Resources for families during COVID-19 Coronavirus

Updated 2020-05-22 12:03 am EDT (new Items in red in many topics below)


Here are resources available for families during this crisis.

• This blog post will be updated as we find more information
• please comment below with resources you know of and we'll add them to this list
• Feel free to share this with others
• Come back often for updates

Sections below:

• Other lists of resources for help during this crisis
•  Virtual visits to Zoos, aquariums, museums, book readings, historic places, beaches, national parks, farms, gardens, how to draw, comedy, games, 
• online exercise
• online games
• Conferencing software
• Precautions for Covid (including how to shop and clean)
• New - Reporting information on Covid and Coronavirus
• for workers and those looking for work
• For small businesses
• Information on getting your stimulus payment 
• Graphics and Communication resources
• Worship and Spiritual Encouragement
• Holy week events - many wonderful events available as replays
• Special events
• Recipes! 

Please scroll down to see all of these sections listed above.

Other lists of resources:

• A great resource with lots of links for individuals, small businesses, job seekers: http://www.keeppace.com/coronavirusjobinfo
• Staying home doesn't mean being alone: https://mylivingrenewed.wixsite.com/home/post/staying-home-doesn-t-mean-being-alone
• Star99.1FM has a list of many churches with Easter Services and more helpful info:
  https://www.star991.com/coronavirus-resources 

Resources for Virtual Zoos, Aquariums, museums, sports, space, drawing, book readings, and more

• 2022-03-18 additions:
• I was contacted with this new suggestion Best Virtual Tours in Ireland.
• And, this is one someone recently pointed me to:  The Getty Family did a family Hymn sing on "facebook live" during the pandemic. More info here: https://www.gettymusic.com/hymnsing and on youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kwFwxgMvSdlbu8Scg6m-w
• Bird cams- eagles, also osprey and barn owls.: https//hdontap.com/index.php/video/stream/pa-farm-country-bald-eagle-live-cam
• Disney, Kennedy Space Center offering free online activities for kids during school closures.
• Josh Gad of Frozen reads books to Kids
• Cincinnati Zoo Live Safaris with Furry Friends
• 10 Historic Homes You Can Virtually Tour including Buckingham Palace, Monticello, Mount Vernon, and Mark Twain house
• While Disney World and Disneyland Are Closed, Take Your Kids On Virtual Rides
• Cartoon Artist, John Marc Grob, has videos to teach how to draw (website, youtube) 
• 12 Museums  offer Virtual tours including Guggenheim, Van Gogh
• Five Gardens You Can Virtually Tour, Just in Time for the First Day of Spring (includes Monet's Garden)
•  Cape may zoo on Facebook - offering tours every day at 11:30am
• Cape May New Jersey beach cameras 
• New England aquarium - videos and live tours 11am weekdays
• 10 virtual field trips for kids-  includes louvre, Mars, farm, space and rocket museum, zoos, aquarium, great Wall, more
• Google national parks - 360-degree tours
• Google Earth Has Virtual Tours of 31 National Parks in the U.S.
• 6 NJ Museums You Can Visit Virtually
• Philadelphia Zoo Launches Live-Streaming Educational Series -2pm weekdays
• Your Kids Can Now Watch Astronauts Reading Stories From Space
• Dairy farm field trip 
• IBM resources https://www.ibm.com/remotelearning/ IBM says with almost a billion students out of school, tips for teachers, leaders, parents and guardians as well as tools.
• Amazon kid content free and daily doodle and more https://www.scarymommy.com/amazon-kids-prime-content-free/
• Homeschooling children without losing your sanity
• Good news with John Krasinski https://youtu.be/F5pgG1M_h_U
• Comedy for COMID, but this is "More than Funny", it will change the way you look at life. https://youtu.be/ST_vobpMBSM  Pass it on! (For all you project managers: 16 minutes in, for all those in job transition look about 20 or 21 minutes in) 
• https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mom-creates-periodic-table-battleship-game-to-teach-her-kids-chemistry_n_5697f3d4e4b0b4eb759da83b
• https://www.cnn.com/style/article/what-to-do-at-home-streaming-art-museums-concerts-coronavirus-trnd/index.html 
• https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/a31784720/best-virtual-tours/  
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/martingiles/2020/03/19/free-software-for-businesses-and-schools-covid19/#67cb5c5b752d  
• https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/nba-nfl-offer-free-access-premium-streaming-services-during-coronavirus-hiatus
• April 9 @ 1pm, Liberty Science Center "Tour of the Evening Sky"https://www.facebook.com/events/s/tour-of-the-evening-sky-join-u/526680948041746/
• https://wdwnt.com/2020/04/follow-the-bouncing-mickey-with-the-disney-family-singalong-premiering-on-abc-april-16/
•  How to draw Cartoon Characters:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDsXtDIKhODV2jFV_mNKH9w  and  https://www.jmg-studio.biz/

