9/17/2021
Hi Parents and Guardians,
We’re looking forward to welcoming our students back as we move through this difficult time in our community. We know you and your family may be in need of assistance in a variety of ways. The bottom portion of this letter includes community resources that are available to support you. We have also included a helpful guide for talking with your child(ren) about natural disasters.
We hope you find this information helpful,
Lower School Administration
General Resources:
- Jefferson Parish Resources
- Disaster Food Stamps (D-SNAP)-For those that are not current recipients of SNAP, you can pre-register for DSNAP. Pre-register here: http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/dsnap-registration
- FEMA: Applying for Natural Disaster Assistance, from Hurricane IDA. FEMA will help determine your eligibility for different assistance offerings. Remember to document any property damage and save receipts for repairs, equipment and hotel stays www.fema.gov/disaster/hurricane-ida Or Call, 1-800-621-3362
- Second Harvest Food Bank - Feeding South Louisiana: Food assistance for Louisiana residents https://no-hunger.org/
- Free Roof Tarping Assistance: Provided by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Blueroof.us
- unitedwaysela.org
Mental Health Resources:
- Tulane’s TIKES is offering free tele-mental health support for parents and caregivers. Click here to learn more.
- Ochsner Health is offering a free tele-mental health session through Ochsner Anywhere Care. You can log on online or through the app anytime and use the code “IDATherapy”
- Louisiana Healthcare Connections has a 24-hour toll free crisis hotline you can call to speak to a licensed clinician.– www.louisianahealthconnect.com
- Disaster Distress Helpline – This is a free, confidential 24-hour helpline for anyone affected by a natural disaster, including Hurricane IDA. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to get connected with a mental health professional.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline- suicidepreventionlifeline.org # 1-800-273-8255
- Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health Keep Calm Line #1-866-310-7977
- Behavioral Health Recovery Outreach Line #1-833-333-1132
OTHER Helpful Resources:
Talking with Students
ABOUT NATURAL DISASTERS
For Parents:
FIVE PRINCIPLES
- Reaffirm safety
- Make time to talk
- Keep explanations developmentally appropriate
- Observe children’s emotional state
- Maintain a normal routine
RESOURCES for Elementary:
Mindfulness for kids:
Cosmic Kids Zen Den
Blissful Kids
RESOURCES for MIDDLE/ HIGH:
Mindfulnessforteens.com
LISTEN
-Let children lead and express their feelings and share their experiences.
-Validate feelings.
-Allowing time to journal or draw can be helpful in processing.
PROTECT
-Facilitate organized, honest communication that aligns with your norms.
-Minimize misinformation. If unsure if information is factual, try a reply such as “I am not sure if that is fact/truth or just a story. I will try to find out for us.”
-Remain aware of reactions or behaviors that may indicate your children are experiencing BIG feelings.
-Discuss your efforts to provide a safe home.
MODEL
-Process your own emotions.
-Collaborate on ways to move forward and take care of yourself.
-Seek help from trusted people in your community.
GOING DEEPER
A Guided Workbook- “My Hurricane Story”
A Story about Hurricane Ida- “When the Lights Went Out”