When their in-person service-learning experience was short-lived due to the coronavirus, Suffolk University students continued their community-based efforts remotely by creating care packages that included food, books, and mental health information. The goal of the new Head, Health, and Heart initiative was to provide underserved children and teens with the most fundamental needs in order to survive, and 200 of the neediest families from four Boston public schools benefited.

Psychology Professor David Langer also notes that self-care is one of the first steps in being prepared to care for one's children. "Caring for yourself not only makes it easier to care for your children and care for others, it also models for children that self-care is important. He also advises: "Two key things that have enormous benefits for mental and physical health and well-being are physical activity and spending time outside. As of right now, guidelines still allow for families to take walks, hikes, bike rides, and do other outdoor activities together while maintaining appropriate distance from others. These are behaviors parents can model and encourage that will benefit everyone. In addition to physical activity and outside time, take time to do enjoyable things like playing games and pursuing hobbies."

The pandemic has created critical needs for the families at Christopher's Haven, a temporary home for those whose children are undergoing cancer care at Boston hospitals. Students in Professor Jessica Mak's Cancer Care course--who had been helping the organization as part of their semester-long service learning project--have stepped in to deliver groceries, raise funds for essential supplies, and spread cheer remotely. "Suffolk students always go above and beyond to support and celebrate our Christopher's Haven families. Now, when our families are feeling so isolated, it means a lot to know the students are still thinking about them," says Catie MacWilliams from Christopher's Haven.