Today I flew home. I hated leaving when the Family Assistance Center is still open and there are some significant things still happening, but I needed to get back today. Four members of our team are still there and will continue to care for the children. I drove away from the football and soccer stadium […]
Day 7: Leaving a Different Orlando Read More »
We have been seeing a lot more of those who are injured coming to the Family Assistance Center. This is likely due to the fact that they are starting to be discharged from hospitals. Some come in wheelchairs and many with all sorts of bandages. And they come supported by their friends and families. It was
Day 6: Wheelchairs and Boo-boo’s Read More »
A few of us went to a local church service this morning before the Family Assistance Center (FAC) opened. Even though I’m an avid news-reader, I have not been reading the news on this horrible event and only learning details from the kids. But I have to tell you, the church put the names of
Day 5: Numbers Don’t Capture the Story Read More »
Due to the nature of this deployment, these blogposts have been on hold until they have been cleared for release. This has been a super controlled and well organized disaster response as a whole. My teammates who have been on critical response deployments before, say that the response for man-made disasters seems to be more
Day 4: Critical Response Team & Wally Read More »
Certified child life specialist Erin Silber was deployed to Orlando to assist children and families impacted by the attack at the Pulse nightclub on June 12th. Erin was deployed through our partnership with Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) along side Katie Nees and a group of CDS volunteers. “To know that you’ve affected positively someone that has
Child Life Specialist Reflects on Serving Families in Orlando Read More »
Today started with a press conference where we stood with city officials and the other relief organizations in front of a line of reporters (crazy!). And then it ended with a nap on top of play-doh. It was a quieter day overall for us in our play space. One pre-teen girl seemed eager to talk
Day 3: Play-Doh Naps Read More »
So, you guys. Remember when I said yesterday that I wasn’t completely convinced that leaving lots of responsibilities to come here so quickly was the smartest decision? Well, I’ve changed my mind. Today was incredible. I want to tell you all the details and reasons why, but security and privacy for the families here on
Day 2: I’ve Changed My Mind Read More »
Today was a long day of travel, and layovers, and mechanical issues on planes, and trying to wrap up details for an all-of-a-sudden week away that I’m not totally convinced I should have taken. But my child life team and boss are amazingly supportive. They have made some real sacrifices to help me be here,
Day 1: Lots I Don’t Know Read More »
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of his horrific event and those providing aid, relief, and comfort. We are especially thinking of the children affected everywhere and the child life specialists in the area. Here is one helpful resource: Talking to Children about the Shooting.