NJ-Based Post-9/11 Services (Grief Couseling, Missing Persons)

September 13, 2001 2:43 PM

There is so much going on the front page, I didn't know where to include this. I know this doesn't affect everyone as it's more New Jersey info, but putting it out in the hopes that the right people get it makes me feel less useless. (more inside)

posted by FunkyHelix to MetaFilter-Related at 2:43 PM (3 comments total)

How to report a missing person: The State Police Office of Emergency Management recommends that anyone concerned about someone missing because of the attack on the WTC, to contact police in the missing person's hometown. The NYC cannot help you if the person doesn't live in NYC. Police in New Jersey are being directed to classify the person as missing as a result of a catastrophic event.

The United Way of New York and the New York Community Trust have established a fund to help the victims and their families. The September 11th Fund will provide immediate support to emergency assistance agencies. Donations can be sent to the United Way, 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016 or call [phone]. The web site is www.uwnyc.org

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey is offering FREE grief and anxiety counseling to adults and children during this time of national tragedy. Trained clinicians are available at 11 locations throughout the state:



Edison: 100 MetroPlex

Freehold: 20 Gibson Place

Hamilton: 1255 White Horse-Mercerville Road

New Brunswick: 189 New Street

Newark: 215 South Orange Avenue

Piscataway: 667 and 671 Hoes Lane

Somerset: One Worlds Fair Drive

South Brunswick: 2245 Route 130 South, Dayton

Union: 2204 Morris Avenue

Verona: 799 Bloomfield Avenue

Please call University Behavioral HealthCare at [phone] for information or visit online at http://ubhc.umdnj.edu

Tips for dealing with the children in your life:

• When a loved one dies, don't expect children's reactions to be obvious and immediate. Be patient and be available. Don't push for their reaction.
• Children are a part of the family too. And reassurance comes from the presence of loving people. Children feel secure in the care of gentle arms and tenderness. As much as you want to gather with friends, now is not the time to leave your children with a sitter while you go out.
• When describing the death of someone loved to the child, use simple and direct language.
• Be honest. Express your own feelings regarding the death. By doing so, children have a model for how to express their own feelings. It's all right to cry in front of your children.
• Allow children to express a full range of feelings. Anger, guilt, despair, and protest are natural reactions to the death of a loved one.
• Listen to children, just don't talk to them.
• If you're child doesn't want to talk to you, make sure a responsible adult you trust deals with the child, but ultimately, family is the best resource.
• Do not let your children watch extensive coverage of the event without you.

That's it for now. Take care everyone.

posted by FunkyHelix at 2:44 PM on September 13, 2001

Hey Funky, thanks for the tips. I think you transposed some words:
"Listen to children, just don't talk to them."
Should be
"Listen to children, don't just talk to them."
at least, that's what I imagine you mean.
posted by daver at 4:24 PM on September 13, 2001

Oops. Yep. *blushes*
posted by FunkyHelix at 6:32 PM on September 13, 2001