In just one week, a team of three Certified Child Life Specialists have been able to serve approximately 175 children, each demonstrating the effects of Hurricane Dorian but also the therapeutic power of play in healing! The team reports encountering lots of hyperactivity and aggression and having numerous breakthroughs as the children process the array of complex emotions related to their experiences as a result of the hurricane’s devastation.
The Bahamas Ministry of Health and US Coalition of Physicians requested Certified Child Life Specialists to continue their support in the Bahamas for several more weeks. We are currently coordinating the next two teams that will respond.
A HUGE thank you to all the individuals who donated to send these specialists to the Bahamas! We would like to give a special thanks to the Veterans United Foundation and the employees of Veterans United Home Loans for donating $10,000 to help us meet our fundraising goal for this disaster response.
This is the second grant given to CLDR from the generous folks at Veterans United, the first being backpacks full of therapeutic supplies (specifically chosen toys) to use during deployments. Not only did they fund the backpacks and supplies, but also assisted with assembling them. Several packs were taken to the Bahamas and have been instrumental for CCLSs to carry out their mission.
Our deepest thanks to the Veterans United Foundation and the employees of Veterans United Home Loans who continue to support our mission.
Veterans United Foundation is fully funded by Veterans United Home Loans and its employees because over 90 percent of their nearly 3,000 employees donate one percent of their paycheck directly to the Foundation.
How incredible!
So incredible!