Success Stories Answering The Call
Fostering healing in times of need
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Tragedy comes in many forms, which means it must be handled appropriately and effectively for each unique situation. And when it comes to natural disasters, there are many unforeseen challenges that require immediate action.
CIS is always ready to help a school and its community at a time of need. So, when we received a call from (location), we were ready to take swift, collaborative, and constructive action.
Word came in that Hurricane Sandy had devastated a school building and the surrounding community. They needed our help right away—despite the fact that this was two years after the storm itself. Delayed traumas are surprisingly common, and CIS was awarded a social services block grant from NY State for just this kind of situation.
These students were still reliving the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in ways that were affecting their behavior in class, ability to focus academically, and relationships with friends and peers. CIS sprang into action, engaging the school and its community in a number of collaborative programs to cope with both immediate and long-term needs.
In particular, our Care for the Caregiver program provided necessary support to teachers and parents—and we set up individual and group counseling sessions with students. Additionally, through our partnership with CANY (a trauma-informed drama therapy program), a select group of children are participating in ongoing workshops to help them build the social and emotional tools they need in order to thrive and reach their maximum potential.
Through these restorative programs that we’re fortunate to be able to provide, CIS fosters healing in real times of need—helping to lay the groundwork for communities to rebuild, strengthen, and move forward with confidence.
Hope, purpose and determination can flourish.
Together, let’s work toward a bright, resilient future for New York City’s children, families and schools.
