Dear CRA Friends,
As our communities begin the long road of healing after the loss of many lives due to flooding, I am reminded of the importance and significance of our work. The number of supporters who reached out to ask how they could help has been inspiring. Many in our CRA community were directly impacted by the floods and I have shed tears hearing the stories of loss as well as those of survival.
Their stories filled me with an intense longing to do something, to help. However, given that CRA is not a natural disaster relief and recovery organization, we worked in the background to connect resources to the organizations working on the front lines of disaster response. I am so pleased to announce our partnership with Mozart’s, highlighted below, to raise funds for the first responders who continue their work to this day. CRA will remain steadfast in our efforts, behind the scenes, planning for the long-term cleanup efforts needed. The Lake Travis Cleanup on Sunday September 21st will be greatly needed. I hope you will save the date and plan to join us.
The team and I are reviewing our YES (Youth Environmental Stewardship) curriculum, the backbone of our Wilkerson & Mobile River field trips, to ensure that the dangers of floods are appropriately addressed. We are thoughtfully engaging in conversations with the young people participating in our summer programs. I found the tips from the Hackett Center helpful in guiding our team as we thoughtfully approach our work.
Texans are strong. Onward we move, one foot in front of the other, we will get through this together. I got through the past few weeks because of the warmth and support of so many of you! Thank you for your dedication and support of our mission.
With great appreciation,
Adrienne Longenecker, CFRE
Executive Director
Supporting children after natural disasters
The Hackett Center: Trauma and Grief Center offers six tips designed to help parents and caregivers support children ages six and older after natural disasters.
- Safety and Security: Reassure children that adults are there to protect them, and help them focus on small choices they can control in daily life.
- Simple and Straightforward Language: Let kids guide the conversation. Be honest without overwhelming, and open the door for questions using clear, calm language.
- Supervision: Limit repeated footage and distressing updates. Watch the news with children when possible, and turn it off if it becomes too much.
- Structure: Familiar daily routines—even small ones—can bring comfort. Remind children of what’s stayed the same since the storm.
- Social Support: Support your child in staying connected with friends or loved ones, even virtually. Social support is a powerful protective factor.
- Self-Care: Caregivers should seek support for themselves, too. Watch for persistent signs of distress in children and consider professional help if needed.
Texas First Response:
Austin’s benefit for flood First Responders
Austin’s benefit for flood First Responders
To shine a light on First Responders supporting relief and rescue activities, CRA is partnering with Mozart’s Coffee Roasters to hold a family-friendly benefit on Saturday, July 26th from 12pm-6pm.
Meet us at Mozart’s from 12pm-6pm for face painting, donut boat rides on the lake, Longhorn steer displays, balloon artists, Texas 2-step lessons, and more. Alongside LCRA and the City of Austin, Colorado River Alliance will be on site offering community educational resources.
If you cannot make the daytime benefit, come on out at 8pm for a concert on Mozart’s deck showcasing a lineup of talented Austin musicians with a special guest headline from London, Rhys Stygal.
100% of ALL proceeds will be donated to Texas Search & Rescue (TEXSAR) and Texas State Troopers Disaster Response.