Exercise - many free classes are available

• Planet Fitness is offering daily in-home workouts on YouTube
• NY times 6 minute workout
•  Gyms are live streaming workouts during the coronavirus outbreak - Yahoonews
• Planet Fitness, CrossFit, Yoga Heights, Rumble, SoulCycle among gyms to stream fitness classes online - Yahoo News
• Silversneakers balance and exercise www.facebook.com/silversneakers/videos (almost 50,000 joined live on 2020-03-25)
• Disney Zumba https://insidethemagic.net/2020/03/disney-zumba-lp1/
• daily workouts on Facebook;  https://www.facebook.com/mytimellc
• https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/fitness/a31792038/coronavirus-live-stream-workout-classes/

Online games:

• Boardgamearena.com
• https://parade.com/1012420/nicolepajer/best-online-games/
•  how to play various games (including card games) GatherTogetherGames on Youtube

Conferencing software

• Alternatives to Zoom: https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/1/21202945/zoom-alternative-conference-video-free-app-skype-slack-hangouts-jitsi  
• Prevent your zoom meetings from being zoom-bombed:  https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-prevent-your-zoom-meetings-being-zoom-bombed-gate-crashed-by-trolls/
• https://www.cnet.com/news/zoom-vs-google-hangouts-video-chat-apps-for-working-and-keeping-in-touch-compared/ 
• The best virtual backgrounds to use on Zoom for your next business meeting
• The Simplest Video Chat Apps for People Who Struggle With Tech 

Precautions

• Physician ( http://drjeffvw.com/  ) tells how to be safe with groceries and take-out (YouTube) updated version  (note: look for more recent updates)
• Package delivery tops from Dr. Jeffrey VanWiggin https://youtu.be/Sryj2VsuKns 
• Grocery shopping tips - CBS News article
• Prevention tips - healthline article
• Coronavirus:deliveries and takeout: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-52040138
• 2 experts share advice for safely shopping for groceries during the coronavirus pandemic http://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-experts-grocery-shop-safely-during-pandemic-2020-3
• Protecting Your Family From COVID-19 by Dr. David Price (speaks 1 hour about his work in NY City hospital) https://youtu.be/YitWZj9QhdQ
•  Doctor gives info on how to prep for  shopping at grocery store.  https://sports.yahoo.com/amphtml/went-grocery-shopping-doctor-ill-121500701.html
• https://nypost.com/2020/04/06/a-comprehensive-guide-to-avoiding-the-grocery-store-and-pharmacy/ 
• Insider.com You don't have to spray your groceries with bleach to prevent the coronavirus. Here's what experts recommend.
• NPR - No, You Don't Need To Disinfect Your Groceries. But Here's How To Shop Safely
• Eat This, Not That - 10 Ways You're Catching Coronavirus Without Realizing It
• Pocket: Coronavirus Essential Reads https://getpocket.com/explore/coronavirus
• NY Times: "Is the Virus on My Clothes? My Shoes? My Hair? My Newspaper?" 
• White House Guidelines on Opening America Again - this includes Gating Criteria and the 3 phases: https://www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/

New - Reporting information on Covid and Coronavirus 

• International SOS
• Reporting on Covid-19 Pandemic 
• Interactive Covied-19 by location
•  NY Times
• The Coronavirus Outbreak
• What We Know About Your Chances of Catching the Virus Outdoors (May 15, 2020, updated May 21)
• When Can I See My Grandkids

For workers and those looking for work

• A great resource with lots of links for individuals, small businesses, job seekers: http://www.keeppace.com/coronavirusjobinfo
• www.businessinsider.com/websites-to-find-remote-work-freelance-jobs-quickly
• Unemployment Questions and Concerns: The New Start Career Network (New Jersey)i working with the NJ Department of Labor to gather information about the questions and concerns you have about job loss, unemployment insurance, sick leave, and benefits or resources that may be available to help.  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4MFQSdibVxbF6m3LYardieuCtt2kFoOB_tGfe2hwmyFmRxg/viewform
• Udacity extends free training to folks laid off
• ADP provides aids for small businesses https://sbshrs.adpinfo.com/covid19
• I received this from a networking group I belong to: State of NJ COVID-19 Job and Hiring Portal can be found at the following link: https://jobs.covid19.nj.gov/
•  David Chouinard, the cofounder of Candor, is maintaining a list of companies that are 1) hiring, 2) hiring freeze, 3) offers rescinded, and 4) laying off workers. https://candor.co/hiring-freezes/
• Resource for remote internships https://covintern.com/jobs/
• Comedy for COMID, but this is "More than Funny", it will change the way you look at life. https://youtu.be/ST_vobpMBSM  Pass it on! (For all you project managers: 16 minutes in, for all those in job transition look about 20 or 21 minutes in)
• https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/04/unemployed-workers-in-nj-may-be-able-to-get-the-expanded-600-benefit-starting-next-week-state-says.html
• https://www.techrepublic.com/article/pmi-offers-free-project-management-courses-during-covid-19-quarantines/
•  https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/03/31/websites-to-find-work-from-home-jobs-hiring-during-the-covid-19-crisis/amp/

