Children’s Disaster Services

Serving children and families after disasters

Mission statement

Nurturing children

Since 1980 Children’s Disaster Services (CDS), a program of Brethren Disaster Ministries, 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, and any natural or human-caused disaster.

Upcoming training dates

September 26-27, 2025 in Warrensburg, Missouri

October 17-18, 2025 in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania

Learn more or register for volunteer training

Volunteers update your availability (ask CDS for the password if you don’t have it)

CDS volunteers with children

What we do

Volunteers from across the country

  • participate in specialized experiential training
  • undergo a rigorous screening process
  • learn to work with children after a disaster
  • are capable of mobilizing rapidly and responding both locally and nationally. 

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.

Maria's Kit of Comfort book cover
Click to order
Maria's Kit of Comfort resources for children's ministry
Click for children’s ministry resources (PDF)
Activities related to Maria's Kit of Comfort
Click for activities related to the book (PDF)

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CDS updates

Bridges is the Brethren Disaster Ministries newsletter published three times a year. It features articles from our Children’s Disaster Services program, as well as our Rebuild program, and international efforts. Learn more about the Bridges Newsletter.

CDS News

CDS Response Locations

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Contact us


Carolyn Neher
Associate Director, Children’s Disaster Services
cneher@brethren.org

Michael D. Scalzi
Program Assistant, Children’s Disaster Services
mscalzi@brethren.org

 

Children’s Disaster Services
601 Main Street, P.O. Box 188
New Windsor, MD 21776-0188
Phone:1-800-451-4407
Fax: 410-635-8739
Email Children’s Disaster Services
CDS on Facebook

Membership

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

Partners

American Red Cross
Week of Compassion logo
FEMA logo
Child Life Disaster Relief