Children’s Disaster Services
Serving children and families after disasters
View and register for CURRENT TRAINING
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.
Contact us
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
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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
- Children’s Disaster Services helps families in shelter, Brethren Disaster Ministries directs grants for aid, among other Hurricane Helene updates
As media report that the death toll from Hurricane Helene has topped 200--with more than half of the deaths in western North Carolina--Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) have begun active responses to aid survivors of the storm and its aftermath.
- Church of the Brethren congregations and members are affected by the storm, Brethren Disaster Ministries reaches out to districts
Church of the Brethren congregations and members are among those who have been affected by Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, especially in Southeastern District denominational staff have learned in conversation with district executives. The General Secretary’s office, Brethren Disaster Ministries, and the Ministry office have connected with leaders in the church districts covering the states where the storm was most destructive--Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
- Children’s Disaster Services provides support to Lake Elsinore community
Children's Disaster Services (CDS) deployed four volunteers to Lake Elsinore, Calif., to assist children impacted by the recent wildfire. The volunteers provided a calm and supportive presence for 21 children while their parents and guardians sought assistance at a Local Assistance Center.
- Children’s Disaster Services deploys to Lake Isabella, Calif.
On Aug. 9, Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) deployed a team of three volunteers to Lake Isabella, Calif., where they served in a Local Assistance Center (LAC) until Aug. 13. Setting up a disaster care center, the team aided the needs of 20 children.
CDS Response Locations
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