Hope Haven Update

Dear Leslie,

It almost seems like a dream. Five years...and I can clearly remember things that occured before the storm...but much of what occurred after...does not come in to focus well. All the contacts and faces of the people who responded and helped and rescued us....are a bit blurry. I would have thought that these things would be etched in our minds but others I have spoken with here are having the same trouble. I guess it is like being in a car accident and you know people helped...you just cant remember all of the details. Well maybe its better for us this way....but it makes us seem like we are ungrateful for the hands that did help...and for that I apologize for not contacting you.

We are well. We rebuilt our home in Waveland with the aid of the Navy CBs and used it for the County social services offices for three months...as it was the only building with water, ac and flushing toilets. We then hosted about 400 volunteers over a two year period...who stayed in the home and worked rebuilding the area....and then it was time to put it back in service for children. We hired live in houseparents and reopened as a community sponsored foster home with 6 kids. Social services wanted us to reopen as an emergency shelter....but they changed the regulations and we just couldn't do it with the money we had. After one year in Waveland...we had a chance to buy a country home inland with seven bedrooms and a guest house next door with four bedrooms. We stepped out in faith...and did it.

We now use our Waveland home as office space for HH and three other small non profits and that works well. We have the office home up for sale...but not much joy there.The children who come to us love the country setting...small pond...horses and goats next door....barn to play in.

On the down side...abuse and neglect cases have risen dramatically in the wake of Katrina. There are over 230 kids in custody in the county compared with about 100 prior to Katrina. Stress, no jobs, meth all have ripped this County back apart. The basic infrastructure has begun to recover...the people...thats a different story.

Our funding situation has suffered....local support is hard to come by and the economy has hurt the grants and foundations who supported us....but we are keeping our heads above water which is better than many.

Christmas Help Being Delivered

Well folks,
I'm not going to argue with our work.
It never seems like enough, but I won't argue one bit!
Because of family and friends, I know the following efforts to be true:

National Geographic For Kids sent to 10 homes for 27 kids
Reader's Digest sent to 9 homes for 25 kids and 18 adults
Clothes sent to 5 families with 14 kids
Stuffed animals sent to 5 families for 8 kids
Stuffed animals sent to 1 organization for 40 kids
Christmas Tree "kits" (ornaments, lights, tinsel, tree skirt, tree) to 3 families with 10 kids
3 families getting full Christmas
4 families getting more than just the magazines
12/14 - another family getting more than just magazines. I've not had the brain power to put them on the wish list yet, but they are getting some clothes, thanks to another family member.
1 woman getting pulmonary rehab for another 3 months

This has all happened in 21 boxes over the last 3 weeks. It's been a whirlwind of a time, but has been by FAR the best Christmas I've ever had.

There is still a real need for assistance. I have had 2 more families request assistance in the last 2 days. Plus there are the families that are only getting a few items, or just the magazines for their Christmas. (1 of these has had some stuff delivered)

The need for normalcy is beyond critical at this point. These folks are badly needing a ray of hope to continue the daily struggle for recovery. Please consider helping some of them out.

12/15 My deepest gratitude to the following people:

The pharmacy apps department at Greater Baltimore Medical Center
And:
Adrienne
Anonymous
Barbara
Dave
David
Gary
Judy
Kathy
Laurie
Shelly
Val

These are the people who have made this Christmas so special to me and every family listed above.

12/19 I sent out Thank You's to those I'm not near enough to thank personally and that I have addresses for. One thing I want to address here is how long-lasting affect something as simple as giving someone Christmas can be.

These people are not forgotten. They are not invisible. By helping them, you have made them human again. You have restored dignity. The most precious gift you have given wasn't wrapped with a box inside and bow outside. It is completely intangible, but the most profound. Restoring faith in a fellow human, a fellow American, that hope does exist, that something more than a hand out exists - a hand up.

1 day. These families have 1 day to say, we have survived for a reason. We have 1 day to be a normal family, with the chaos, excitement and mess that comes with Christmas. The relief of knowing the children will have at least one present to unwrap, to look forward to. 1 day to forget the tragedy they live every other day of the year.

Reduced stress. Their lingering problems are still there. Bills to pay, Dealing with FEMA, Dealing with insurance companies. But the stress of buying, wrapping, trying to figure out WHAT to buy, how to pay for it, how to get to the store, finding the time to get to the stores, it's stress we all dread. But try to do it under their circumstances. Last year was a pride issue - letting them get the items themselves with gift cards. Every family I heard from was just as happy to have someone else do the shopping - it was just too much to deal with.

Future. This families will have a better future. It sounds stupid. But this one simple act will help the children stay out of drugs and violence, will help the parents remain together, and depending on what was given, could be just the one hand up they need to restore their lives to a previous level of financial security. I've had 2 families last year achieve this, so I feel at least 1 more will this year.

Lessons Learned. The children learn how giving can be done with dignity and grace - and how important it is - no matter how small or large the act.

These are the gifts you've given. The boxes you shipped, the items you had ordered, they are the smallest portion of your Christmas giving.

For that I thank you from the depths of my heart.

At some point in the near future, I will list the names of the folks we have helped - so that it's far less impersonal and far more human.

Thank you!
L

Waveland MS Christmas Needs

Right now use the public relations address and please make sure it is marked "Seniors Aid"
City of Waveland
Public Relation Dept
Coleman Ave
Waveland, MS 39576

What I have been getting is there are also needs for Seniors Shut-ins.
I have been speaking to a social worker for seniors and there are needs:
slide in slippers with grip on the bottoms so the seniors won't slip
dust robes
razors
pillows
dusting powder
deodorant

Also, I like to focused more on the early teenagers. These are the kids that can go one way or to the troubled side of life. You know what I mean.
Gift cards to
-Walmart
-Kmart
-Sears
-Belks
-JC Penny.
These are stores they can buy their clothes from and feel good about it.

Diapers! We always need diapers! If you know of anyone wishing to donate a bag or a crate full, send them our way!

I still don't have a good date but the Lagniappe church will be hosting it for us and also if you have any organizations that want to help with toys please pass the address along because we are not much of a response.

People have forgotten what life is around here.
There are so many people still in Fema trailers. So many who can't make ends meet. And even those who used their grant or insurance money wrong - but why make the children suffer for their stupidity? Help the children have Christmas.

12/1 - Update From Tina:
You know it's not even December yet and we have 23 families on our list and several people have called and asked if we were collecting names yet. We have started on a few things. I am asking our Rotary Club to bring a new toy in order to get in the Christmas Party. The Bay High School student council has called and wants to help by collecting toys and adopting 2 families. Caring is coming down and giving a Christmas carnival for the foster kids and their adopted families.

I am also a ambassador for the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and in order to get in that party you need a present. That seems to be my new thing. please let me know if you need any further info.

12/8 From Tina:
This morning on the way to work I returned Joy's call .She was so worried about getting enough toys and stuff for the kids in the area. She asked how are we going to tell people there is no way we can help them. Well you know that is not going to happen.

Joy from City Hall in the Public Relation Dept received a call today from someone that had read your blog about the Christmas and seniors needs.

Today she received this call from a local man that had received help rebuilding his home from a group from up north that wanted to help with Christmas. So this guy got on the Internet and found you blog list Waveland city hall public relation dept and that is how a few more kids will have Christmas.

Hurricane Caring Hearts Wishing Tree

The Latest From Jenni

I still have a List Of 55 Children on my Christmas Wishlist who have yet to be adopted. These children will see no Christmas without our help.
These children are victims of natural disasters.
If you can adopt a child yourself I completely understand but all I ask is that you help spread the word.

