Shortly after the coronavirus pandemic arrived in northeast Ohio, a group of businesses and organizations serving members of the Latinx community became keenly aware of the fact that this population was being hit even harder by the virus than others. Representatives from those organizations and businesses began meeting virtually on a regular basis to develop a plan aimed at creating awareness and education around COVID-19.

Today, Neighborhood Family Practice (NFP) and Metro West Community Development Organization are proud to introduce the Community Cares Pledge Program.

“The Community Cares Pledge is the first of many initiatives to result from the ongoing collaboration of many local businesses and organizations,” says Megan Meister, director of community engagement for NFP. “We are thrilled to be able to partner with Metro West and the other organizations to ensure the health and safety of those who live in the communities we serve. Together, we’re doing our part to keep our families and communities safe.”

The Community Cares Pledge supports helping our communities stay safe and healthy during the pandemic by asking participating local businesses that serve the Latinx community to maintain the following guidelines:

·        Practice social distancing and capacity guidelines.

·        Require facemasks for employees and customers.

·        Cover our mouths when we cough or sneeze.

·        Surfaces and equipment are regularly cleaned and sanitized.

·        Clean and disinfect following CDC guidelines.

·        Encourage employees to frequently wash and clean hands.

·        Follow guidelines from the CDC and Ohio Department of Public Health

·        Provide hand sanitizers and masks for guests, as needed.

·        Regularly monitor employee health.

Businesses who sign the Pledge will receive a COVID-19 Business Kit that contains personal protective equipment or PPE (masks, gloves), hand sanitizer and a thermometer as well as COVID-19 education and testing information, signage for business windows mandating mask wearing in the establishment and floor decals to indicate proper social distancing – all printed in both English and Spanish.

“As we worked through how to better help small businesses cope with and adjust to operating during a pandemic, we realized they need more resources. COVID has a dramatic impact on local business, especially those that are family-owned and operated,” says Kristyn Zollos, director of economic development and marketing at Metro West. “The Community Cares Pledge and the business kits will help small businesses support their community and customers as well as their own staff. Customers can feel confident going to these businesses knowing they are following health and safety guidelines.”

Please consider supporting the 20+ local businesses who have already signed the Community Cares Pledge and are doing their part to keep our community healthy including Castro’s Hardware, Las Dos Fronteras, The Old San Juan Jewelers, La Morenita, Half Moon Bakery, Virginia’s Beauty Salon, Lakeshore Feed & Seed, Tony’s Market, La Virtud and others.

If you are the owner of a business serving the Latinx community on the west side of Cleveland and you are interested in signing the Community Cares Pledge, please contact Kristyn Zollos at Metro West Community Development Organization by email at [email protected] or by phone at 216.961.9073, x.269.