We are excited to have a Michigan Certified Child Life Specialist joining the Children’s Disaster Services(CDS) teams in Louisiana! Thus far the CDS teams have cared for over 165 children – keep up the great work! We continue to keep all those recovering from this disaster in our thoughts and prayers as they continue to
Michigan CCLS joining the CDS team in LA! Read More »
IMMEDIATE NEED: We are seeking CDS Certified volunteers to deploy immediately to the disastrous flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Just yesterday there were approximately 500 people in shelters and overnight that number has risen to over 5,000. Please contact Kathy Fry-Miller ([email protected]) if you are available to deploy anytime in the near future, beginning as
Deployment Alert: Louisiana flooding Read More »
Don’t forget to register for our child life specific Children’s Disaster Services training in Tampa, FL on September 10th sponsored by the Florida Association of Child Life Professionals. The seven hour training will include: Children’s Disaster Services overview–nurturing children, equipping volunteers, supporting families, communities, and partners (especially Red Cross, FEMA, and local agencies) Creating a picture
Training in Tampa, FL this September! Read More »
Today was our last day in the LAC. Lake Isabella, Kernville, Squirrel Valley and South Lake will forever hold a place close to my heart. These towns have such a strong sense of community and I will always be thankful for my time spent there. The LAC had so many different resources present to provide to
Day 7: Packin’ Up and Headin’ Home Read More »
I have been so fortunate to have heard so many of these children’s “stories”. Some children come running into the center and yell, “Stupid Fire!” And then immediately engage in play. Some children express minor details of the fire during dramatic play and then quickly state, “And that’s the end of that story.” While other children sit
Day 6: Story Telling Read More »
This is such a common phrase used in the field of Child Life. We have been seeing significantly low numbers here in the Local Assistance Center (LAC) since setting up, however, I don’t think that has anything to say in relation to the quality of interventions provided. Almost all of the children we have seen
Day 5: Quality vs. Quantity Read More »
Today was unbelievable. I again struggle to put into words what we experienced today. Children are so resilient and always seem to surprise me in many different ways. I want to share with you all one story that puts into perspective what we are here to provide. This young boy was sitting at the table
Day 4: The Power of Play! Read More »
Today was unbelievable. I again struggle to put into words what we experienced today. Children are so resilient and always seem to surprise me in many different ways. I want to share with you all one story that puts into perspective what we are here to provide. This young boy was sitting at the table
Day 4: The Power of Play! Read More »
We celebrated the 4th of July a little different than I usually do…(no fireworks). The children that we did see lost everything, their entire home. Their mother was present attempting to organize the final details of them transitioning to their new home. I think the photo below captures a lot more then words can explain. Patty
Day 3: Happy 4th of July! Read More »
I can honestly say now that I have a completely different perspective on what happens when a disaster strikes. I have been trying to put into words what this first day has been like and I am having a much more challenging time than anticipated. I think all I want to say right now is
Day 2: Perspective Read More »