Family 1 - 3 Children

1. Childs name - Brittany dove Childs sex – Female Childs age - 6 childs sizes –5 contact info britkj55 @ yahoo.com wishlist – clothes size 5, baby doll any kind, diper bag for dolls, shoes size 12

2. Childs name - james dove Childs sex – Male Childs age - 13 childs sizes –14
Contact Info: brikj55 @ yahoo. com wishlist – clothes, game for xbox 360, soccer stuff

3. Childs name - kayla dove Childs sex – Female Childs age - 10 childs sizes –8
contact info britkj55 @ yahoo.com wishlist –Makeup,bike,dolls,Clothes, Shoes

Family2 - 2 Children

4. Childs name - Vada Chapoy Childs sex –Female Childs age -2 childs sizes – 2t clothing, 5 shoes
contact info achapoy @ cox.net wishlist – Clothes, Pillow, Toy Chest, Soft Cuddly Dolls

5. Childs name - Tyson Chapoy Childs sex –Male Childs age -5 childs sizes – boys 5/small
contact info achapoy @ cox.net wishlist – Transformer (Bumblebee, or Optimus Prime), Start Wars action figures

Family 3 - 2 Children

6. Childs name - Ashleigh Childs sex – Female Childs age - 4 childs sizes –6X
contact info stelamc @ yahoo.com wishlist – clothes, toys, dolls

7. Childs name - Janae Childs sex –Female Childs age - 7 childs sizes – 14
contact info stelamc@yahoo.com wishlist –Clothes, Toys, Bike

Family 4 - 2 Children

8. Childs name - Hunter Jackson Childs sex – Male Childs age - 10 childs sizes – pants: 32x30, shirts: x-large in boys, shoes: size 7 1/2 in mens
contact info mistydb1976 @ yahoo.com wishlist – Clothing, Football, Board Games, Coloring Books & Crayons, Wrestling Posters

9. Childs name - Tyler Jackson Childs sex –Male Childs age -13 childs sizes – Tyler Jackson contact info mistydb1976 @ yahoo.com wishlist – Clothing, Football, Board games, Deck Of Cards, Wrestling Posters

Family 5 - 4 Children

10. Childs name - Brandon Longfellow Childs sex – Male Childs age -8 childs sizes – 10 slim pants, 8 shirt
contact info dung_longfellow @ yahoo.com wishlist – star wars legos, new orleans saints jersey, wwe/wwf wrestling figures, dirt bike bicycle, nintendo ds games

11. Childs name - Greg Matlock Childs sex –Male Childs age - 14 childs sizes – 30/30 pants, 14/16 shirt
contact info dung_longfellow@yahoo.com wishlist – bike, mp3 player, new orleans saints jersey, nintendo ds games

12. Childs name- Ryan Longfellow Childs sex –Male Childs age - 7 childs sizes – 5r pants, 5 shirt
contact info dung_longfellow@yahoo.com wishlist – gameboy advance games, build a bear work shop, spongebob legos,bike, playstation 3 games

13. Childs name - Samantha Matlock Childs sex –Female Childs age -10 childs sizes – 10slim, 10/12 shirt
contact info dung_longfellow@yahoo.com wishlist – build a bear work shop gift card, brats barbie dolls, nintendo ds games, bike,girly things

Family 6 - 2 Children

14.Childs name - Tekia Keion Chess Childs sex –Female Childs age -13 childs sizes – 16plus in girls
contact info trece01us @ yahoo.com wishlist – JCPenny giftcard, catos giftcard, walmart giftcard, cingular phone card, Digital camera

15.Childs name - Tekita Chess Childs sex –Female Childs age -16 childs sizes – 11/12 in juniors contact info trece01us @ yahoo.com wishlist – Digital camera, cell phone, footlocker gift card, Purse, snow boots size 11

Family 7 - 2 Children

16.Childs name - Sean Slaughterham Childs sex –Male Childs age -13 childs sizes – 4x in men shirts and a 46 waist and 29 lenght in pants
contact info Slaughterham @ aol.com wishlist – remote control airplane, thankful for what ever he gets


17.Childs name - Steven Slaughterham Childs sex –Male Childs age -15 childs sizes – xl men shirt and a 34 waist and 30 length pants contact info Slaughterham @ aol.com wishlist - gift card for clothes, thankful for what ever he gets

Family 8 - 8 Children (This is several families living together)

18.Childs name -Misty Childs sex –Female Childs age -14 childs sizes – size small shirts, size 1 jeans contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – loves arts and craft ,size 7 shoes, needs jeans

19.Childs name - Amber Childs sex –Female Childs age -14 childs sizes – size large, 10 jeans contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – loves makeup and jewelry

20.Childs name - brianna Childs sex –Female Childs age -4 childs sizes – size 4t-5t contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – loves barbie, princesses

21.Childs name - Brooklyn Childs sex –Female Childs age - 1 childs sizes – size 12-18 months contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – needs warm clothes

22.Childs name - t.j. Childs sex – Male Childs age -5 childs sizes – size 5 pants and shirts, shoes size 11 contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – likes spiderman

23.Childs name - Hunter Childs sex – Male Childs age - 5 childs sizes – size 5/6 pants and shirts, shoes size 11 contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – likes spiderman and spongebob

24.Childs name - jesse Childs sex –Male Childs age -8 childs sizes – size 10pants, 10-12 shirts contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist –Likes Sports

25.Childs name - jhan Childs sex – Male Childs age – 1 Month childs sizes – size 0-3 months contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – needs sleepers

Family 9 - 6 Children

26.Childs name - tara lewis Childs sex - Female Childs age - 10 childs sizes - 10/12 contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com wishlist – bike, leap frog, clothes, computer, anything

27.Childs name - shayna lewis Childs sex -Female Childs age –2 childs sizes - 5T
contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com
wishlist – doll, big wheel, play house, clothes

28.Childs name - jaylon lewis Childs sex - Male Childs age -7 childs sizes - 8
contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com
wishlist – bike, clothes, car

29.Childs name - jamira lewis Childs sex –Female Childs age -6 childs sizes –6T
contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com
wishlist – bike, clothes, doll, boots sz. 10

30.Childs name - jakyra lewis Childs sex –Female Childs age -6 childs sizes – 6T
contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com
wishlist – bike, clothes, doll house, boots sz 10

31.Childs name - angel-love lewis Childs sex -Female Childs age –3 Months childs sizes –3 Months contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com
wishlist – clothes, bottles, diapers sz.1

Family 10 - 3 Children

32.Childs name - CHRIS JACOBS Childs sex – Male Childs age -13 childs sizes – Men’s Large
contact info treasuremyson @ yahoo.com wishlist –Clothes for school, cd’s/dvd’s,Ps2 Games

33.Childs name - EVAN Childs sex – Female Childs age -3 childs sizes – 3T
contact info treasuremyson @ yahoo.com wishlist –Cars,Boats,Trains, Educational toys

34.Childs name - MAKAYLA JACOBS Childs sex –Female Childs age - 9 childs sizes – GIRLS 8 OR 10
contact info treasuremyson @ yahoo.com wishlist –cd player, cd’s,idog, cash register

Family 11 - 1 Child

35.Childs name - D'Artagag Childs sex –Male Childs age -5 childs sizes – 7/8
contact info meb4ddb @ yahoo.com wishlist – New Bike(No Training Wheels), X-box Games, Clothes,Books, Food

Family 12 - 1 Child

36.Childs name - Joel Childs sex –Male Childs age - childs sizes – shoes 5/1, pants 12 slim, shirts 10-12
contact info daffenien @ yahoo.com wishlist – Tennis Shoes , Bike

Family 13 - 2 Children

37.Childs name - Edward Childs sex –Male Childs age -8 childs sizes – 8 pants, 8 shirt
contact info- caramelkisses_74 @ yahoo.com wishlist –Clothing, Anything Spiderman, any type of toy

38.Childs name - miljeanee Childs sex –Female Childs age -10 childs sizes – 14 pants, 16 shirt
contact info - caramelkisses_74 @ yahoo.com wishlist – Clothing, Bratz Game, Doll, Board Games

Family 14 - 4 Children

39.Childs name -Ahmaud Lewis Childs sex -male Childs age - 6 childs sizes - 7-8 clothes-size 1 youth shoes
contact info yellasummer @ yahoo.com wishlist - Game boy, blue power rangers, dump truck, sponge bob movies, pajamas size 8

40. Childs name -Tylinn Lewis Child’s sex – Male Childs age –2 childs size -2t-3t c
ontact info yellasummer @ yahoo.com wishlist - spongebob toys, race cars, pants size 3t, power rangers, spongebob comforter set

41. Childs name - khalil lewis Childs sex - male Childs age - 4 childs sizes– 5T
contact info yellasummer @ yahoo.com wishlist – batman toys, superman toys, roller blades size 11, power rangers, sweaters size 5T

