October 2018

Fall Disaster Response Update: 15 CLDR members deployed

It has certainly been a busy fall between the TX border crisis and Hurricanes Florence and Michael. In the last 2 months a total of 15 Certified Child Life Specialist have or are currently deployed with our partner Children’s Disaster Services to the various disasters. Five of those went to Panama City Beach, FL to […]

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Give Kids the Power…of Resilience

  Children are incredibly vulnerable to the lasting effects of major life disruptions.  Research shows that trauma in childhood has potential for negative outcomes affecting emotional, psychological, and physical health well into adulthood.  CLDR interventions are focused on promoting positive outcomes for children after natural and man-made disasters.  Research also shows that with timely and

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Give Kids the Power…of Hope

  “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness” -Desmond Tutu Children and teens often have difficulty seeing beyond their present circumstances and emotions.  CLDR works to address their current thoughts, emotions, and questions after disasters while empowering them to experience moments of joy and hope for the

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Give Kids the Power…of Triumph

  Disruptive life-events can present opportunities for trauma and negative effects, but also triumph and positive-growth.  This is true for humans of any age, but the outcomes are especially impactful for children and teens.  Even the most devastating challenges in life can result in positive-growth.   CLDR gives kids the tools and support needed to maximize

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Give Kids the Power…of Mastery

  Children and teens often face new daily challenges and new emotions after disasters.  They rarely have the context of experience or cognitive development to determine how to understand and move forward through those challenges.  CLDR’s initiatives strive to walk alongside the youngest survivors as they work to find mastery over the overwhelming new tasks,

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Give Kids the Power…of Expression

  Children often do not have the words to express their thoughts and feelings especially when emotions are overwhelming.  CLDR provides opportunities for children to express themselves in ways that begin the healing process while also helping them communicate their needs, fears, and questions after disasters.      Join our mission by donating to the

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Give Kids the Power…of Play

  Play is the method by which children learn, grow, communicate, and explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.  Play is the heart of the child life profession because of its proven benefits for children and teens.  CLDR is honored to provide these opportunities for children who have experienced the overwhelming devastation of disaster.  Play can

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Give Kids the Power…of Connection

Today is the kick-off for the GIVE KIDS THE POWER Child Life Disaster Relief fundraiser! We are in need of funding for our initiatives focused on providing psychosocial interventions for children after natural and man-made disasters.  Each day we will highlight a different aspect of our initiatives; we hope you will catch a glimpse of

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Hurricane Michael & TX Border Support

As Hurricane Michael approaches with potential for major effects in the Gulf Coast, our partner CDS is working on forming teams for potential deployment.  Please let us know your availability for deployment by filling out this form. We also have three more CCLSs deploying with CDS to Texas for the Border Crisis.  Heather Ward and

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On Oobleck, Slime, and Paper Collage – Being Thankful in the Mess

On September 17th, a group of 10 volunteers from Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) and Child Life Disaster Relief (CLDR) and I landed in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina to respond to and provide support for children and families affected by Hurricane Florence. We eagerly piled our personal belongings and kits of comfort (supplies and toys meant to

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