Disaster Response for Families with Children Workshop

St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Illinois, hosted a Lutheran Church Charities “Disaster Response for Families with Children” workshop. The presenter was Cheryl Sorenson, a recent graduate from Wheaton College Humanitarian Disaster Leadership Master’s Program and currently serving as a summer intern with Lutheran Church Charities Disaster Response while pursuing a Trauma Certificate from Wheaton College.

This workshop covered best practices for responding to the most vulnerable in disaster or crisis situations - children. It provided an overview of the developmental differences that affect a child’s awareness and behavior post-disaster with a Christian-based strategic plan for responding to children after a disaster, Spiritual First Aid, and ways to help children and their families cope mentally, physically, and spiritually with their loss and experiences after a disaster or crisis.

COVID-19 related care and suggestions for children were also included. Attendees donated new children items to put in a backpack for distribution by LCC L.E.R.T. volunteers after a disaster.

There were 24 people present from the following L.E.R.T. teams or churches:

Illinois

• Immanuel, Lindenwood
  
• Lord of Life, LaFox
• Prince of Peace, Palatine
• Shepherd of the Hills, McHenry
• St. Paul, Mt. Prospect
• St. Peter, Arlington Heights
• St. Peter, Schaumburg
• St. John, Wheaton
• Trinity, Lisle

Wisconsin

• St. John, Racine

The workshop was very informative and well-received by all present and will be useful when responding to disasters and dealing with the continuing effects of the coronavirus on children.

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