Hurricane Sandy has taken lives and devastated people’s homes, flooded subways and bridges, and cut people off from steady electricity, medicine, food, and water. As agencies and volunteers fan out throughout the region, bringing much-needed materials and supplies, IAHV is serving those living in shelters with something that will help them think clearly, rebuild and recover: peace of mind.
Starting on Friday, Nov 2nd, New York and New Jersey volunteers began offering trauma relief techniques shelters in Monmouth and Manhattan. Just over the weekend, about 300 evacuees were reached by IAHV volunteers, and 80-90 evacuees learned IAHV’s simple and effective breathing and relaxation practices.
“I have been worrying when they will finally let me go home. But just 10 minutes of this practice has calmed my mind down. Accepting this situation was a constant struggle. Now I feel grateful for what I have now, as I see many people here in an even worse situation. Thank you” – Hurricane Sandy evacuee.
“You don’t know how much happiness you are bringing to me by doing this. Thank you.” – Hurricane Sandy evacuee.
“I am so grateful for the last 3-4 days. There is a deeper meaning and reason for our being here at this time.” – IAHV volunteer.
IAHV’s Hurricane Sandy Relief Effort plans to scale up over the coming week by training more IAHV volunteers to deliver the Breath Water Sound trauma relief program.
