The CDS deployment to Saipan for Typhoon Yutu was canceled just prior to departure due to the changing needs in Saipan. While the Saipan CDS team was preparing to deploy across the ocean, the packing list continued to change. The list originally included instructions to pack only a backpack, be prepared to walk long distances, […]
Preparing for Saipan and Rerouting to Chico, CA Read More »
UPDATE: The CDS deployment to Saipan was cancelled late last night. We are grateful for the volunteers who were willing to make the journey. Late October, Super Typhoon Yutu struck the U.S. Northern Mariana Islands; the winds up to 180mph have left many without electricity, water, or a roof over their heads. Our partner, Children’s
UPDATE: Saipan Typhoon Response CANCELLED Read More »
A brief update from Tiffany Heinz, Certified Child Life Specialist, currently deployed with our partner, Children Disaster Services, in Texas with the children and families impacted by the border crisis: It was such an impactful day. Not like any other deployment I’ve been on before. We walked through the doors and there were so many
Beautifully Indescribable Read More »
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
Fall Disaster Response Update: 15 CLDR members deployed Read More »
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 »
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 »