42. Childs name - london lewis Childs sex -Female Childs age - 1 childs sizes - size 18-24 mths
contact info yellasummer @ yahoo.com wishlist – barbie dolls, clothes 18-24mths, toddler bed, anything dora the explorer, hair accessories

Family 15 - 3 Children

43.Childs name - David Nicholas Childs sex –Male Childs age - 2 childs sizes – 4T
contact info bernadettejerry @ yahoo.com wishlist – spiderman any thing,Clothes

44. Childs name - Jarrell Nicholas Childs sex –Male Childs age –3 weeks childs sizes – 3-6 months
contact info bernadettejerry @ yahoo.com wishlist – Diapers, Bottles, Any type of clothing

45. Childs name - Ngozi Alia Childs sex –Female Childs age - 5 childs sizes –12
contact info bernadettejerry @ yahoo.com wishlist – Anything Dora, Pj’s

Family 16 - 1 Child

46.Childs name - Randi Childs sex –Female Childs age -11 childs sizes – WEARS ADULT SIZES: Horse boots size 9.5/10; Horse riding pants size 30/31 Long; Shirt size M or L
contact info valerie_catahoula @ yahoo.com wishlist – gift certificate from horse apparel store (i.e., HorseloverZ.com, PETSMART, etc.), Horse Movies VHS or DVD: My Friend Flicka movie (new version), More Horse Movies: Danny, King of the Wind, Blue Fire Lady, half chap (horse apparel), ticket to attend 2008 Washington International Horse Show

Family 17 - 3 Children

47.Childs name - Antonio Travis Childs sex –Male Childs age -14 childs sizes – men's large and pants 38
contact info – shantaletravis @ yahoo.com wishlist – game for xbox 360, Clothes, headphones, Saints Hat, Shoes Size 9

48.Childs name - Brandie Travis Childs sex –Female Childs age -10 childs sizes –10/12
contact info - shantaletravis @ yahoo.com wishlist – Baby dolls, Skates, Makeup set, Shoes Size 3, Clothes

49. Childs name - dejohn lafrance Childs sex –Male Childs age - 4 childs sizes – 5/6 contact info - shantaletravis @ yahoo.com wishlist –Toys, Clothes, Shoes Size 9, Coat, scooter

Family 18 - 3 Children

50. Childs name - Alyssa Childs sex –Female Childs age -19 childs sizes – med/8
contact info fourwallsnowindows @ juno.com
wishlist – anything to do with horses, books, bratz dolls

51.Childs name - Mason Childs sex –Male Childs age - 9 childs sizes – Large
contact info fourwallsnowindows @ juno.com wishlist – playstation 2 games, educational toys, anything superhero

52. Childs name - Seamus Childs sex –Male Childs age –3 Months childs sizes – 3-6 Months
contact info fourwallsnowindows @ juno.com wishlist – baby toys, clothes, highchair,
Books

Family 19 - 3 Children

53.Childs name - Celina Breaux Childs sex –Female Childs age -2 childs sizes – clothes 3T, shoes 8 toddler, diapers size 5
contact info eabroussard @ yahoo.com wishlist –Clothes, Shoes, Diapers, anything Dora, anything diego

54.Childs name - Cristina Breaux Childs sex –Female Childs age -1 childs sizes – clothes 12 m, shoes 2 infant, diapers size 2
contact info eabroussard @ yahoo.com wishlist –Diapers size 2, Hair accessories, Hello Kitty, Light up toys, Age Appropriate toys

55. Childs name - caleb broussard Childs sex – Male Childs age - 9 childs sizes – top: 14 ,bottom: 14 husky, shoes 6 youth
contact info eabroussard @ yahoo.com wishlist - Clothes, Shoes, Glasses, Anything Pokemon, video games

Holiday Help Needed For Gulf Agencies

The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse is asking for help with Adopt a Family program. 228-868-8686. They had 3 offices, I think they are still in just one in Biloxi.

The Mississippi Coast Interfaith Disaster Task Force provides building materials, furniture and appliances free of charge to individuals and families who qualify through area Diaster Relief Organizations (DRO) and social services. Steven Howard at 354-0969 http://www.msidtf.org/

Junior Auxilliary of Biloxi-Ocean Springs
317 Pine Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Good evening. I am Julie Scruggs and I am a member of the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Junior Auxiliary. Our president, Sharon Weeks, forwarded your e-mail to me.
Yes, there are three active Junior Auxiliaries on the Mississippi Gulf Coast - Biloxi-Ocean Springs, Gulfport, and Pascagoula.
I am the chairperson for Santa's Helpers which is our Christmas project. This is such a great project. With the help of school counselors, a family is chosen from each school we serve. We serve over 30 schools in the following cities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast - Biloxi, Ocean Springs, St. Martin, Vancleave, and D'Iberville.
Each family fills out a Christmas wish list for each child in the family. The chapter then shops in order to grant as many Christmas wishes as possible.
Donations are such a blessing. The one item we have received several request for this year is bikes.
Also, Wal-Mart gift cards are ideal since we do not have to pay tax on items purchased at Wal-Mart. Just a side note. Any gift cards donated to Junior Auxiliary are used by the members to purchase items for the families. We do not distribute gift cards or money to the individual families.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at Donjules @ aol.com
Thanks,
Julie Scruggs
Biloxi-Ocean Springs Junior Auxiliary

Hope Haven Children's Shelter - Hancock County
PO box 3777 Bay St. Louis, Ms. 39521
We are accepting donations of cash or Wal mart cards to hand out to children/families who missed signing up with any of the mainstream toy give aways. We also are contacted by local teachers who know that particular kids are in need. We try and help those children when the family is not getting help from any other source. The children in our foster home will be provided for...so we do not need help with them...
but if anyone wishes to help the other 100 to 125 children in foster care in Hancock County...
they can contact the Dept. of Human Services....at 228 467-4100.

Hope Haven 228 466-6395 mailing address PO box 3777 Bay St. Louis, Ms. 39521
thanks!
Terry Latham
Hope Haven

Biloxi Police Department Toy Drive
170 Porter Ave
Biloxi, MS
The Biloxi Police Department is now accepting donations of new and unopened toys to be given to needy children as part of the department's annual "Santa Wears a Badge" campaign.
Those interested can drop off toys at the Biloxi Police Department front desk, in the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center, 170 Porter Ave., two blocks north of the Biloxi Lighthouse.
Toys should be dropped off before Dec. 15.
Those with questions about this program should contact Officer Tom Goldsworthy, #119, at 435-6133 or via e-mail at tgoldsworthy @ biloxi.ms.us.

Salvation Army of MS - Link to large list

Updated 12/3 City of Waveland, MS - Link to large list

Gulf Coast Woman's Center for Non-Violence - Link to large list

Added 12/5 Hurricane Caring Hearts Network - 55 kids - link to large list

CitiImpact Ministries - Adopt a Family Program Coming Soon

Gulf Coast Women's Ctr for NonViolence

Please only send new, unused, unwrapped items for Christmas gifts.
Stacey Myers, LMSW
Clinical Services Asst. Director
Gulf Coast Women's Center for Nonviolence, Inc.
P.O. Box 333 Biloxi, MS 39533
(228) 432-2358 office

Women
Watches
Alarm Clocks
CD Players (small boom box or head phone sets)
Journals
Wallets
Address Books
Purses
Jewelry
Bath items (lotions, body wash, etc)
Music CD’s – Country, Rock, Gospel
Movies – (Nonviolent & Nonsexual)
Gift Cards (Wal Mart, Mall, Restaurants, hair or nail salons, bookstores)
Reading Lamps
Disposable Cameras (for Christmas Morning)
Jackets/Coats (all sizes)
Housewares
Towels – Bath & Kitchen
Dishes
Pots & Pans
Glassware
Silverware
Bowls
Sheets (All sizes)
Pillows
Blankets
Comforter sets (full/queen)

Teens
Gift Certificates (Mall Stores, Walmart, Music stores)
CD Players
Music CD’s
Movie Gift Certificates
Wallets (Boys & Girls)
DVD Movies (Nonviolent, no Rated R)
Room décor (Bedding sets, mirrors…)
Curling Irons
Hair Straightening Irons
Teen watches
Jackets / Coats
Any other age appropriate, popular items for the season

Pre-Teens (ages 8-12)
Movies DVD’s
Gift Cards
Movie Passes
Roller Blades
Skate Boards
Balls (basketball, baseball, football)
Sports Equipment (bats, helmets, etc.)
Room Décor (age appropriate for either boys and girls)
Board Games
CD Players
Books
Jackets / Coats
pajamas (all sizes)
Any other age appropriate, popular items for the season

Children (birth – age 6/7)
Trucks
Dolls
Doll Strollers
Movies
Music
Building Blocks / Legos
Dress up clothes
Barbies
Games (age appropriate)
Tea sets
sporting equipment (age appropriate)
jackets/coats
pajamas
Any other age appropriate popular toys for the season

Poster to Hang

This is just a suggestion for you to hang at local restaurants, churches, universities. I used it last year and it made people look.

