The Recovery & Adelphi

Adelphi University, Emotional Resilience, Hurricane Sandy, ,
Adelphi University Garden City, New York
Adelphi University
Garden City, New York
(May 3, 2013)

On May 3rd, Adelphi University’s School of Social Work sponsored its annual Alumni and Friends Day. The beauty of Spring and the campus contrasted with the seriousness of the topics addressed. Lorraine Gutierrez, Ph.D., a Professor at Michigan University, delivered a keynote address on empowerment.

“Working With Agencies: Group Based Approaches in Hurricane Response” was one of four workshops offered. It was ably led by Assoicate Professor Carol S. Cohen.

Dr. Cohen pointed out the value of experienced agencies in responding to disaster. Two examples are North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center and Catholic Charities.

Several workshop participants are hard at work in areas such as Long Beach–that is, in the areas most impacted by Hurricane Sandy. They represented Project Hope, REACH, and Long Island Cares (The Harry Chapin Food Bank). My apology if I omitted your agency!

Project Hope is a program of Long Beach Medical Center. Unfortunately, Long Beach Medical Center itself was damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Donations to help rebuild are welcome.

In an informal conversation, I asked one participant if people in the hardest hit areas know how much other people care. She said they felt the love in the outpouring of donations–from individuals and also from corporations.

I asked if there is something we can do for them now. She asked us to remember them in our prayers.

Advertisement

Recovery And Resilience

Disaster Recovery, Emotional Resilience

It is six months since Hurricane Sandy hit New York and other States.  Thousands of people have contributed to the recovery–both the physical recovery and the emotional recovery.

Much has been accomplished.  Much remains to be done.

This blog is a meeting place.  It is for people who share the following beliefs:

  • Technology is an important tool for combatting health problems.
  • Complete recovery after the storm includes emotional recovery.
  • There are many roads to a complete recovery.
  • Those affected by disaster should be in charge of their own recovery plan.
  • All Americans–regardless of financial circumstances or cultural background–should have equal access to health care.
  • Traditional as well as newer approaches to healing are part of a comprehensive recovery effort.

I am a psychologist and a New Yorker.  I received my professional training on Long Island, at Adelphi University’s Derner Institute.  “Hurricane Sandy–Feeling Safe Again” is my first blog.

Please share your thoughts and your experiences.  Whatever our background, we learn from one another.  We learn as we go.