Information on getting your stimulus payment

• From Fool.com:
  
  https://www.fool.com/personal-finance/2020/04/18/didnt-get-your-stimulus-check-the-irs-has-an-app.aspx
• From the IRS:https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments 
• and how to get your payment from the IRS https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment

Small business information

• Paycheck protection program https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP--Fact-Sheet.pdf
• PPP https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp#section-header-4
• Lenders https://www.sba.gov/article/2020/mar/02/100-most-active-sba-7a-lenders
• https://www.inc.com/inc-staff/free-tools-grants-video-conferencing-ad-credits-gift-certificates-cloud-storage-cyber-security.html
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/martingiles/2020/03/19/free-software-for-businesses-and-schools-covid19/#67cb5c5b752d  
• New! CDC Reopening Cleaning and disinfecting guidelines 
• ($850 value free until June 30): IIL Course on Virtual Agile teams and other free IIL Webinars for Businesses 
• New! ADP offers Free Markus Buckingham Standout Assessments (giving away 1000 per day)

Graphics and Communication resources

• UN Covid-19 talenthouse
• UN Coronavirus graphic resources on Unsplash
• Unsplash Covoid-19 graphic resources
• Vyond Coronavirus videos

Worship and Spiritual Encouragement Online

Note: many of these are available as replays after being live.

•  Hillside LBC  - Live Sunday 10am Eastern- on Facebook (replay available on fb and later on youtube). Facebook meetings during the week: devotions in the mornings, prayer on Thursday at 7pm hillsidelbc.org
• Liquid Church:  Sat 6pm, 8pm, Sunday  9,11,1,6,8 - https://liquidchurch.online.church/ and on Wednesday at 7 pm prayer on facebook
• North shore church NJ https://www.northshorenj.org/ : Sunday 9:30AM Kids Ministry (Pre-k to 10 yrs.) Fun, home crafts, games and an exciting Bible lesson via Zoom: zoom.us/j/233551097 and Sunday worship 10:30am Sundays facebook.com/northshorenj.org and YouTube
• LIGHTHOUSE {Songs & Currents}: "Spiritually Gifted": "Leadership" March 22,2020" Live at 9am Sundays - Ocean Grove Church (New Jersey) at God's Square Mile on the Jersey Shore - Worship in the church building with scripture readings from the beach. http://www.oceangrovechurch.com/watch-and-listen
• Grace Church (2 campuses) http://www.grace4families.com/ -Sundays 8:30 AM,9:45 AM,10:30AM, 11:15 AM, 6:00PM, 7pm
• Christ Church - Saturday 7 pm, Sunday 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm - https://christchurchusa.org/ - watch on Youtube or Facebook (replays available on-demand after live services)
• Mendham Hills Chapel - Sundays 11 am Live on Facebook, replays afterwards
• Epiphany Church NYC - 5pm Sundays on facebook
• Calvary chapel Morris Hills (Dover NJ) Palm Sunday: https://youtu.be/I3j6mb3qtMw
• This church has "drive-in" services! (online too)  https://beavertownchurch.com/ 
• Do you need a bible?  You can use this free bible app which has 415+ Million installs: https://www.youversion.com/   If you want to access the bible online, this is a great one in many versions and languages: https://www.biblegateway.com/
• Excellent online church websites to listen are: https://www.ccob.org/watch-live or on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryChapelOldBridge/ On the web www.crosswayradio.com Streaming online http://www.christiannetcast.com/listen/player.asp?station=wcft-fm Mobile app https://subsplash.com/crosswayradio/app or www.ccmorrishills.org  
• "Liquid Lunch" - Liquid Church (New Jersey) offers special 20-minute devotions on weekdays at Noon (12PM) EDT on their Facebook page

