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 […]
Hurricane Michael & TX Border Support Read More »
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
On Oobleck, Slime, and Paper Collage – Being Thankful in the Mess Read More »
We had such a great time providing services to families displaced by Hurricane Florence in College Park, MD. A group of three of us from CDS were able to set up a play space within a Red Cross shelter, and interact with fifteen different kids, ranging in age from two to fifteen-years-old. The kids had
Big Worries: A reflection from Kellie Matters Read More »
The strength of Child Life Disaster Relief is in it’s members. Child Life Disaster Relief has 809 members engaged. Through our partnership with Children’s Disaster Services, we have 529 of those members trained for disaster response! When the unthinkable occurs we work to connect our members with our partners so that they may use their skills to
Become a Member with Child Life Disaster Relief Read More »
For a lot of us working as child life specialists, a daily walk into our playrooms may look like this: a colorful space with climbers and manipulatives just for infants and toddlers, a more hands on arts and crafts space for preschool and school aged children, a corner with books or board games, a play
“Better than Kindergarten”: Reflections from the Texas Border Crisis Read More »
While the hurricane has come and gone, the flooding that ensues is still continuing to crest all over the east coast. For families and responders providing support, this means there has been numerous changes, happening almost hourly, with road closures and shelter access. Last Wednesday, some of our CLDR members travelled over 6 hours from
Hurricane Florence Response Update Read More »
Hurricane Florence hit North and South Carolina coast late last week and has left thousands of people without power, homes, and the security of what was known. Most devastating has been the flooding that has taken the death toll from Hurricane Florence up to 32 (as of today). This week we have a total of
Six CLDR Members Deploying to Help Hurricane Florence Survivors Read More »
With Hurricane Florence setting sight on the Carolina’s National Red Cross has asked that our partner, Children’s Disaster Services have teams on-call and ready to deploy if and when needed. They currently have the first two teams ready, but with the uncertainty of the magnitude of this storm, more help may be needed. With this
Hurricane Florence Teams Ready Read More »
It has been said that play is the language of children. I decided to put this concept, partnered with my basic Spanish skills, to the ultimate test by volunteering at Camp Noah, a day camp designed to provide support and preparation to children who have experienced a disaster. This week’s camp was focused on children
I didn’t have to think twice about canceling my Friday afternoon plans. I received a call from my local Red Cross about a children’s support need during a vigil for a shooting involving 5 people just 3 miles from where I live. Downtown Cincinnati’s Fountain Square is the pulse of my home town. I enjoy
Responding to the Shooting in Cincinnati: Gail Klayman Read More »