World Vision to provide play therapy for children affected by deadly Oklahoma tornadoes

Highlights

  • Partnership with University of North Texas at Dallas to offer hope and help in healing for young survivors
Oklahoma tornado survivors receive emergency supplies.
Paulette Lewis (center) leaves with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren from the First Baptist Church of Moore, Oklahoma with relief supplies donated for tornado survivors. Photo ©2013 Mo Sadjadpour/Genesis Photos

Moore, OK (June 18, 2013) — Counselors and play therapists will work to help child survivors of last month’s deadly tornados in Oklahoma heal during a Day of Play and Healing this Thursday from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Westmore Community Church in Moore, Oklahoma.

Christian humanitarian organization World Vision will partner with the University of North Texas at Dallas to provide counseling and play therapy for children ages 5 through 12 who lost family members, friends, their homes and their collective sense of security. Activities will include expressive arts, group play, meditation and sand tray therapy, giving children an opportunity to express their feelings and experiences in an environment designed to facilitate their healing and psychosocial recovery.

Children are often so sensitive to tragic experiences. Fun, play-based therapeutic activities can be an important way to help them increase their emotional coping skills and build resilience to difficult situations like these tragic storms, said Phyllis Freeman, domestic disaster response director at World Vision.

The event is limited to 16 children, who will attend the entire day’s activities. Adults attend only the first and last hour of the day with their children. To register children, contact Ingra Green at 972-790-1204, ext. 2232. For media interviews, contact Karon McFarlane at 917-232-1938.

In 2012, World Vision’s Domestic Disaster Response team provided relief for more than 47,000 beneficiaries, including more than 30,000 children. This year, World Vision continues to assist the most vulnerable affected by Superstorm Sandy in New York and New Jersey, and has provided relief and rebuilding supplies to tornado survivors in multiple locations, including Moore, Oklahoma.

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About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.