Information below will be updated as received


NOVEMBER 24: NJ Assistance Information

JUNE 6: NEW BRUNSWICK HOUSING INFO
Need help paying rent?  Emergency assistance is available to New Brunswick residents who lost income due to COVID-19 or are otherwise unable to pay rent, mortgage or utility bills.  To find out more and apply, reach out to just ONE of the following organizations.  Leave a voicemail and allow 2-3 business days for follow up.  Do not leave multiple messages or call multiple agencies.

Residents who live north and west of the railroad corridor.  
Call the Housing Coalition at 732-249-9700 x151

Residents who live between the railroad and Livingston Ave, plus active church members.  
Call Lorraine Ramos at 732-545-1477 x113

Residents who live between Livingston Ave & Throop Ave.  
Call the Multi-Services Program at 732-826-6278

Residents who live south and east of Throop Ave. plus any active parishoners.  
Call Miryam Gonzalez at 732-545-1681 x105

MAY 6: BE MINDFUL
Law enforcement and the Red Cross have advised there are people going door to door indicating they are authorized to do home testing for the Coronvirus.  DO NOT LET THEM IN! CALL THE POLICE! PLEASE PASS THIS INFORMATION ON AND ALERT YOUR FAMILIES.
HOW TO PREPARE WHEN GROCERY SHOPPING
Q: Should I sanitize my groceries once I bring them home or they are delivered to me?
A: The US Food & Drug Administration has stated that "there is no evidence of food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19. However, if you wish, you can wipe down product packaging and allow it to air dry, as an extra precaution." For canned goods, make sure to rinse the lid before opening." 
Q: How should I wash my fresh produce?
A: You should continue to practice proper food safety techniques, which means before consuming produce such as fresh fruit and vegetables, rinse them under running tap water. For firmer produce, such as potatoes, scrub them well. You should NOT use soap on your fresh produce as this can cause an upset stomach if soap is ingested when you eat your food. Also worth noting, like always, when unpacking groceries, be sure to refrigerate or freeze meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and other perishables within two hours of purchasing. 
Q: Once I unpack my groceries how do I ensure my kitchen is clean?
A: After you have unpacked your groceries and washed your hands, you should sanitize your kitchen counters using any disinfectant product you have at home, or you can use a DIY solution with five tablespoons (1/3rd cup) of unscented liquid chlorine bleach to one gallon of water or fourteaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Please remember do NOT use this solution or other disinfecting products on food. You should also wipe down any cabinet, pantry, refrigerator or freezer handles you may have touched while putting away your groceries. 

TIPS FOR WORKING FROM HOME W/THE FAMILY
When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy - James 1:2 
Physical distancing has presented parents with challenges that most of us have never faced before. Even if you already considered your family to be your primary ministry, adjusting to working at home can blur the line between family life and work life.  
COMMUNICATE...COLLABORATE...COORDINATE
If both parents are trying to work from home, remember that you’re on the same team together. Try to set up a schedule that suits everyone. Some of us are taking shifts, where one parent works from 8:30am to 12:00pm, while the other cares for the kids, then switching from 12:30pm to 5:00pm. Make a plan, but leave room to be flexible.  
…Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults… 
Ephesians 4:2 

INCLUDE YOUR KIDS
Ask your children to “help” in ways that make sense for their ages. You might help them make a “Time to Work” sign for you, then explain that when you hang it on the door, that means you need to concentrate. Help them make special artwork for your workspace—especially if you’ll be in video meetings. Your kids are more likely to respect boundaries between work time and family time if they feel invested in both.  
Imprint these words of mine on your hearts and minds… Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 11:18-19 

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
“Productivity” looks different right now than it did three months ago. And, most of the people 
you work with are likely dealing with issues very similar to yours. Be a living example of the things 
you hope to receive from others. Give grace to your coworkers, to your children, 
and to yourself.  
The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Galatians 5:22-23 
As much as you can, enjoy this time you have together. It may be hard to remember right now, but just a few months ago, many of us were trying to find ways to spend more time with our kids. It’s true that our current circumstances come with real challenges. But, it’s also true that we have the power to choose how we respond. We can see them as setbacks that are causing us pain, or as opportunities to draw our families closer than ever.  

APRIL 11: NJ RESOURCE GUIDE
The Office of Senator Cory Booker's office has provided a wealth of information.  Below, please find the link to the resource guide

MARCH 26 : NJ HIRING PORTAL
The State of NJ has made available a Hiring Portal to assist us in finding jobs.  Below, please find the link to the portal.

MARCH 22 : CHURCH ONLINE
Due to the current nature of the State of NJ, ALFWC will hold all services online.  
Join us for Church Online every Sunday @9am & every Thursday Evening @8pm.
via the following outlets...
www.ALFWC.org & FaceBook LIVE (Abundant Life Family Worship Church)


MARCH 13 : BREAKING NEWS
BREAKING NEWS FOR ABUNDANT LIFE FAMILY WORSHIP CHURCH MEMBERS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS 
THERE WILL BE ONE SERVICE VIA STREAMING THIS COMING SUNDAY 3/15
 @8:00am – 10:00am THROUGH THE FOLLOWING OUTLETS: 
FACEBOOK.COM/ALFWCONLINE & WWW.ALFWC.ORG 
In response to the rapidly changing government policies to safeguard people against the coronavirus, we are redirecting this Sunday’s service to online. 
Our plan is to provide an online experience that will build community and keep us connected. It is my prayer that this will make us even stronger as a church family!


MARCH 12 : MESSAGE FROM BISHOP SEARIGHT
After much prayer and consulting with our Executive Board team, the following is our response to the growing concerns over the Coronavirus pandemic capturing the world’s attention. We are prayerfully providing the following guidelines for consideration as a church family. We believe these guidelines will allow us to collectively and individually prepare appropriately. 

We greatly appreciate the fact that you consider our weekly gatherings at ALFWC on Sundays and Thursdays one of the most important aspects of your life. However, if you believe (or even think) you have an illness which is contagious and are experiencing symptoms of cough, sneezing, fever, nausea, achiness, or any type of flu-like symptoms, we respectfully ask that you STAY HOME and go to the doctor if needed to safeguard the health of yourself and others.