Special Holy Week events - Most are still available as replays

• Be Still: An Invitation to Prayer, April 9@ 9 pm EDT Louis Giglio and rend collective https://youtu.be/9pElnBQoQTU
• Michael W. Smith special worship playlist on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ROCTqO5y80f2GuWDreZSl?si=xDLWVrFmS2WQTAA2-OVb9w
• Sight and Sound "Easter" Free streaming begins on TBN tomorrow, April 10. Watch it on your favorite device anytime this weekend. Or tune in Saturday at 1pm ET for the special broadcast on the TBN channel. Click here for more info: www.JesusEvent.com
• Most of the churches above have Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services online
• Passover Online Wednesday April 8, at 7pm: Northshore Church: see link above
• April 10 to 12 Easter Weekend: Sight and sound "Jesus" watch free on Easter weekend on Free TBN app https://watch.tbn.org/sight-sound-theatres-presents-jesus 
• Good Friday worldwide with Max locado Chris Tomlin and others:  8pm EDT Friday April 10 on max locado facebook page and klove.org (or your local klove radio station) and also on the tbn network (download free app or on your cable)
• Easter Service at Washington National Cathedral Sunday, April 12, 11:15 EDT Youtube.com/wncathedral
• Easter Sunday, April 12: Passion City Easter with Louie Giglio and Tim Tebow - live 10am and 1pm EDT, rebroadcast 5pm and 8pm https://passioncitychurch.com/easter/
• 26 Minute animated video that explains the story of the Bible https://www.crossway.org/articles/free-to-stream-the-biggest-story-animated-video/
• https://www.familylife.com/easter-at-home/
• Pastor Peter Amerman and Living Waters Church (53 mins) https://youtu.be/yIfwlhfpTAo
• The Cross & Covid-19 Discover Hope This Easter Devotional https://bible.com/reading-plans/18888/day/4?segment=0
   
• Star99.1FM has a list of many churches with Easter Services and more helpful info:
  https://www.star991.com/coronavirus-resources
• Good Friday Worship Service - Hillside Church Succasunna NJ  https://youtu.be/gIA9SmSasZc
• CHRIST IN COMICS Webinar on EASTER SUNDAY @ 8pm EST: New York Adventure Club explores how superheroes in American comic book history have always reflected Christological aspects of heroism and self-sacrifice, whether overtly or un/subconsciously! And MORE!  Tickets here
• Alistair Begg at Parkside church Easter Sunday 9:40am EDT Live: (other services available too) https://info.truthforlife.org/live
• https://easteracrossamerica.com/  - A special video streaming event filled with inspiration, music, and hope
  
  
   

Replays and Special events

• The Chosen : Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, Episode 7, Episode 8.
• Awaketheworld.org April 16 @ 2pm CDT
• Socrates in the city https://socratesinthecity.com/watch/ 
• Ocean Grove NJ : 
• When I survey the wondrous cross -https://youtu.be/pobzawX4Cyo
• Ho, Everyone Who Thirsteth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJIjuTQW8no
• Monday, April 6 global prayer meeting https://easterpastorprayer.com/
• Raise a Hallelujah song origin, great story
• For King and Country: a Night of Hope 2020-03-27 facebook and YouTube
• Michael W. Smith has been having various free Facebook concerts (look under videos on his page) https://www.facebook.com/michaelwsmithofficial/
• Raphael and Aly 2020-02-21 - all request worship hour - https://www.facebook.com/RaphaelAndAly/
• A message of HOPE from Michael W. Smith (4 minutes)
• 20 minutes of hope with pastor David Ireland https://youtu.be/2KG6GPge6e4
• Rend Collective: "Socially distant worship club - session 1” 2020-02-21
• Brad Soenksen shares brief videos of God's word (and stories) in his Facebook feed
• Comedy for COMID, but this is "More than Funny", it will change the way you look at life.With comedian Michael Jr. https://youtu.be/ST_vobpMBSM  Pass it on! (For all you project managers look at 16 minutes in, for all those in job transition look about 20 or 21 minutes in)
• HopeRising.live - special April 19 @ 8pm - Casting Crowns, Candice Cameron Bure, Kirk Cameron, For King&Country, TD Jakes, Kirk Franklin, Franklin Graham, and more. 
• Saturday, April 25,2020 @ 11am EST Free Livestreaming Men's event with several well known speakers: one minute promo on the website here: https://www.legacymindedsimulcast.com/
• Rebroadcast of Sight-and-Sound "Jesus" - on TBN website or free app -Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.  details at JesusEvent.com - (3+ million tuned in on Easter weekend, they are offering it again this one night only
• Ocean Grove Choir festival watch party of last year's choir festival: May 17 and 24, 2020 at 7pm.Eastern . YouTube https://youtu.be/zCVZ4HDyz7o or look for "Ocean Grove Camp Meeting" on Facebook or YouTube 

Christian resources for families

• Dove.org movie and streaming reviews: https://dove.org/
• Adventures in Oddysey (audio stories) 28 free trial https://www.oaclub.org/
• New! Coronavirus and Christ - Author John Piper. free ebook (no registration or email to download)

Recipes

Many organizations are providing their recipes during this crisis.
I'll be adding to this list too!

• Disney Churro Bites
• Disney GRILLED THREE-CHEESE SANDWICH From Woody's Lunch Box at Disney's Hollywood Studios
• IKEA Meatballs and Cream Sauce
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Chocolate Chip Cookies 
• I'm sure there will be more to come!