Lutheran Social
Service Prepare to Address Immediate Needs in the Greater Red Lake
Community
ST. PAUL, Minn. (March 31,
2005) - In response to emerging needs in the greater Red Lake community,
Lutheran Social Service is developing trauma and recovery plans to help
children and families affected by the school tragedy on March 21.
"We've met with local
pastors and community leaders in the Red Lake area who want to partner
with us to offer resources and support to help the community get through
this tragedy," explained Melanie Davis, director of LSS Disaster Services.
"People who are affected need emotional support, reassurance, a sense of
safety, and tools to sort through personal trauma. Those who are directly
ministering to children and families, teachers, funeral directors and
others need support as well. We know from our experience in natural
disasters and human-caused disasters in recent years that recovery and
grief work take a very long time."
Davis said that programs
being developed include the following:
-
Special camp for
children: Plans are
underway to offer a week-long, faith-based camp in the summer called
Joseph's Journey which is modeled after the biblical story of Joseph who
suffered violence at the hand of his brothers, was sold into slavery and
was unjustly imprisoned. Through the camp, children will process their own
experiences, be surrounded by support, find comfort in knowing that their
peers have similar fears, and gain increased confidence and security.
Plans are to offer the camp in Red Lake- area churches, and adapt the
curriculum as needed for other Native American children who follow a
different faith tradition.
-
Trauma Counseling and
Support: Trained trauma professionals in disaster plan to offer
immediate counseling and trauma support to children, families, ministers,
teachers and care providers, as well as special forums designed for
various audiences that create a greater understanding of the effects of
trauma and grief on individuals and communities.
-
Immediate
crisis needs: Financial support will be offered to help families
face loss of income or additional expenses that impacted persons have
experienced with medical bills, transportation, childcare costs.
Lutheran Social Service is
calling on Minnesotans to help in these and other recovery efforts that
will be needed over the long term. To make a financial contribution,
please send your donations to LSS of Minnesota Disaster Services, 2485
Como Ave, 55108 Contribution Designation: Red Lake Area Recovery. For
online contributions, visit
www.lssmn.org/disaster
Lutheran Social Service is
the designated coordinated agency for Lutheran Disaster Response, a
cooperative ministry of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Lutheran Social Service of
Minnesota (LSS) offers a wide variety of human support services relating
to the basics of life-food, shelter, safety, physical and emotional
well-being. The non-profit organization, headquartered in St. Paul, serves
over 100,000 Minnesotans yearly with operations in 300 Minnesota
communities, and employs over 2,300 people. LSS serves all people
regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual
orientation, disability or age. Comprehensive information about statewide
services can be found through the agency's web site at
www.lssmn.org