Thanksgiving CoHR

The only reason I see a need to push the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas is when people in need are involved. Last year, many organizations and people (myself included) got blind-sided by the holidays, scrambling to organize assistance.

So many of these survivors still don't have Christmas ornaments! No stockings, no money for presents for their children, nothing for Thanksgiving.

This year, many of us have been anticipating this and have begun our campaigns early. The following links are different examples of what people are doing, what some hope to have done, what some wish could be. If you are touched in anyway, please help. $10 buys a gift or 50 ornaments. $20 can buy a prelit Christmas tree. $50 buys Thanksgiving for at least a family of 4.

My Pop Art is doing its part to help

Buy a Calendar For Your Babe!

Boat People Reports On The Katrina Cash Crunch

Hurricane Katrina Relief's Efforts

TryNova's Holiday Coping For Survivors

CE's Post for Pickin' Up The Pieces

8 Days of Hope is Going for New Years

JudyB of Thanks, Katrina, posts about a volunteer memorial

NOLA Catholic Charities Event

Baton Rouge Catholic Charities

Leslie's Work for The Holidays

Lead Exposure

The following is an exerpt from a gov't report (MMWR).

If you are a volunteer, please consider getting your lead levels checked. If you are a resident, PLEASE consider getting your lead levels checked. If you have children, do not hesitate in getting their lead levels checked. If you are a volunteer, please consider donating a lead blood test to a resident in need.

Katrina stirred a lot of chemicals that have been dormant in the soil for years up to the surface.

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5608a1.htm?s_cid=rr5608a1_e

Recommendations for Testing

CDC (102) and AAP (3) have recommended that health-care providers conduct blood lead tests on children enrolled in Medicaid and those identified as being at risk on the basis of the state or local screening plan or the risk assessment process. Federal policy requires that all children enrolled in Medicaid receive screening blood lead tests at ages 12 and 24 months and that blood lead screening be performed for children aged 36--72 months who have not been screened previously (103). Despite this, blood lead screening rates for Medicaid children have been low (<20%) href="http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/grants/contacts/CLPPP%20Map.htm">http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/grants/contacts/CLPPP%20Map.htm.

Targeted screening strategies enable clinicians to assess risks for individual children and recommend blood lead testing for a subset of children in the jurisdiction thought to be at increased risk for lead exposure. CDC recommends that risk evaluations be conducted on the basis of such factors as residence in a geographic area, membership in a group at high risk, answers to a personal-risk assessment questionnaire (which might include local factors such as cultural practices or products, such as herbal remedies, traditional cosmetics or imported spices), or other risk factors relevant to the jurisdiction (102).

CDC recommends that locally developed targeted risk assessment and blood lead screening strategies be applied at ages 1 and 2 years (102). Children aged 36--72 months who have been identified as being at risk and who have not been screened previously also should receive a blood lead test (102). For clinicians in areas that lack a state or local screening plan, CDC recommends that a blood lead test be performed on all children at ages 1 and 2 years and on children aged 36--72 months who have not been screened previously (102).

Because lead exposures might change with a child's developmental progress (e.g., walking or reaching window sills) or as a result of external factors (e.g., family relocation or home remodeling), two routine screenings are recommended (at approximately ages 1 and 2 years). Among children in Chicago at high risk with BLLs <10>10 µg/dL when tested again at age >2 years (103). This report does not change current CDC recommendations in ages for routine blood lead testing. However, certain local health departments (e.g., those in Chicago, Illinois; New York, New York; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) recommend blood lead screening at younger ages or more frequently (106--108). For example, these departments recommend BLL testing starting at ages 6--9 months in high risk areas, blood lead testing at more frequent intervals (e.g., every 6 months) for children aged <2 years, or the provision of additional education and more rapid follow-up blood lead testing for children aged <12 months with BLLs 6--9 µg/dL.

Resource Guide for help and information
Exerpts
Consumer Product Safety Commission - recalls, etc. www.cpsc.gov
Dept of Health and Human Services - FAQs www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead
The EPA - lead in drinking water - www.epa.gov/lead

Carnival of Hurricane Relief Monthly

When I first discovered this Carnival of Hurricane Relief (CoHR), I had no clue what it was. Not being of the "normal" blogger sort, I didn't know there was such a thing as a "Carnival". It's folks searching out others of similar topics and like-minded nature, sharing their finds with each other and whomever stumbles across them.
The CoHR was started the week following Katrina, and has never had a week without submissions. I am proud to say that I am going to be hosting the Carnival once a month, starting with the 75th edition.

September 20/07
This is going to be an overview of sites I've found with no specific topic. LOL - I'm not up to looking for topic specific - too depressing.


Ohio State University Showing Films by Students Of Current Damage
Program Notes For OH State Event

Jim Burton Shares on Operation NOAH

The Katrina Iraq Connection by Ismael Hossein-zadeh

Neurophilosophy Delves Into The Art of Katrina Children On Display in NOLA

U of MS Upcoming Lecture on Culture and Katrina

Merlin Law Group Updates Status on State Farm Claims

LA Purging Voter Rolls Of Evacuees From View From Left Field

Blogging Stocks Notes Reasons For Slow Recovery in NOLA

Children's Art by KMareka

Harry Shearer On The Template of NOLA Coverage

LA Times On The Elderly Left Behind

TV Tonight (Aussie Blog) Previews K-Ville (Katrinaville in NOLA)

Education Assistance

Scholarship Search Engines
6/12
www.scholarshipcoach.com
www.fastweb.com
www.collegeanswer.com

6/12 Saving For College
www.savingforcollege.com/intro_to_529s/
www.collegeboard.com - cost of colleges
www.FinAid.org - calculate your financial need for college

