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 »
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 »
Today consisted of travel, travel and more travel! Everything went very smooth. We are so fortunate to partner with some unbelievable organizations that help to make these volunteer trips a reality. The Red Cross and Children’s Disaster Services organized all travel plans. I simply had to be flexible and be at the right place, at
Day 1: Heading West Read More »
Tomorrow I head off to Kernville, CA to provide support to the children and families affected by the Erskine fires. I have been feeling a range of different emotions since I finally received confirmation of my travel plans; (excited, eager, nervous, honored, and extremely grateful that I have this opportunity). I’ve already figured out that
Minnesota Child Life Specialist Deploying to CA Wildfires Read More »
Today I flew home. I hated leaving when the Family Assistance Center is still open and there are some significant things still happening, but I needed to get back today. Four members of our team are still there and will continue to care for the children. I drove away from the football and soccer stadium
Day 7: Leaving a Different Orlando Read More »
We have been seeing a lot more of those who are injured coming to the Family Assistance Center. This is likely due to the fact that they are starting to be discharged from hospitals. Some come in wheelchairs and many with all sorts of bandages. And they come supported by their friends and families. It was
Day 6: Wheelchairs and Boo-boo’s Read More »
A few of us went to a local church service this morning before the Family Assistance Center (FAC) opened. Even though I’m an avid news-reader, I have not been reading the news on this horrible event and only learning details from the kids. But I have to tell you, the church put the names of
Day 5: Numbers Don’t Capture the Story Read More »
Due to the nature of this deployment, these blogposts have been on hold until they have been cleared for release. This has been a super controlled and well organized disaster response as a whole. My teammates who have been on critical response deployments before, say that the response for man-made disasters seems to be more
Day 4: Critical Response Team & Wally Read More »
Today started with a press conference where we stood with city officials and the other relief organizations in front of a line of reporters (crazy!). And then it ended with a nap on top of play-doh. It was a quieter day overall for us in our play space. One pre-teen girl seemed eager to talk
Day 3: Play-Doh Naps Read More »