As we closed school Tuesday, September 27, canceled family programs, and waited for the storm, we focused on praying for our families and the community.

Our focus swiftly shifted to helping families process and recover from their unique hurricane experience as we grasped the magnitude of the storm. The Sunday after the storm hit, we established a partnership with St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and began providing emergency childcare the following day for our families devastated by storm surge and flooding. We gave soft cuddles to children who received care in a new place and started the process of providing emergency resources to families in immediate need.

Back in January, the Wonder Years Preschool staff gathered to outline the curriculum content for the 2022-23 school year with no idea that the lessons would line up perfectly to aid students in understanding the hurricane and begin processing their emotions.

In the days before Hurricane Ian, our students had worked through, acted out, and created houses that the Big Bad Wolf blew down. They would return to a new curriculum, which focused on studying sand and learning about erosion, building, sandbags, and understanding the properties of ground rock. God is so good that when school reopened and Chapel resumed, the Bible story focused on the great flood and how God used the ark to keep Noah’s family safe. We were able to explain how we, too, were kept safe through the hurricane.

We not only noticed our student’s resiliency, but we celebrated our God’s steadfastness. Months ago, He had already prepared us for such a time.

Through writing and drawing, our Sunday school children also shared how the storm impacted their families and how some responded to help their neighbors in need. Elementary age students wrote cards of encouragement which were given to families in our community. Some of the messages included: “Dear People in need, I hope you are okay. I hope you have food and water. I hope you’re safe. I am praying for you. Love, Me”; and “I hope you are okay. I hope you are fine. Remember, God is always with you!”

We know as Christians that God is faithful and always has a plan for us. He also helps us to prepare as His Holy Spirit nudges and guides us. None of this could have been more accurate than in the months before and days following Hurricane Ian. God is so good!

by Director of Family Ministries Sheila Sierts

According to The National Child Traumatic Stress Network,¹ here are some ways to help children process Hurricane Ian.

  1. Intentionally model how to handle stressful situations.
  2. Provide accurate information about what happened during the storm and what changes your family is facing. Answer questions honestly but with details appropriate for their developmental level.
  3. Keep family routines as normal as possible.
  4. Monitor their television and social media information intake.
  5. Seek additional help for yourself and your children if behavioral changes or reactions worsen or persist six weeks after the hurricane.

¹https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/disasters/hurricane-resources