After The Wildfires: Caring For LA’s Kids

During the wildfires in Los Angeles, firefighters worked heroically to contain the flames. But even though the fires have been contained, the trauma and mental health anguish of lost homes and devastated communities continue to flicker. Mental health support will continue to be vital for affected kids and families, and that’s why, thanks to the collective generosity of our donors and proceeds from our sold-out Stand-Up For LA show in New York, Comic Relief has directed funding to three organizations focused on delivering psychological care in the wildfires’ wake. 

Children’s Health Fund is supporting 598 students displaced by the loss of Palisades Charter High School and Marquez Charter Elementary School. With this funding, they are hiring a licensed social worker at each school’s temporary site to provide a proven, art therapy program for the students throughout the school year. In addition, they are holding workshops for teachers and administrators, equipping them to identify trauma-related symptoms in kids and teens.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America experienced their own upheaval during the fires, with multiple clubhouses evacuated and the Odyssey Charter School Clubhouse in Pasadena burning down. Boys & Girls Clubs are designed to be sanctuaries for young people, and with Comic Relief funding, they plan to rebuild the center, while continuing the work they’ve done throughout LA to stabilize displaced families, by offering extended hours, childcare, meals, and ongoing trauma care. 

The work of rebuilding isn’t only about bricks and buildings; it’s also about restoring a sense of safety, belonging, and hope for communities most hard hit by the devastation. That’s what these remarkable partners are doing, with the support of the generous donors who stepped up for LA’s families and kids. 

Read more about first responders and community heroes supported through Stand Up For LA in part one of this series: First on the Frontlines.

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