 A Children's Disaster Services volunteer helps a boy rebuild his world. |
Children's Disaster ServicesNurturing childrenSince 1980 Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) has been meeting the needs of children by setting up child care centers in shelters and disaster assistance centers across the nation. Specially trained to respond to traumatized children, volunteers provide a calm, safe and reassuring presence in the midst of the chaos created by tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires any natural or human caused disaster. Volunteers from across the country
Volunteers arrive to a disaster location with a “Kit of Comfort” containing carefully selected toys that promote imaginative play. Volunteers give children individualized attention and encourage them to express themselves, thereby starting the healing process. Although many volunteers are motivated by faith, CDS’ training is open to anyone over 18 years old. CDS provides respite, education and individualized consultation for parents about their child’s unique emotional needs after a disaster. Through consultation or workshops specifically tailored to each situation, CDS also works with parents, community agencies, schools or others to help them understand and meet the special needs of children during or after a disaster. Contact usChildren's Disaster Services
|
"Volunteers help give children reassurance at Monmouth Park shelter" (Asbury Park Press, 11/18/2012) USA Today quotes CDS (11/16/2012) "Children's Disaster Services is the best..." (Canton Patch, 8/24/2012) WHSV news story on CDS volunteers in Joplin, Missouri (5/22/2012) Read Herald-Review report on CDS (2/25/2012) Read a San Gabriel Tribune story about CDS workshops (2/22/2012) Read a journal article on CDS (PDF, see pages 2-4). Recent CDS newsBrethren Disaster Ministries monitors storm and calls for prayer, Children’s Disaster Services volunteers on alert (October 29, 2012) “CDS is busy,” reports Judy Bezon. As the storm called “Sandy” assaults the East Coast, Children's Disaster Services has put volunteers on alert and Brethren Disaster Ministries staff are calling for prayer as they monitor the situation. Prayer is requested for all affected by the storm, as it threatens the US after causing damage in a number of Caribbean nations including Haiti--where four Brethren families lost homes--as well as the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Children’s Disaster Services aids families displaced by Isaac (September 5, 2012) Children's Disaster Services (CDS) is aiding children in Louisiana who have been displaced by Hurricane Isaac. Fifteen CDS volunteers were deployed to this heavily impacted area on Sept. 3. R. Jan Thompson is serving as project manager for the response. Newsline Special: Hurricane Isaac (August 29, 2012) Brethren Disaster Ministries monitors progress of storm, Children’s Disaster Service prepares volunteers to respond, Haitian and Dominican Brethren send updates
|
CDS on Facebook
