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Protect yourself and others from COVID-19 ​ If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, stay safe by taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue. Check local advice where you live and work. Do it all! ​ ​ What to do to keep yourself and others safe from COVID-19 Maintain at least a 1-meter distance between yourself and others to reduce your risk of infection when they cough, sneeze or speak. Maintain an even greater distance between yourself and others when indoors. The further away, the better. Make wearing a mask a normal part of being around other people. The appropriate use, storage and cleaning or disposal are essential to make masks as effective as possible.​ Here are the basics of how to wear a mask : Clean your hands before you put your mask on, as well as before and after you take it off, and after you touch it at any time. Make sure it covers both your nose, mouth and chin. When you take off a mask, store it in a clean plastic bag, and every day either wash it if it’s a fabric mask, or dispose of a medical mask in a trash bin. Don’t use masks with valves. ​ For specifics on what type of mask to wear and when, read our Q&A and watch our videos . There is also a Q&A focused on masks and children . Find out more about the science of how COVID-19 infects people and our bodies react by watching or reading this interview . For specific advice for decision makers, see WHO’s technical guidance . ​ How to make your environment safer Avoid the 3Cs: spaces that are closed, crowded or involve close contact. Outbreaks have been reported in restaurants, choir practices, fitness classes, nightclubs, offices and places of worship where people have gathered, often in crowded indoor settings where they talk loudly, shout, breathe heavily or sing. The risks of getting COVID-19 are higher in crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces where infected people spend long periods of time together in close proximity. These environments are where the virus appears to spreads by respiratory droplets or aerosols more efficiently, so taking precautions is even more important. Meet people outside. Outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor ones, particularly if indoor spaces are small and without outdoor air coming in. For more information on how to hold events like family gatherings, children’s football games and family occasions, read our Q&A on small public gatherings . Avoid crowded or indoor settings but if you can’t, then take precautions: Open a window. Increase the amount of ‘natural ventilation’ when indoors. WHO has published Q&As on ventilation and air conditioning for both the general public and people who manage public spaces and buildings . Wear a mask (see above for more details). Don’t forget the basics of good hygiene Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. This eliminates germs including viruses that may be on your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and infect you. Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately into a closed bin and wash your hands. By following good ‘respiratory hygiene’, you protect the people around you from viruses, which cause colds, flu and COVID-19. Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently especially those which are regularly touched, such as door handles, faucets and phone screens. ​ References: World Health Organization, CDC and Washington State Department of Health COVID Home

GET INVOLVED You Can Make a Difference VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Register Interest! 01/ Staff is Our Greatest Asset: We are committed to the personal and professional development of our staff, and actively seek staff involvement and a shared sense of commitment and service at all levels. 02/ Professionalism and Quality of Service: As professionals, we demonstrate our commitment through competency, accountability, ethics and pride in work. 03/ Safe, Healthy Work Environment: We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our participants.​ 04/ Clear, Open, Honest Communication: We encourage communication and support that promotes unity, productivity, and understanding. 05/ Respect for Individuals: We recognize the diversity of individuals and their contributions, and we strive to treat all people with dignity, respect, and understanding. 06/ People's Ability to Grow and Change: We acknowledge that people have the need and ability to grow and change and we support their endeavors. 07/ Community Interaction: We encourage positive interaction with the community as we strive to promote public safety, community involvement and public understanding.

With Your Help We Can Achieve More Make Someone's Life Better GIVE TODAY! DONATE! ​ DONATE VIA PAYPAL SHOP THROUGH AMAZON Help us maintain supplies in our transitional home by shopping our wishlist today! Amazon Wishlist THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO GIVE Get Involved

What is COVID-19? ​ COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The World Health Organization first learned of this new virus on 31 December 2019, following a report of a cluster of cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China. ​ ​ ARE YOU IN RECOVERY? YOUR RECOVERY IS IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY NOW! ​ Double-Click here for a list of virtual RECOVERY resources! What are the symptoms? View Page How do I minimize exposure? View Page Order your care package NOW! View Page What do I do if exposed? View Page Where can I get tested? View Page More resources... View Page Vaccine Information Just Added... Access Full COVID 19 Resource Guide from partner ULMS Access Comprehensive Resource List from United Way

CONTACT US The reason you contact us Volunteer your time Questions about donation Other questions Submit Thanks for submitting! We will reach out to you within 48 hours. Want AAY services?

