BREVARD, N.C. (AP) — After the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene last month, the Weissman family is faced with a daunting recovery process. They are not only struggling to file private insurance claims but also navigating applications for assistance from the Small Business Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
With the storm knocking out power in western North Carolina, concerns about mold add to their stress. The flooding wreaked havoc on their home, and it completely destroyed Max Weissman’s therapy office, leaving him without a place to see clients. Additionally, the building where Aviva Weissman worked for a tea company was also lost.
Despite these serious challenges, the Weissmans, like many parents, prioritize their children’s well-being. With schools closed since the hurricane, they felt it essential to provide their kids, 11-year-old Avi and 7-year-old Reyna, with a sense of normalcy. Last week, Max and Avi worked together to bleach their flooded basement, while Aviva took Reyna to stay with relatives in South Carolina before returning home.
On Monday morning, the Weissmans found some relief at a free, pop-up day camp. Children were joyfully engaging in activities like making bracelets, drawing, and enjoying oversized games of Jenga and Connect Four in a spacious playroom. Outside, there were games of hopscotch and an intense basketball match, offering a much-needed distraction for the kids.
This camp, organized by the LA-based nonprofit Project:Camp, aims to create a supportive space for children affected by disasters. As extreme weather becomes more commonplace, the organization is dedicated to helping communities impacted by such crises, allowing children to process their emotions while their parents tackle recovery efforts.
“I often express guilt to my kids when I tell them I’ve never faced anything like this before,” admitted Weissman. “We’re navigating a pandemic and a flood for the first time, and I feel as though challenges keep piling on.” As he spoke, he could be seen anxiously watching the kids play, while simultaneously responding to messages from his patients.
The Camp opened on Monday and is scheduled to run through Friday, providing children with a structured environment at a time when schools remain closed due to ongoing recovery efforts. Water restoration timelines are still uncertain for some counties. As of Tuesday, 15 school districts and several charter schools in the area remained shut, according to the state’s Department of Public Instruction, although three districts plan to resume classes shortly.
As the threat of Hurricane Milton approached Florida, Project:Camp has also started preparing to assist communities there if needed. Dr. Irwin Redlener, the founding director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University, emphasized the importance of reestablishing normalcy for children after disasters. “The need for play and a sense of security for kids cannot be overstated,” he remarked.
At Project:Camp, volunteers trained in trauma recovery help children participate in “gratitude circles” to focus on positive experiences, as well as “Me” checks to evaluate their emotional states. Beyond these therapeutic exercises, the camp also prioritizes fun and laughter.
Associated Press writer Gary D. Robertson contributed reporting from Raleigh, North Carolina. Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and non-profits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.___
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