COVID-19 AND THE OPEN TABLE
My, my, my. What a time we are finding ourselves in as a local, national, and global community. As information is changing daily, if not hourly, on this virus, The Open Table will do our best to keep this updated on how our community will continue to gather and support one another at this time.
As a staff, we are all working remotely from home. We want to heed warnings from the CDC and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe as we help flatten the curve. If you are able to, we encourage you to do the same. We know not everyone has this ability due to their jobs, family situation, health benefits, and other complications. We will be in conversation in the coming weeks about how to aid our community, so we can point you to helpful resources.
Regarding our gatherings:
Due to the COVID-19 and the most recent KCMO restriction on gatherings, we will be meeting in-person outside at Second Presbyterian Church in the courtyard. As the winter approaches, we will re-evaluate and let you know.
KCMO and COVID-19:
You can find up-to-date local KCMO news here on the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
What about our gathering meals?
We are asking people to bring their own dinners to our outdoor gatherings, and we will have a few meals prepared in case anyone didn’t bring their dinner. Additionally, here are some local resources if you need help and access to food and shelter. If you have the capacity, consider donating to these local organizations as well. If a specific need is had, please contact us on staff and we will do what we can to assist you or point you in the right direction. If you know of other services to add, please let us know via email.
Resources:
Cherith Brook Catholic Worker
Reconciliation Services
Self-Care in a time of Self-Isolation:
We finished our series Embracing our Whole Selves, a series that has focused on self-care, the nuances of grief & trauma, and how privilege, racism and other systemic systems creates barriers to resources essential to our well being. We are now in a crucial, unprecedented time when self-care and slowing down must be considered while self-isolating.
How do we care for ourselves and others while physically isolated? What does spiritual rest look like in this time? How do I receive news information without being overwhelmed?
We are all in this together. As more resources and online tools become accessible, we will put those on this list, as well as ways you can contribute to your local city and neighborhood.
Online Resources:
Kansas City Radical Solidarity Fund
ActNowMissouri.Org
Pay-It-Forward Yoga w/ Sarah Dunne Pickrell
Virtual Hangouts for Artists & Creatives
Visit Museums Online for Free
Take Ivy League College Courses for Free
InterUrban Art House Live Creative Sessions
Kansas City Mutual Aid FB Group
Kansas City Connect Slack Group
On Being – A Care Package for Uncertain Times