Update December 2, 2024
On July 1, 2024, Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Grenada, devastating the islands of Petite Martinique (pop. 900) and Carriacou (pop. 9600). Though loss of life was minimal, the trauma of losing homes and livelihoods was widespread as the category four hurricane caused damage to 98% of structures and land.
Within days, a team of experts from the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF) and Reach Within were on the ground to provide psychological first-aid to children, youth and families in the immediate aftermath. The WINDREF/Reach Within team launched four Return of Children's Happiness Camps in emergency shelters and cleared community sites.
Through WINDREF/Reach Within’s trauma-informed climate resiliency curriculum, children and their caregivers engaged in self-regulation practices and therapeutic activities to find a sense of safety and connection again. In 2025 Reach Within will be launching the Positive Energy Program (PEP!) - a climate resiliency wellness program for primary school aged children across the nation.
Small island nations bear the brunt of a global climate crisis, but through intersectional collaboration we can give all children the health equity they deserve -to become future leaders and positive agents of change. We are grateful for any support you can offer our recovery and resiliency efforts at this time.
For Institutional Donors & Major Gifts
Contact Dr. Karen Lawson
k.lawson@reachwithin.org
For Donations by Mail
Reach Within
P.O. Box 1201
Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965
Checks payable to The Bartholomew J. Lawson Foundation for Children, the parent organization of Reach Within.