updates on the status of our programs as circumstances change.
We recognize that, now more than ever, Chatham County’s students—especially our most vulnerable ones—need our support. Our program staff will remain connected to our youth and families, and offer help, resources, and referrals as we are able.
Advocacy: COVID-19 will especially impact vulnerable communities. Deep Center is prepared to advocate for just and equitable policies that will safeguard our community members who are already carrying more than their fair share of our County’s challenges. In the coming days we will compile and share a list of resources and advocate for policies and practices designed to address the needs of those of us on the margins.
Education: We also want our village to understand this threat, protect themselves, and have access to evidence-based information. Below are resources we recommend reading and sharing:
- Flatten the Curve: Created by a public health expert, this website debunks common myths and illustrates the importance of taking action now.
- Guidance from the World Health Organization: On this website you can find information and guidance from WHO regarding the current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Please visit this page for daily updates
- Social Distancing as Social Justice: Document describing this challenge through a lens of social justice and equity.
- H.E.R.O. Database: A database with Chatham County’s complete list of health resources.
Contact Us: If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our staff:
- Keith Miller, Director of Youth Programs: keith@deepcenter.org
- Megan Ave’Lallemant, Director of Restorative Practices and Culture: megan@deepcenter.org
- Ariel Felton, Teaching Artist, Block by Block: ariel@deepcenter.org
- Marquice Williams, Program Manager, Slam Team: marquice@deepcenter.org
- Maria Zoccola, Program Manager, Young Author Project: maria@deepcenter.org
- DiCo, Program Manager, WREP/Drop-In: dico@deepcenter.org
- Raphael Eissa, Community Engagement Coordinator, co-manager ART: raphael@deepcenter.org
- Coco Papy, Director of Development and Communications: coco@deepcenter.org
- Dare Dukes, Executive Director: dare@deepcenter.org
Lead with Love: This is a challenging time. In addition to the general threats to our health and financial security, COVID-19 is shining a light on how our social safety net and emergency preparedness are unfair, under-resourced, and leaving far too many people behind. Because of that, the pandemic represents an even greater crisis for individuals and families pushed to the margins of our communities. Deep is promoting social distancing because it is the first step in an equitable response: it centers community over individual need by protecting not just you but the people in your life who are facing the greatest risks—the elderly and people with underlying health conditions, including heart and lung diseases, diabetes, pregnancy, and other immune-suppressing conditions.
Take care of yourself, and keep an eye out for the wellbeing of your neighbors. Let’s all resist fear and make ourselves useful by relying on science, best practices, and love for our community as our guides.
We will get through this together.
With Love,
Dare Dukes