COVID-19 Identity Theft and Scams

Thursday, October 8 at 10:30am

This webinar will cover what identity theft is & other forms of scams, and how to avoid or detect a variety of mail, phone, and online scams. The webinar is hosted by the Community Engagement Division in the Office of Attorney General Maura Healey.

To RSVP and view the complete list of upcoming webinars hosted by the Community Engagement Division, here.

Recordings of Past Presentations!

Have you missed a recent program? Good news! We record most of our presentations so that if you can't catch it "live", you can watch it at a later date. Or if you enjoyed a program, you can re-watch it or share it with friends and family.
Here are three of our most recent programs that have been enjoyed by others:

The 2020 Presidential Election: An Election Like No Other

Cooking Class: Dumplings around the World

Posture and Breathing Techniques with Regis College Occupational Therapy Students

Weston Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

ERAP provides temporary monthly rental assistance in the form of a grant to eligible households who have a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ERAP will pay between $350 - $800/mo. in rental assistance, depending on unit size for four months. Payments are made directly to the landlord. Grant renewals may be possible depending on need and available funding. ERAP is funded is through the Weston Affordable Housing Trust. For more information visit this website.

We Are in This Together!

Coping with Isolation During Coronavirus Pandemic

A note from our social worker

As the Coronavirus pandemic continues, and we maintain social distancing, feeling frustrated about being “cooped up” and isolated are normal. There are ways, however, to alleviate feelings of loneliness and boredom that most of us are experiencing.

It is helpful to take a slightly different thought perspective.

First, it is important to acknowledge the normalcy of such feelings without giving ourselves permission to act on them in unhealthy ways. A healthy way to do this is to reframe these feelings; for example, reminding ourselves that by keeping socially distant we are actually stopping the spread of the virus and as a result, saving lives. Another positive action to adopt while so much is closed, is to focus on what we are able to do, such as watch movies at home, read, listen to music, journal, sketch, do crafts, cook, or walk.

Self-care and routines are key, including healthy eating; getting rest; and managing anxiety through meditation, deep breathing, and exercise (such as yoga). Avoiding excess tobacco, alcohol and other drugs is important. Connecting with family, friends, or a faith-based community through phone, mail, on line, or social media can also lessen feelings of social isolation. Let your supports know how you are feeling. Contact a health professional if you are feeling physically unwell, and care for your emotional health, if necessary, by seeking support services including counseling or therapy (through telehealth or in person), speaking with a clergy member, doctor or contacting SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helpline 1-800-985-5990). Additionally, while it is informative to tune into news for updates on the virus, it is crucial to limit news exposure, so as not to become upset or overwhelmed by hearing repeatedly about the pandemic. Always be sure the news is from a trusted source, such as local government authorities, National Institutes of Health, or the CDC.

Also, important to bear in mind is that this pandemic is temporary and we will get through it, even if our “new normal” does not look quite the way we are accustomed.