The Lutheran Community Foundation (LCF), in collaboration with Lutheran Disaster Response, awarded a $15,000 grant from its Disaster Response Fund to bring Camp Noah to tornado-stricken families in North Minneapolis. This grant helps make it possible for Camp Noah to host three North Minneapolis camps in response to the impact of the tornado on May 22, 2011, which claimed two lives and destroyed dozens of homes and businesses. Camps will be held the week of August 8-12, serving approximately 150 children and coordinating a volunteer staff of 60+ Lutheran volunteers.
At least one in four of people affected by natural disasters are children, many of whom experience some level of post-disaster trauma. Camp Noah provides a safe, fun and caring environment with curriculum designed to help children face their fears and process their losses.
"The value and benefits that Camp Noah brings to the children and communities affected by disasters in the U.S. is impressive," said Chris Andersen, President of the LCF. "This is our third year of benefiting Camp Noah through our Disaster Response Fund, and we're excited that the Minneapolis Synod of the ELCA and other partners created a plan to bring Camp Noah to North Minneapolis. We're grateful to Lutheran Disaster Response for their $5,000 contribution and the collective generosity of LCF donors who made it possible for us to provide this grant."