As two nonprofit organizations working to keep Cape Cod thriving and sustainable, it only makes sense that Love Live Local and Cape Cod Young Professionals would become collaborators. We appreciate their continued support for our mission and the work they have been doing to identify the needs of our community through this challenging time, as well as a way in which to address those needs and contribute to the economic and social sustainability of the region.
Throughout the months of April and May CCYP conducted a survey designed to collect data regarding the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Cape’s young, working-age adult community (ages 18-45). The survey results indicated that a significant number of CCYP’s constituents have been directly impacted by Covid-19 (85%) with one-third saying the impacts are highly severe or severe in nature. These impacts include a decrease in productivity due to switching to remote work, temporary loss of paid employment, loss of child care, as well as mental health concerns related to an uncertain future, loss of employment and juggling work and home responsibilities.
According to CCYP CEO Lauren Barker, “Young adults on Cape Cod were already facing significant challenges to sustain their lives and careers in our region prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,” and “these survey results highlight the critical need to rally around young workers and families in the wake of this unprecedented crisis and develop programs and support efforts that specifically speak to their experiences.”
These results have led CCYP to develop new and continuing resources to meet the needs identified in the survey. Theses resources include: a new one-to-one coaching program to help young people successfully “pivot” on their personal or professional path in the wake of the pandemic; an on-demand video podcast series that gives access to subject matter experts on topics that matter most to young workers; and resources for employers looking to hire through their online job board and membership directory.
And they are urging local decision makers and social service organizations to address the ongoing need for mental health support for our region’s young working age adults and families, as they continue to attempt to manage juggling work and family responsibilities, anf cope with financial stress and the continued uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