There are a few different ways you can register to vote in Washington State. Washington offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Washington by printing a voter registration form , filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer by visiting your local County Elections office. Find yours here. You can register or update your address online or by mail until 8 days before an election. You may also register in-person through Election Day. Registration forms submitted by mail need to be received, not postmarked by the 8-day deadline. ​ To register to vote in WA State you must: ​ be a citizen of the United States be a legal resident of Washington State, your county and your precinct for 30 days immediately preceding the election in which you want to vote be at least 18 years old by election day (16- and 17-year-olds can sign up as Future Voters and be automatically registered to vote when they turn 18) not be disqualified from voting due to a court order not be under Department of Corrections supervision for a Washington felony conviction *find more information on voting rights restoration here. ​ A few more details to REMEMBER: ​ You need a Washington driver's license or state ID to use Washington's online voter registration system. If you don't have a Washington-issued ID, you can still register by mail to vote. You can register online to vote until Monday, October 26, 2020 for November 2020 election. Register to vote in person by 8 p.m. at a County Elections Office by November 3, then cast your in-person vote. ​ ​ Begin Online Voter Registration

What's happening at AAY? Find your event on the calendar and RSVP or look below... Check out upcoming events! AAY AND Community Past Events... See what you missed! Want to give today? Simply text "AAY206" to 44-321.

ARMS AROUND YOU - OUR WOMEN'S HOMES ARE OPEN! WHEN: OPEN NOW! WHERE: South King and Pierce County! WHAT: A residential, foundational home, specifically for womxn in transition. All interested women in custody of D.O.C must either mail a letter of interest to our office or have their pre-release planner contact our office to schedule a over the phone interview. Any other women are welcome to call or send an email about your interest. It is important that all women housed with us are a good fit for the program and will go through a application process. We are a part of the Safe Housing Network Founded by Ms. Susan Burton. ​ Complete our Inquiry FORM HERE and we will get back to you within 48 hours. ​ Send all letters of interest and completed applications to: ​ Email to KFisher@armsaroundyou.org or Call 206.387.5062. Home Inquiry Form More about Susan Burton and the Safe Housing Network. Susan Burton shares her journey from incarceration to supporting over 2,000 women find their freedom, dignity, and purpose to leading a global model for change. Ms. Burton is author of Becoming Ms. Burton: From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women and she is the founder of A New Way of Life Reentry Project.