High School Students
6/12 www.womansday.com/hunt Paying for College Action Pack - good until July 1 (free DL)
Youth Entrepreneurship Training Program - LA
Chazen Scholarship
http://www.chazenscholar.com/project.php3 - Deadline 5/31
1/12 - Article on Getting the Most College Financial Aid
http://katrinanetworking.blogspot.com/2007/01/college-financial-aid.html
The Youth Service America/Youth Venture Program is a joint partnership between Youth Service America ( http://www.ysa.org/ ) and Youth Venture, Inc. ( http://www.youthventure.org/ ) that helps youth engage in community service and develop as young social entrepreneurs.
YSA Youth Venture helps make every day National & Global Youth Service Day ( http://www.gysd.org/ ) by providing funding and support to young people (ages 12-20) across the United States who want to create new, sustainable, civic-minded organizations, clubs, or businesses called Ventures. Ventures must be youth-led and designed to be a lasting, sustainable asset to the community; and be a new organization or a new program within an existing organization. Ventures can be school-based clubs, community organizations, or for-profit or nonprofit businesses.
YSA Youth Venture teams are required to plan a National & Global Youth Service Day project every year that their Venture is operational. The YSA Youth Venture Program provides a variety of resources, including a national network of like-minded young people, media opportunities, technical support, helpful toolkits, and workshops as well as seed money grants of up to $1,000 each for start-up expenses. The YSA Youth Venture opportunity is open to individuals who are legal residents of the United States or U.S. territory, district, or property, and between the ages of 12 and 20 years at time of entry.
Proposals must be submitted using the YSA Youth Venture Action Plan format.
Visit the Youth Venture Web site for complete program information and application materials. http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10005294/youthventure
11/29 Computers
WELCOME TO STUDENT PC'S AN AWARD WINNING PROGRAM WHERE OUR MOTTO IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE ONE GIFT AT A TIME!We at Student Pc's repair, and recondition used computers. We also build new systems as needed for the handicapped children of the Continental USA.Our Program is small and growing. This is not a site to purchase computers or components. We do not charge for our services. Through donations of components and purchasing needed items, we provide computers built to the needs of a child that has limited resources to obtain a computer. http://studentpcsonline.com/
Tuition Assistance For Fishermen's Children http://www.cfafish.org/
Father Sinclair Oubre, J.C.L., aosusa@sbcglobal.net (409) 982-5111.
Student Scholarship (not just for AL)
Incoming high school seniors are encouraged to visit www.horatioalger.org and apply for a Horatio Alger Scholarship. These scholarships recognize adversity and need above all other criteria. Applying for the scholarship requires no cost or future obligation. Those young people who have been adversely affected by last year's hurricanes are especially encouraged to apply.
The Horatio Alger Alabama Scholarship is an honor that will provide inspiration to young people to continue to aspire for their goals and tangible assistance in the form of a significant financialcontribution toward college tuition and fees. Many colleges and universities match the Horatio Alger Scholarship with grants to further help reduce the cost of college education. The scholarship puts recipients in the company of other young people like themselves that refuse to allow circumstances to limit their aspirations.
Applications can be completed on-line at www.horatioalger.org/scholarships. The applications require the completion of biographical, academic and financial information. Each applicant is asked to describe the adversities that they have faced or are facing.
American Academy of Allergy
http://www.aaaai.org/members/associates/asthmascholarship/default.stm
Associates to the American Academy of Allergy present at least 18 Award of Excellence Asthma Scholarships to graduating high school seniors with asthma. Scholarship monies may be used or applied only to pay for tuition, books and fees for a bona fide course of instruction at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university or accredited technical or vocational college or school
American Council of the Blind
http://www.acb.org/
Deadline: March 1
Student must be legally blind and a U.S. citizen or resident alien. Approximately twelve scholarships are awarded per year ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each.

Adult Financial Aid
6/12 Community College Information/Locator
www.aacc.nche.edu
6/12 College Level Exam Program (CLEP) http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html

For Both Teen and Adult Scholarship Site

6/12 Back to College - adult site www.back2college.com

Article on getting the MOST college financial aid

Raise the Nation Foundation From Marlene
Scholarship For Continuing Education
http://www.raisethenation.org/RTNLibrary/RTNGrants.html
This scholarship is available to single parent women who would like to go to school or continue with their education, but have been denied sufficient resources. Many single parent women are denied educational grants and assistance unless they are living in crisis and poverty and are instead forced to borrow money for tuition and living expenses, which is very difficult to repay based on the national earning average of $24,000 a year - even with an education. We recognize single parent women who want to raise their standard of living and that of their children by continuing education and advancing their careers.
Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST)
http://www.executivewomen.org/ScriptContent/scholarships/asist.cfm
Executive Women International has a chapter in the Detroit/Windsor Area. Offer a scholarship for adult students at transitional points in their lives. Applicants may be single parents, individuals just entering the workforce, or displaced homemakers.
American Legion Auxiliary Nontraditional Student Scholarship
http://legion-aux.org/scholarships/docs/nontradsch.html
Deadline: March 10Applicant must be a dependent or descendant of a veteran as well as a non-traditional student (1) returning to the classroom after some period of time in which his/her formal education was interrupted, (2) a student over the age of twenty-two attending college for the first time pursuing a degree, or (3) a student over the age of twenty-two attending a vocational or trade school.
Raise the Nation Foundation
Community Service-Based Grant For Student Loan Repayment
http://www.raisethenation.org/RTNLibrary/RTNGrants.html
This grant is awarded to professional single parent women with outstanding student loan debt who contribute to their community through volunteer work. We honor women who volunteer in their community. Student loan repayment grants are available to women who volunteer their professional talents for an average of 8 hours a month, for a period of time to be determined by the amount of their student loan debt. We recognize that women who are in the helping or teaching professions already contribute to their communities, therefore, no further volunteer work is required to qualify.

Scholarship For Continuing Education
http://www.raisethenation.org/RTNLibrary/RTNGrants.html
This scholarship is available to single parent women who would like to go to school or continue with their education, but have been denied sufficient resources. Many single parent women are denied educational grants and assistance unless they are living in crisis and poverty and are instead forced to borrow money for tuition and living expenses, which is very difficult to re-pay based on the national earning average of $24,000 a year - even with an education. We recognize single parent women who want to raise their standard of living and that of their children by continuing education and advancing their careers.

Other Resource Pages
Businesses
Children/Childcare
Dental
Disabled
Education Assistance Elderly
Emotional Resources
Family Resources
Furniture and More
Grandfamily/Single Parent ResourcesGrants for Individuals - does not include homeowner or repair grants
Home/Utility LA Family Resources
Medical ResourcesMortgage Resources

Children

1/31 WIC supplement.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health of low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, other new mothers up to one year postpartum, infants, children up to age six, and elderly people at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA commodity foods. Food packages include a variety of foods, such as infant formula and cereal, non-fat dry and evaporated milk, juice, farina, oats, ready-to-eat cereal, rice, pasta, egg mix, peanut butter, dry beans or peas, canned meat or poultry or tuna, cheese, and canned fruits and vegetables.To check eligibility and availability contact Food and Nutrition Service – USDA, Food Distribution Division, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 504, Alexandria, VA 22302; 703-305-2888; Fax: 703-305-2420;

1/31 Free Food for Kids in the Summer.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) was created to ensure that children in lower-income areas can continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations, when they do not have access to school lunch or breakfast. Schools, public agencies, and private nonprofit organizations may sponsor the program. Sponsors provide free meals to a group of children at a central site, such as a school or a community center. Contact USDA Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 914, Alexandria, Virginia 22302.; 703-305-2286

Emergency Child Money
372 Sources To Pay Emergency Expenses
Bravekids.org has put together a resource directory that lists over 372 sources for financial and other types of assistance for those with disabled children or adults or low-income families in need of help. It could be anything from paying your utility bill to respite care or medical expenses.

1/30 Free Child Car Seats
To find a program near you, contact your local police or fire department. Or contact your state information operator listed in the Appendix and ask them for your state office for Highway Safety or Traffic Safety.

These national organizations may also be able to give you a local source: National SAFEKIDS Campaign, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004; 202-626-0600; fax 202-393-2072;
Safe Kids Org

National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationU.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh St., SW, Washington, DC 20590; 800-424-9393;
1/26 Newborns In Need
is a 501(c)3 charity organized to take care of sick and needy babies and their families; and in cases of crisis, to help where help is needed.Contact Newborns In Need

1/26 FEMA 4 Kids

A Great Therapy Tool Illustory - a way for the kids to write and illustrate THEIR story.Write Your Book - Illustory

Eye Care For Children

Assistance from NYC
For more information, please contact Elizabeth Mullett, Ph.D. at (212)263-3682Materials also can be downloaded from our website: About Our Kids.

Post-Katrina Child Care Assistance
1-800-424-2246
For families displaced by Hurricane Katrina: There are over 800 local child care referral agencies around the country. If you have the zip code in which you are currently located, you can use this web site or call toll-free1-800-424-2246 to find out about child care resources in your new location.

Booklet on Helping Kids Cope With Disaster Very great booklet you can DL and print out for yourself. Free.

Article On Needs of Child in Distress

The child tax credit is a credit on your taxes up to $600 for each of your children. This will increase in stages up to $1,000 in 2010. To be able to take this credit you must meet certain requirements. The credit is limited to people with an income below a certain modified adjusted gross income level.

Other Resource Pages
Businesses
Children/Childcare
Dental
Disabled
Education Assistance Elderly
Emotional Resources
Family Resources
Furniture and More
Grandfamily/Single Parent ResourcesGrants for Individuals - does not include homeowner or repair grants
Home/Utility LA Family Resources
Medical ResourcesMortgage Resources

Project Baby Box

Thank you to National Right To Life Committee for this idea and effort (http://www.nrlc.org/CPCHelp/OperationBabyBox.html)

1. Buy a bank box – the kind used to store files and documents.
They are made of sturdy cardboard, come flat and must be folded into box shape, have lids and are available at most stores that stock office supplies.

