Statement on re-opening

The safety and well-being of all of our students, tutors, staff, and community is paramount and therefore, because community spread in the US & Iowa is occurring, we will remain closed at least through the end of July and will revisit reopening discussions prior. With regard to resuming public tutoring in our organization, the Presentation Lantern Center has and will continue to base decisions on scientific data and reliable projections. Therefore, the criteria the Center is waiting upon before re-opening includes the following: the downward trajectory of new COVID-19 cases reported within a 14-day period, the downward trajectory of hospital bed, intensive care, and ventilator usage, and the downward trajectory of daily death reports. In addition to these things, it is necessary to have adequate contact-tracing and a robust testing program. Achieving these conditions will indicate that it may be reasonably safe to resume, with safety measures.

What we’re doing now

During the pandemic, we have transitioned our tutoring to online platforms, continuing to connect volunteers with immigrants learning English and citizenship. We are also working to fulfill basic needs in any way we can. We’re working hard to maintain contact with those we serve, holding online “teatimes” and checking in to see what people need and keeping our human connections while socially distant. We’ve distributed health resources and 100-plus masks, and we’re working with VIATS to provide food for 30 immigrant families in large grocery runs. The Lantern Center is also spending thousands to help families with bills and necessities during this time.