Where can I get tested? There are several ways to get a test in Washington state. Depending on where you live, you may have community-based testing sites, local clinics, and drive-thru sites offering accessible testing near you. Testing times can vary for a number of reasons, but many communities have more than one testing option. You may also call your health provider to request a test at a health care facility. If you need help finding a testing site near you, check with your local health department or district . You may also call 2-1-1 for more resources. ​ ADA Accessible sites available in Franklin County (South Central), King County (North Puget Sound), and Thurston County (South Puget Sound). Use the below image to search for sites by region. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ More Testing Location Information HHS List of Community-Based Test Sites HRSA Map of Community-Based Test Sites Ask Your Local Health Department or District ​ Will Insurance Cover My Testing? ​ If you have symptoms, or you’ve been a close contact of someone with confirmed COVID-19, there should be no cost to you for testing, whether you have insurance or not. Insurance companies are not allowed to charge co-pays, facility fees or require prior authorization when someone is being evaluated for and tested for COVID-19.The state Insurance Commissioner is requiring insurers to waive co-pays and deductibles for COVID-19 testing, and has answered frequently asked questions about health insurance and COVID-19 . ​ The Health Care Authority is working with insurance carriers across all the populations they purchase for (Apple Health, public employees and school employees). You may learn more on HCA's website . If you don’t have health insurance, visit the Washington Health Benefit Exchange to find out if you qualify for free health coverage (Apple Health, Washington’s Medicaid program) or if you qualify to purchase individual health insurance under specific circumstances. Find answers to frequently asked questions about getting coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic . ​ Learn more about costs for COVID-19 testing (PDF) in Washington state. ​ Note: Providers can use the HRSA portal to explore reimbursement as well. ​ ADDITIONAL FREE COVID-19 TESTING INFO FOR HIGH-RISK PEOPLE WITHOUT HEALTH CARE ​ WHEN: Walk-up/drive-through hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30am– 3:45pm; no appointment needed. WHERE: Downtown Public Health Center (2124 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 ). WHAT: Free COVID-19 testing is now available from Public Health – Seattle & King County for people with symptoms of COVID-19 who are at highest risk for severe illness from the disease and don’t have regular access to health care. Symptomatic health care providers, workers in congregate care settings, and people working in critical infrastructure occupations will also be served. Any staff or resident of a shelter with any of the following symptoms are eligible for testing: · A new fever (100.4°F or higher), or a sense of having a fever* · A new cough that you cannot attribute to another health condition* · New shortness of breath that you cannot attribute to another health condition* · A new sore throat that you cannot attribute to another health condition* · New muscle aches (myalgias) that you cannot attribute to another health condition, or that may have been caused by a specific activity (such as physical exercise)* This clinic will specifically serve people with symptoms in the following categories: · Individuals in high-risk groups (e.g., elderly, underlying medical conditions, pregnant women, and people living homeless) · Healthcare workers or workers in congregate care settings (including: hospital, department of corrections, juvenile detention centers, mental/behavioral health clinics, long-term care facilities, permanent supportive housing and shelters) · People working in critical infrastructure occupations (e.g. congregate settings such as homeless shelters) *Please note: When you arrive, please remain at least 6 feet away from others. We may ask you to wear a mask while you are screened and awaiting testing. ​ References: Washington State Department of Health, CDC and World Health Organization COVID Home

WE OFFER MORE THAN A HELPING HAND WE GIVE A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE What We Do Arms Around You is a Nonprofit Reentry Resource and Referrals program that serves formerly incarcerated individuals coming out of correctional facilities, the homeless community, victims of domestic violence and substance abuse. Arms Around You (AAY) will provide innovative personal development driven reentry programs and resources designed to increase public safety and reduce recidivism by helping the most vulnerable people become self-sufficient, productive, contributing members of their communities utilizing strategic development and coordination of pre- and post-release reentry services; such as, employment training, substance abuse treatment, mental health support, transitional housing, mentoring, family reunification and improved community supervision. Learn More More Information Submit Request Now! Trainings Outline of Services Provided to Participants Returning to the Community from Incarceration Vocational training Arms Around You will provide resources and referrals to participants interested in a specific course of study or practical training. AAY will connect the participants with a trade school, technical institute, or vocational college that is designed to lead directly to career opportunities in a particular field. AAY will integrate and incorporate the use of technology in general content areas of vocational education.​ Employment and Education Placement Arms Around You provides referrals to educational institutions, social service agencies, employment agencies and recruiters that will help participants find work. Decisions about where to place a participant is made by considering the individual participant's strengths and needs. AAY will asses and tier placement in order to allow participants to apply computer and technology skills to learning and problem-solving. Peer Counseling​ We provide the participant with a qualified peer counselor trained to address a broad range of topics by providing one-on-one, confidential support to AAY participants, because of their own life experience; they are uniquely equipped to provide support, encouragement and resources to those with mental health challenges, substance abuse issues, victims of domestic violence, and homelessness. Our peer counselors apply knowledge, use specific tools, and follow certain rules to help individuals get past obstacles and reach their goals. AAY will assist and train participants in the use of technology -- computers, mobile devices like Smartphone’s and tablets, social media platforms and networks, software applications, the Internet, etc. Life Skills Training​ AAY will assist the participants with the necessary skills to successfully live in today's world. These include knowing how to work at a job and be part of a team, manage money, manage time, and live as part of the family and learning effective communication skills. AAY will assist and support the participant to thrive in the community and in the world beyond. We focus on helping the client with the essential life skills including flexibility, initiative, social skills, productivity, and leadership. AAY will incorporate technology awareness to help to identify what technologies make sense to use given a specific problem; the goal is to educate people about the capabilities of the technology, so they can begin to think creatively about transforming and transition back into society. Workshops and Presentations AAY will host public workshops to encourage and help individuals deal with the issues and root causes of “Recidivism” these workshops will wrap around the main objectives to re-entry into the community and create a safe place for healing. The workshop topics will include • Focus and Self-Control. • Communicating. • Making Connections. • Critical Thinking. • Taking on Challenges. • Self-Directed, Engaged Learning TESTIMONIALS Anonymous This is my I'm Thankful Moment. ​ I have spent most of my life in prison, from the age of 13 to 40, I may have spent a year on the streets, I was released from Walla Walla on January 5, 2012, after serving 15 years for a crime I didn't commit, as I walked past the guards coming to work, several CO'S stated "I got 5, 10, one even bet a 100 that I would return, some gave 2months I heard one say 2weeks".Well, it's been 6 years and I ain't back yet. I would say they lost that bet. You see I made up in my mind that I have had enough. Now with-in these last few years, I been up and I've been down, I have had a 3 bedroom home with 6 cars parked outside, to only have all that taken in the blink of an eye. It is very hard when you have to move back in with you Mom after. There has been many lose, not even a month out and I lost Peanut since then I have lost some many. I have loved those who really didn't love me, given my last with the promise of a return, and to have them either block me or simply not give me nothing back. I've given my all to Folks who ain't gave me nothing but heartache and pain.through it all I remained Humble. There have been times where I felt it would be better to end it all, feeling like it would better without me, holding a 40 to my head. I have been hurt by those close to me, only to suck it up and keep it moving. I Have been blessed to have those who are in my life to better my life. I'm Thankful for all that I've been through. It only made me better. Donate