2. Choose a gender and age category for "your" baby.
Cut out the appropriate label and check the age group for which you will be packing the box. Click here for Baby Boy label or Baby Girl label.

3. Refer to the shopping list below and purchase the items required for the age group you have chosen.

4. Pack the items neatly in the box – start with the diapers on the bottom, and then work your way up from there. It will all fit – you just might have to be creative! (Please leave all food items and utensils in their original packaging.)

5. Once you have filled the box with all of the necessary items, you may have some room left over. Feel free to be creative, as long as it's appropriate and in no way culturally insensitive.
(Examples: a special pair of baby booties or homemade item, an inspirational book or small Bible for the parents, a small toy item, any other baby item you think might be useful.)

6. Take a moment to write a note of encouragement to the parents of the baby who will be receiving the box. Remember – many of these people have lost everything, and are relying upon the kindness of strangers to have their basic needs met. An encouraging word will likely go a long way!

7. Securely tape the lid of your box in place, make sure the handle holes of the box are covered with tape (so nothing falls out or is stolen en route) and affix the label to the outside of the box on one end.

8. Address your box to the pregnancy resource center of your choice from the list below and send it via U.S. mail or UPS – whichever is cheaper in your area.

9. Continue to pray for the baby and family that receive your box, and for all of those in the hurricane devastated region.

Each box should include:
1 jumbo pkg. diapers
1 can powdered formula (12 oz. or larger)
4 pkgs. Baby food (plastic containers – 3-9 months, only)
1 pkg. baby wipes
1 or 2 outfits
1 pkg. onesies
1 bottle baby wash
1 bottle baby lotion
1 tube diaper rash ointment
3 baby bottles
1 pkg. baby spoons
1 small covered baby bowl
1 box baby cereal (0-9 months only)
1 blanket
1 or 2 bibs
1 or 2 baby washcloths
1 baby towel
1 pkg. pacifiers
1 bottle Baby Tylenol
Note of encouragement to family

Optional items:
Baby toy
Special handmade item
Booties/socks
Devotional/inspirational book
Small Bible

Mommy 101
Tasia PoyadouMiss Mississippi Teen
C/O City of Waveland
335 Coleman Ave. #8
Waveland, MS 39576
(Read more here http://wavelandrelief.blogspot.com/2007/02/project-mommy-101.html)

Gulf Coast Pregnancy Resource Centers:

ACCESS Pregnancy and Referal Center
1799 Stumpf Blvd. Building 2, Suite 9
Gretna, Louisiana 70056
Director: Kay Bongard
N. Baton Rouge Women's Help Center
7515 Scenic Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70874

A Pregnancy Center & Clinic
c/o Sharon Hayes
913 College Road, Suite 206
Lafayette, LA 70503

Ark-La-Tex Crisis Pregnancy Center
921 Shreveport Barksdale Hwy.
Shreveport, LA 71105

Center for Pregnancy Choices (815)
4539 Office Park Dr.
Jackson, MS 39206

Women's Resource Center
772 B Howard Ave.
(Vieux Marche Hall)
Biloxi, MS 39533

Friendship Baptist Church
(251) 865 4724
Hurricane Relief Fund
P.O. Box 756
Friendship Baptist Church
Grand Bay, Alabama 36541

Women's Resource Center
308 S. Sage Ave.
Mobile, AL 36606

Pregnancy Resource Center
745 Grace Ave.
Panama City, FL 32401

Sozo Life Connection
419 Racetrack Rd.
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

Pregnancy Help and Information Center
1710 South Gadsen St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Safe Harbor Women's Resource Center
813 E. Gadsen
Pensacola, FL 32501

Pregnancy Resource Center
5736 Stewart St.
Milton, FL 32570

Lily of the Valley Ministries Inc.
1605 Murray St. Suite 224
Alexandria, La. 71301
www.PregnantAndAlone.net/Lily

Help Is Too Far Away

Study Finds Mississippi Families Displaced by Hurricane Katrina Still Face Dire Health and Economic Woes, as Help Barely Reaches Those in Most Need

Children show signs of depression, anxiety and are missing school, while their parents suffer from mental health issues and no jobs

From: News Release and Study Filed 2/4/07 GCN

Thousands of Mississippi families, their lives shattered and uprooted by Hurricane Katrina 16 months ago, continue to suffer today, according to a new study issued Feb.2, 2007, by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and The Children’s Health Fund (CHF). The Mississippi Child & Family Health Study, "The Recovery Divide: Poverty and the Widening Gap Among Mississippi Children and Families Affected by Hurricane Katrina," indicates that Mississippi children displaced by the disaster are showing signs of depression, anxiety and general emotional and behavioral problems, with many lacking any health insurance and subsequently missing substantial amounts of school.

Their parent or caregivers are suffering from similar problems, ranging from depression and hypertension to post-traumatic stress syndrome. In addition, the region’s poorest families are sliding further down the economic scale, unable to find jobs to replace the ones they lost after the August 2005 hurricane. The Mississippi study was led by David Abramson of Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP), in collaboration with The Children’s Health Fund and CHF’s Operation Assist.

The Mississippi study follows a similar one in February 2006 by the Mailman School and CHF of Louisiana families displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The Louisiana study also found that mental health disability and psychological strain were rampant. Children who had been displaced were often socially and medically adrift – many of them were disengaged from schools, without adequate primary medical care, and living among very fragile families.

“Nearly a year and a half after the storm and flooding that devastated the Gulf, some 80,000 to 100,000 children remain trapped in conditions that have created wide-spread hopelessness and despair,” said Irwin Redlener, M.D., director of the NCDP and president of CHF. “Our ongoing clinical work with children in the FEMA trailers and this latest study suggest that as many as one in three children are already suffering from significant mental health, behavioral and school-related problems. This means that, extrapolating from our data, at least 25,000 to 35,000 children are already in serious trouble - with enormous consequences for the future.”

Interviewed for the study were Mississippi residents who were members of 576 randomly selected households displaced or heavily impacted by Hurricane Katrina. They were interviewed from August 6 through August 26, 2006, and were from among more than 14,000 displaced and impacted households, representing more than 37,000 adults and children. Details on the study can be found at www.childrenshealthfund.org. Among the key findings:

· More than half of the parents and caregivers interviewed reported that at least one child in the household had experienced emotional or behavioral issues since the hurricane. That is a higher rate than reported among displaced Louisiana residents six months after the hurricane.

· There was a near fourfold increase in the clinical diagnosis of depression or anxiety in children after the hurricane. Similarly, the prevalence of behavioral problems doubled.

· The Poverty Penalty: Households that had been among the working class and the working poor at the time of Katrina were most vulnerable to the economic impact – 53% of households with an annual income below $10,000 lost all salaried jobs in the household after the hurricane, compared to 15% of households with annual income above $20,000. Reinforcing this notion of the economic tenuousness of their lives, among those living in FEMA trailer parks only half had access to a bank account and only 16% had a credit card whereas in the impacted community areas 87% had access to a bank account and 49% had a credit card.

· Parents and caregivers reported high rates of mental health distress and disability, well above what is the norm for populations suffering from a debilitating chronic disease and even higher than Louisiana caregivers surveyed in February 2006.

· More than 60 percent of Mississippi caregivers showed high levels of clinical anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder in mental health tests.

· Rates of diagnosed hypertension among all adults increased by 35% since the hurricane.

· One out of six children who needed medical care for an illness or injury since the hurricane did not seek care.

· Three times as many children were without health insurance since Katrina, as compared to before the hurricane. Children in Mississippi are uninsured at twice the rate as children in Louisiana, post-Katrina.

· Among elementary school children from six to 11 years old, nearly a third had missed at least 10 days of school in a given month during the last quarter of the spring 2006 semester, and four out of 10 teenagers missed at least 10 days of school in a given month during the same period. “More than a year since the hurricane, Mississippi residents most severely impacted are under siege by mental health issues,” said Abramson, lead author of the study, with Richard Garfield and Dr. Redlener. “These documented high rates of depression, anxiety, and emotional issues among both parents and children, compound the economic hurdles these families face as they try to regain some normalcy in their lives.”

