Rainbows Hurricane Disaster Relief Program - Silver Linings

Katrina left our country and countless Families searching for relief during some of our darkest hours. These dark hours are always unexpected, terribly unwanted, and emotionally paralyzing.

The importance of healing our youth impacted by this tragedy is paramount. The National Institute of Mental Health has stated that early intervention to help children/adolescents who have suffered trauma from disaster is critical.

Silver Linings – Katrina Case Study

Rainbows Silver Linings Crisis Response program was created to assist children who were in need of emotional, peer support after a major crisis or disaster in their community, but little did we realize that the impact of a hurricane called Katrina would launch such a inundation of requests for assistance. More than 240 schools, churches, and agencies throughout five states (Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas) received 1143 editions of Silver Linings program materials assisting an estimated 5000 children and youth.

Rainbows recognizes The Allianz Group for generously underwriting this project.

"Our partnership with Rainbows in addressing the pressing needs of those who suffered through Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath has been nothing short of inspiring. By supporting the distribution of Rainbows' Silver Linings curriculum for community crisis - and the program's expansion to include adults and very young children - we were able to work together to address the many social risks that accompany major catastrophes, not least the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder in young people. Rainbows is one-of-a-kind in its creativity, flexibility and depth of commitment."

The Reverend Christopher Worthley , Executive Director
Allianz Foundation for North America

Complete Program Materials – Ready when needed

Silver Linings is a complete program that can be used by counselors, volunteers, churches, and relief organizations needing additional tools to assist youth experiencing emotional turmoil due to loss/change. By experiencing Silver Linings, children and teens are able to share their feelings and thoughts about these changes with others their own age.

This program includes Instructor Manuals that work in tandem with reproducible Participant Booklets in three separate editions developed for ages 5-8, 9-12 and adolescents.

Each edition includes six sessions in a user-friendly format to assist educators and youth caregivers as they lead children and teens to understanding and hope concerning their own crisis event.

A Story / Coloring Activity Booklet entitled Ferdinand the Eagle focuses on rebuilding and generating hope.

Options for developing expandable “large group” displays where children can post drawings and other creative elements depicting what they have experienced.

Click here to read what people are saying about Silver Linings.

Click here to learn how Silver Linings has been used in other communities.