What we do:
- Individual Crisis Counseling — Helps survivors understand their reactions, improve coping strategies, review their options, and connect with other individuals and agencies that may assist them.
- Basic Supportive or Educational Contact — General support and information on resources and services available to disaster survivors.
- Public Education — Information and education about typical reactions, helpful coping strategies, and available disaster-related resources.
- Community Networking and Support — Relationship building with community resource organizations, faith-based groups, and local agencies.
- Assessment, Referral, and Resource Linkage — Adult and child needs assessment and referral to additional disaster relief services or mental health or substance use treatment
- Media and Public Service Announcements — Media activities and public messaging in partnership with local media outlets, state and local governments, charitable organizations, or other community brokers of information.
Our Goals
- Reach large numbers of people affected by disasters through face-to-face outreach to shelters, homes, and other locations
- Assess the emotional needs of survivors and make referrals to traditional behavioral health services when necessary.
- Identify tangible needs and link survivors to community resources and disaster relief services.
- Provide emotional support, education, basic crisis counseling, and connection to familial and community support systems.
- Develop partnerships with local disaster and other organizations.
- Work with local stakeholders to promote community resilience and recovery.
- Leave behind a permanent legacy of improved coping skills, educational and resource materials, and enhanced community linkages.