The National Center for Disaster Preparedness at the Mailman School of Public Health is an academically-based, inter-disciplinary program focused on the nation’s capacity to prevent and respond to terrorism and major disasters. The NCDP provides curriculum development in bioterrorism, training for public health professionals and other first responders, development of model programs, a wide-ranging research agenda and public policy analysis around issues germane to disaster preparedness. www.ncdp.mailman.edu

The only accredited school of public health in New York City, and among the first in the nation, Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health provides instruction and research opportunities to more than 950 graduate students in pursuit of masters and doctoral degrees. Its students and more than 300 multi-disciplinary faculty engage in research and service in the city, nation, and around the world, concentrating on biostatistics, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, health policy and management, population and family health, and sociomedical sciences. www.mailman.hs.columbia.edu

The Children’s Health Fund, founded in 1987, is committed to providing health care to the nation’s most medically underserved children through the development and support of innovative pediatric programs and the promotion of guaranteed access to appropriate health care for all children. To date, The Children’s Health Fund’s national network of 21 pediatric programs has treated more than 350,000 children. For more information visit www.childrenshealthfund.org.

New Study Stress and Displacement on Children

Sent to me by Jeanne
Published: February 03, 2007 07:56 pm

Report: Up to 35,000 kids still having major Katrina problems

Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS, LA — Up to 35,000 children, one-third of those across the Gulf Coast still displaced by Hurricane Katrina, are having major problems with mental health, behavior or school, a new study indicates.

To make things worse, many of their parents are depressed as well, leaving them less able to help the children, said Dr. Irwin Redlener, director of Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness and president of the Children’s Health Fund, which conducted the study together.

More than 60 percent of the parents and caregivers tested high for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, the report said. That is well above what is usually seen among people with debilitating chronic diseases, and even higher than Louisiana caregivers reported six months after the storm, it said.

“I’ve been doing advocacy and direct services for kids for more than 30 years. I’ve never seen anything like this,” Redlener said in an interview Friday.

Every day in the continued post-Katrina instability many are living through damages their chances of recovery, he said.

“What I’m concerned about is the long-term consequences for these kids will be horrendous in terms of academic achievement, mental health conditions and long-term ability to recover,” he said.

The Columbia/CHF report said more than half the parents and caregivers interviewed reported that at least one child had emotional or behavioral problems since the hurricane. That is an even higher rate than displaced Louisiana residents reported six months after Katrina, it said.

“Furthermore, there was a near fourfold increase in the clinical diagnosis of depression or anxiety in children after the hurricane, and the prevalence of behavioral or conduct problems doubled,” the report said.

The study released Friday includes findings of a recent Mississippi follow-up to a study done in Louisiana and reported last year by The Associated Press. Taken together, they indicate that between one-quarter and one-third of the displaced children are having serious problems, Redlener said.

The total number of children still living in FEMA trailers, not only in trailer parks, which he described as essentially refugee camps, but in the front yards of devastated neighborhoods, is somewhere between 75,000 and 100,000, Redlener said.

He said he is “quite comfortable” with an estimate that 25,000 to 35,000 of them are in serious trouble.

At a guess, he said, about two-thirds are in Louisiana and the rest in Mississippi and other states, with most of the remaining one-third in Mississippi.

The first study looked at 668 randomly chosen households in Louisiana’s FEMA trailer parks and FEMA-subsidized hotel rooms; the follow-up looked at 576 Mississippi househoulds in FEMA trailer parks. Together, they represent more than 26,000 households in the two states.

The new study also found that:

— The working class and the working poor were hurt worst: in more than half the households earning less than $10,000 a year, people had lost their jobs, compared to 15 percent of those earning more than $20,000 a year.

— One in six children who needed medical care for an illness or injury had not seen a doctor.

— Three times as many children were without health insurance after Katrina than before the hurricane; Mississippi children were twice as likely as those in Louisiana to be uninsured.

— Nearly one-third of children aged 6 to 11 years had missed at least 10 days of school in one month during the last quarter of the spring 2006 semester. Four out of 10 teenagers missed that much school.

Other health organizations also see signs of problems among children following Katrina. Joy Osofsky, a clinical and developmental psychologist at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, said more than one-third of the children screened at schools in New Orleans, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes show serious problems.

They used a national screening test for children and adolescents who have been through hurricanes. In the winter following the August 2005 storm and in spring 2006, about 49 percent met the cutoff score for mental health referral; this past fall, the figure had dropped to 41 percent, she said.

“We’re certainly not seeing a huge dropoff in mental health symptoms and problems,” she said.

The federally funded Louisiana Spirit crisis counseling program saw at least 150,000 adults and children over its first year, said Dr. Tony Speier, director of disaster mental health operations for the state Office of Mental Health.

He said about 500 counselors work in the program.

“Five-hundred counselors, at one level, sounds like a lot of counselors, which it is. But when you stretch that across 64 parishes and the whole population grid — unfortunately, we could use a lot more.”

