Mr. Rodgers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
When Hurricane Harvey struck our beautiful coast we all braced for the worst. The first line of helpers were the emergency responders and the volunteers that helped to rescue our friends and neighbors form some really dangerous situations. The next line of helpers were those who got up to volunteer. Volunteers were seen donating time to help in a shelter or help clear out a house, and giving away goods and money to help their neighbors who were impacted and displaced by this terrible storm. The national news showed lines of volunteers wrapped around the corner waiting to help at the George R. Brown Convention Center shelter. This community showed up in such a powerful way that some shelters had to turn away donations and volunteers. This Greater Houston community showed the world how much we love Texas and how literally we take the call to serve our neighbors.
You will often hear counselors described as “helping professionals”. This term takes on a whole new meaning in times of crisis, especially for those in the counseling profession. We are the last line of helpers. Yes, we are there to support those in their immediate moment of need. Even better, we remain when the shock starts to wear off and the grief sets in. When the term displaced starts to take on a new meaning.
When that happens, look for us. We are there. Many of us are in the shelters, providing community outreach, and helping in whatever way we can. We all recognize that this will be a long road to recovery. Recovery is possible, both as a city and as individuals, but it will take time. That is where counseling comes in.
The counselors at Amy Wine Counseling Center are those people you will see out in the community providing support to those in need. Many of us have committed to volunteer hours for weeks to come at various shelters. We know how important it is not only heal the body, but also heal the mind and the soul. We are so blessed to be part of a team that truly cares for our community. If you are a volunteer feeling burnt out or an individual who was impacted by this storm were are here to listen and to help you process through the ripple effect that this storm has, and will continue to have, on our community. If you need a place to be heard and to heal call us today at 832-421-8714or email us to make an appointment.