What should I do if I am exposed? ​ If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you may become infected, even if you feel well. After exposure to someone who has COVID-19, do the following: ​ Call your health care provider or COVID-19 hotline to find out where and when to get a test. Cooperate with contact-tracing procedures to stop the spread of the virus. If testing is not available, stay home and away from others for 14 days. While you are in quarantine, do not go to work, to school or to public places. Ask someone to bring you supplies. Keep at least a 1-meter distance from others, even from your family members. Wear a medical mask to protect others, including if/when you need to seek medical care. Clean your hands frequently. Stay in a separate room from other family members, and if not possible, wear a medical mask. Keep the room well-ventilated. If you share a room, place beds at least 1 meter apart. Monitor yourself for any symptoms for 14 days. Stay positive by keeping in touch with loved ones by phone or online, and by exercising at home . ​ If you have any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, call your health care provider or COVID-19 hotline for instructions and find out when and where to get a test, stay at home for 14 days away from others and monitor your health. ​ If you have shortness of breath or pain or pressure in the chest, seek medical attention at a health facility immediately. Call your health care provider or hotline in advance for direction to the right health facility. ​ If you live in an area with malaria or dengue fever, seek medical care if you have a fever. Read our malaria and COVID-19 Q&A for more information. If local guidance recommends visiting a medical center for testing, assessment or isolation, wear a medical mask while travelling to and from the facility and during medical care. Also keep at least a 1-meter distance from other people and avoid touching surfaces with your hands. This applies to adults and children. PLEASE SEE TESTING INFO HERE. ​ What to do if you feel unwell? Know the full range of symptoms of COVID-19. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include loss of taste or smell, aches and pains, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, red eyes, diarrhea, or a skin rash. Stay home and self-isolate even if you have minor symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever, until you recover. Call your health care provider or hotline for advice. Have someone bring you supplies. If you need to leave your house or have someone near you, wear a medical mask to avoid infecting others. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Call by telephone first, if you can and follow the directions of your local health authority. Keep up to date on the latest information from trusted sources, such as CDC, AAY or your local and national health authorities. Local and national authorities and public health units are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves. LEARN more about ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE HERE! ​ Reference: World Health Organization, CDC and Washington State Department of Health ​ ​ COVID Home

Arms Around You - COVID19 Care Package Support We want to hear from you! ​ COVID19 has impacted us all in many ways and we want to make sure that you are supported during this time. We have carefully curated highly requested items and put them all together in a package just for you. Complete this simple form and your care package will be shipped to you. CARE PACKAGE REQUEST IS NOW CLOSED. COVID Home