Problem

The NAHDA Salwa Program, launched in June 2019, faced challenges in providing food and other services to families in need due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The program aimed to uplift individuals and families by providing employment, education, and counseling opportunities while also distributing food through their Pita Bread Drive. However, the pandemic made it difficult for the program to continue its weekly services to 200 families in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago.

The program needed a solution that would allow them to continue their services while adhering to safety guidelines set forth by health officials.

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Solution

The NAHDA Salwa Program team came up with a solution that would allow them to continue their services safely during the pandemic. They implemented a drive-thru system where families could pick up pre-packaged boxes of food without leaving their cars. This allowed the program to adhere to safety guidelines while still providing essential services.

In addition, the team worked on expanding their network of donors and volunteers to ensure they could continue serving as many families as possible during this difficult time.

Impact

Provided weekly food distribution services to 200 families in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago and beyond during the pandemic
Expanded network of donors and volunteers for increased support
KPI Placeholder - X% increase in number of families served compared to pre-pandemic times

Quote of how incredible of an impact this had.

Team

Team Member #1 - Program Director
- Oversaw the implementation of the drive-thru system and expansion of donor/volunteer network
- Led efforts to ensure safety guidelines were followed during food distribution
Team Member #2 - Volunteer Coordinator
- Recruited and trained volunteers for food distribution and other program services
- Maintained communication with volunteers and ensured they had necessary resources for their roles

NAHDA Salwa Program Adapts to COVID-19