Photo by Jeanie Krolowski of Bay Kidz Academy in Panama City, FL.
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During the last three weeks, I have had discussions with Jennifer Travieso of Peace4the Big Bend and Florida ACEs Connection, and Carey Sipp, ACEs Connection community facilitator for the Southeast U.S., about the situation in Florida post-hurricane.
I feel drawn into further action as I have not heard about the degree of suffering on our news channels. It was shared with me there were 100,000 people homeless. Social workers going into impacted areas have been shot at as there is such a great fear of looting. It was also shared that FEMA has certain rules for the Gulf Coast with regard to temporary housing. They cannot use trailers.
One woman on the webinar call we had three weeks ago said she was helping with a shelter with 1000 people. Supplies were low and help was needed. She talked about needing children books (a Sesame Street book, Comfy-Cozy Nest, written to help children and adults in traumatic situations create a safe, emotional space, for example, is available and is apparently being shipped in quantity). She also said in her part of Florida there were 26 day care centers up and operating. About another 50 had not relaunched. "If parents don't have daycare, they can't get back to work," one caller said. In many areas, the former jobs are gone as there is nothing left.
I have been encouraged by ACES Connection, their many collaborators, and the advocacy they have spearheaded in the Southeast. Carey Sipp reached out to TRI and we have put on two webinars in the last eight weeks, one for the Carolinas and the other for Florida. We outlined some simple skills for nervous system regulation (Community Resiliency Model), addressed the phases of disaster response and most importantly provided some linkages for services.
The ER services for Florida can be reached by dialing 211.
Sadly, the Southeast and the toll on its population and infrastructure is the living proof of the toll of climate change. Here are some further contacts of individuals who can provide further information:
Jennifer Travieso, MSW Registered Clinical Social Work Intern, Family Services Supervisor, Disc Village,Family Services, 1000 West Tharpe Street, Suite 15Tallahassee, Florida 32303, Website: http://www.discvillage.com/mEmail: jennifer.travieso@discvillage.org
Cell: 850-528-5055.
Carey Sipp's contact information is Carey Sipp, ACEs Connection community facilitator, Southeast U.S. region, csipp@acesconnection.com c. 404-408-9566.
Here is the webinar recorded for Florida:
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