Discussing Effects of Temp Housing On Children

Rapid assessments of temporary housing camps for hurricane-displaced children and families
INTRODUCTION Transitional housing for Hurricane Katrina evacuees presents a variety of physical and social hazards for the children who live there. And, despite the temporary housing label, it will long remain a risky and disruptive environment unless action is taken now to remedy the situation. In addition, current policy must change so that displaced populations are not simply given shelter but are provided with safe and protective communities that promote recovery after a disaster.
Housing as many people as possible on the space available with little regard for the needs of children has become the de facto standard operating procedure, dating back over six presidential administrations and continuing through Hurricanes Andrew (2002), Charley (2004) and Katrina (2005). However, mass-displacement camps are some of the most dangerous and unhealthy places in the world for people to live. As Save the Children knows from decades of experience, poorly planned camps will lead to a deterioration of social conditions and put already vulnerable children further at risk.
In February and March 2006, Save the Children conducted a rapid assessment of conditions in 20 camps in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama that raised a variety of concerns and reinforced our understanding of how best to protect children in post-crisis situations. Since then, efforts have been made to correct some problems in temporary camps. However, more can be done to ensure that children displaced by the hurricane have a safe place to live, a nurturing environment to learn and a true community within which to thrive.
Rapid assessments are snapshots: They reflect the stories, concerns, priorities and reality of daily life in the camps as communicated by residents. The assessments are not an exploration of the U.S. system of emergency management and human services, nor are the findings meant as indictments against any agency or organization. Rather, they allow for insight into conditions and provide the opportunity to address unmet needs.
This summary includes recommendations to mitigate risks to children and their families now and in future U.S. disasters.
DEMOGRAPHY
Not all people displaced by Hurricane Katrina were impoverished. It is simply the impoverished who have the greatest difficulty recovering from such an event. And it is the women, disabled, elderly and the children who are most vulnerable and who ultimately suffer most.
As of September 14, 2005, residents of 76 counties and parishes in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama were designated eligible for federal assistance — a basic guideline for determining areas most severely affected by the storm. FEMA reports that 36,504 individuals were affected by flooding alone. Countless others were affected by sustained high winds, rain, flooding and hurricane-related tornados.
At the time of the storm, according to the U.S. Census Bureau:
- In the 10 Alabama counties designated disaster areas, an average of 26 percent of the under-18 population lived below the poverty level; countywide poverty rates were as high as 36 percent;
- In the 19 Louisiana parishes receiving the designation, an average of 23 percent of the under-18 population lived below the poverty level while countywide poverty rates were as high as 34 percent;
- In the 47 Mississippi counties designated disaster areas, an average of 27 percent of the under-18 population lived below the poverty level, and countywide poverty rates were as high as 36 percent.
THE FINDINGS
Physical Environment
- Throughout the 20 sites, housing density was a consistent complaint of both children and adults. Residents attributed rising tensions within the camp community, in part, to overcrowding. They also cited cramped living conditions as a major stressor that led to conflict within the family.
- Transportation is one of the greatest challenges for Katrina's displaced families. Many camp residents have either never owned or needed a vehicle or have since lost their car. They are dependent on public transportation to get to work, health facilities and other services. The not atypical Cash Point RV Park outside of Bossier City, La., is located 7.8 miles from the nearest marked bus stop and approximately 7.5 miles to the nearest hospital or major grocery store.
- Commercial sites generally offer more green space and recreational area, and trailers tend to be less densely situated. New families are integrated with other residents rather than isolated. Newly formed group sites, however, are often bleak and unwelcoming. For example, Zirlott Park (Alabama) is dominated by broad roads and is without vegetation. The children have no playground but can see a ball field through a recently installed chain-link fence.
- Community can play an important role in improving the camp environment and relationships with host populations, but community is noticeably absent. Only three of 20 sites provide a tent or space for communal gatherings, programs or activities for children or religious services. The lack of communal space limits interaction among community members and hinders the ability to organize and attract services, thereby adding to the further deterioration of quality of life for and the safety and security of children.
- Renaissance Village (Baton Rouge, La.), still the largest of the post-Katrina trailer camps and home to about 300 children displaced by Hurricane Katrina, exemplifies many problems inherent in camps built for evacuees. It is characterized by insufficient pedestrian-scale lighting; the presence of debris and other hazards; an absence of community centers and other safe spaces for social interaction and after-school programming; wide passages that facilitate dangerous driving and put children at risk; a lack of defined pedestrian areas; and the existence of especially unsafe areas, such as unlit wooded areas and outlying laundry rooms that may provide opportunity for sexual predators.
Child-Protection Issues
- Many children are not attending school. Parents cited treatment by school officials and other students, unfamiliarity with the neighborhood and difficulty related to relocations as reason for non-attendance. Transportation problems and difficulties with peers also were contributing to non-attendance.
- The hurricane and its aftermath separated children from their parents in 11 of 20 sites. In Picayune, Miss., two residents reported sending their children to live with relatives elsewhere due to conditions in the camp. Anecdotally, camp residents said that many people are separated from their children for reasons that include: transportation, quality of life, separation during rescue and sheltering after the storm, post-storm divorces and inaccessibility of medical care.
- Children are vulnerable to crime and physical and sexual abuse. Drug abuse and dealing were reported in nine sites. A feeling of tension and reports of violence were registered in seven and eight sites, respectively. Theft and prostitution were reported in six sites. Alcohol abuse, domestic violence and poor relationships with the local community were reported at five sites. Interviewees at five sites said they were concerned about suspicious neighbors. Residents at four sites reported sexual assaults/rapes; and, residents at three sites report having known sexual predators living at their site.
- Residents from across the camps reported changes in their children's behavior. Parents cited apparent boredom in seven sites, fighting in five sites, and crying and irritability in four sites. Depression, weight change, "acting out" and a change in school performance were each reported in three sites. Change to sleep patterns was reported in one site.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Creating a positive and protective environment for children
The lack of a community leaves children and their families at risk and vulnerable. Building trust in temporary communities creates a safe environment for children but also nurtures self-help for adults. People who have met and know each other can work together on commonly identified goals that benefit the community. This type of trust building needs to occur both inside the camps as well as between the camp residents and local towns. Encouraging adults to integrate into the local community and learn about job training, transportation, economic opportunities and educational opportunities for children will ultimately expedite their transition out of temporary housing communities.
Issues of overcrowding, unsafe environments and alienation from surrounding communities put children further at risk. However, safe and protective communities are still possible for Katrina evacuees if they have support and are enabled to help themselves, and if a number of important measures are taken, including:
- Creating a meeting space for parents and children. Residents of temporary housing camps need a meeting area—for adults to gather as well as for children's clubs and, potentially, for child care. Ideally, this would entail a double-wide trailer with accompanying tents for children's activities during the summer and after school. Communal space should also be available for the host community to meet with camp residents. Job boards, camp/school notices and other information posted there would ultimately help residents to help themselves.
- Ensuring the provision of basic activities. Parents and children need productive social activities. Individuals within the community and local community groups could provide these services. Children should be provided with games and materials for child play and to encourage activities between children and adults. These activities support children's development but also encourage expression, exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
- Improving the physical environment. Having been moved many times, many displaced people do not feel they have control over their lives or environment. Small grants should be made to communities to allow residents to address issues such as lighting, ramps, signage for children, playgrounds, flowers, murals and social events. All of these would increase the security of the camps as well as give residents control over their environment. Other grants could be given to youth groups to undertake similar activities.
- Linking residents with state and local resources. Residents feel cut off from public resources that could facilitate their recovery. A focus on connecting them with these resources is critical. • Addressing transportation concerns. A key concern for many in the rural displaced communities is the lack of transportation to the nearest city. Many residents have no vehicle and cannot address basic needs (e.g., laundry, grocery shopping, post office and medical appointments). Residents cannot find and retain employment without transportation.
- Facilitating integration into local communities. Local officials and nonprofit organizations should facilitate activities between the displaced and host communities. Ideally, these would focus on addressing problems common to both communities. Strengthening the bonds between two communities could support the displaced and allow for local assimilation. Youth-serving organizations should facilitate young people gathering together for positive activities such as sports or music events.
- Improving school integration. Schools are often sources of tension for the children of host and displaced communities. To address this situation, qualified nonprofits should work with children, teachers and principals and identify appropriate solutions, for example: tolerance education programs, integration programming and support for teachers.
Implementing change and building community now
In July 2006, Save the Children will begin working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on the "Safe and Protective Communities" project. Starting with a pilot project in one Louisiana temporary housing settlement, Save the Children will launch proven programs to improve the living environment for children and their families. Among planned activities are: establishing safe play areas for children and a meeting space for adults; facilitating community meetings; collaborating with local private and public organizations to address the recovery and social needs of camp residents; and identifying and funding youth-focused community projects. Plans are to replicate this model in other camps in Louisiana and Mississippi over the coming year. In each area, Save the Children intends to partner with local governments and service providers.
Planning ahead for future disasters
Children are among the most vulnerable members of society, especially during a crisis. While addressing the needs of children who live along the Gulf Coast is an immediate priority, this is also the time to ensure that they are not lost in the process the next time the United States faces a major disaster.
Emergency plans should integrate children's issues—from their basic security and well-being in temporary shelters to the continuation of their education—and should include programs that protect children and assist them through the aftermath of a crisis, into recovery and back to stable communities. The roles and responsibilities of federal, state and local government agencies, as well as local organizations, should be well-delineated.
At the federal level, government agencies should develop specific posts and working groups to address the needs of children in emergencies. Such agencies would include FEMA, the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Also, internationally accepted standards for humanitarian assistance should be recognized and used to guide the U.S. response to disasters. These include the SPHERE Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response and the INEE Minimum Standards for Education in Emergencies, Chronic Crises and Early Reconstruction.
THE METHODOLOGY
In assessing the range of camp situations, Save the Children visited 20 sites across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The sites had a combined estimated population of 2,595 households and ranged in size from as few as 12 to as many as 600 occupied trailers. Sites were located in both urban and rural settings: Some were located in the heart of town and formed an integral part of the surrounding community, while others sat miles from communities and services. We visited sites just beginning to fill with residents, those at maximum capacity with no indication of slowing, and others near closing. Whenever possible, we visited sites of different types within a single area, for purposes of controlled comparison.
The assessments consisted of two phases. The first was an appraisal of the built environment and other physical components, based on observation. Each site was surveyed, the activity of residents noted. Among factors investigated were: housing density and layout, level of debris/trash, availability of green space and recreational areas, safety of units (e.g., whether they were on blocks, had straps, etc.), lighting, sewage services, security, thoroughfares (and the safety thereof) and the availability of public transportation. The status of children was a primary focus. When not prohibited, photographs of the sites were taken.
The second phase consisted of one-on-one and group interviews and discussions with camp residents and others. We interviewed primary informants at length. In internally displaced person (IDP) and refugee situations abroad, humanitarian workers have greater access to the populations at hand and gather focus groups to rapidly assess camp life. For a range of reasons—lack of community space, distrust, absence of community leaders and general inaccessibility to community members, especially children—this proved difficult in the post-Katrina context. Instead, we most often turned to serial in-depth interviews with people from many segments of camp life. Those interviewed included residents charged with caring for children, site administrators, security guards, providers of on-site services (e.g., cafeteria workers), social workers, children and government representatives. Security guards in particular proved invaluable through their constant presence and observation of the community. With a mix of one-on-one and group interviews, we were able to readily detect trends in camps.
Save the Children staff often spent entire days in camps. We were invited into homes and could observe living conditions and their implications. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' (UNHCR) Priority Issues for Refugee Children was used as a baseline for interviews.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This report was principally researched and written by Shane Townsend of Save the Children and Nathalie Dajko of the Tulane University Department of Anthropology.