A BIT ABOUT US
Helping Children Impacted by Disasters
Disasters can be traumatizing for anyone, but for children, they can be especially overwhelming and frightening. Comfort Bears in a Catastrophe aims to provide hope and comfort to children impacted by disasters.
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We do this by giving each child a special Comfort Bear, along with a handwritten note of encouragement, to let them know that they are not alone. It may seem like a small gesture, but it can make a world of difference to a child who's feeling scared and alone.
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Your donation can help us make sure that every child impacted by disasters receives a Comfort Bear and a message of hope. With your help, we can make sure that no child has to face the aftermath of a disaster without feeling safe and loved.
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As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we're able to offer tax-deductible donations. This means your contribution not only makes a difference to the children we serve, but can also benefit you come tax season.
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Please join us in our mission to bring comfort and hope to children in need. Your support can make all the difference in the world to a child who's struggling to find their way in the aftermath of a disaster.
The Bigger Picture
Natural disasters cause significant insured losses in the United States, totaling $15 billion annually. With the frequency of disasters on the rise, they pose a great threat to our nation. While immediate attention is often given to emergency care and essential supplies, the importance of mental health is often overlooked. Disasters can have long-term impacts, particularly on children's mental health.
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At our organization, we recognize the importance of addressing the mental health needs of children affected by disasters. We have provided Comfort Bears to many families as a way to support children facing trauma. These bears have even been distributed as Christmas and holiday gifts, when families are focusing on meeting their basic needs after a disaster. By supporting the mental health of children, we can help them recover and build resilience in the face of adversity.
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER, MIMI HYMEL
Mimi Hymel is both the founder and current Executive Director of Comfort Bears in a Catastrophe, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides teddy bears and 24/7 free counseling to children impacted by disasters. Mimi established the organization in 2020 as an undergraduate at Arizona State University, and her vision has since grown into a widely recognized nonprofit, touching lives across all 50 states. With her Master's in Public Administration from Grand Canyon University, and now pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology to better aid children in times of disaster, Mimi is utilizing her academic expertise for the greater good.
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As a child survivor of Hurricane Katrina, Mimi knows firsthand the importance of comfort in the aftermath of a disaster. She
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witnessed the lack of comfort items available for children during such traumatic times, which inspired her to create Comfort Bears in a Catastrophe. The organization's mission is to provide teddy bears and 24/7 free counseling to children affected by disasters, recognizing that these comfort items can significantly impact a child's mental health, social skills, and educational development. To date, the organization has provided tens of thousands of teddy bears to children nationwide, offering an impactful source of hope during difficult times.
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Mimi believes that the absence of comfort items, especially after traumatic situations like disasters, can have negative long-term impacts on a child's mental health, social skills, and education. She shares, "After losing my favorite teddy bear in the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina, I knew the value of a teddy bear in providing comfort and helping me deal with the trauma. I wanted to make sure that other children have access to that same source of comfort and support during difficult times."
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Mimi's dedication to disaster preparedness extends beyond her own organization. She is a passionate disaster preparedness advocate and has volunteered with the Red Cross for over a decade. She is proud to be part of their Disaster Action Team, supporting individuals and families after a disaster. Mimi brings a Comfort Bear with her every time she responds to a disaster call, providing immediate comfort to children in need.
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Her philanthropic efforts are extensive and impressive. Mimi has raised over $225,000 for various organizations, including Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, the American Heart Association, and Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), among others. She has also been honored by several Mayors, Councilmembers, and received a prestigious Presidential Volunteer Service Award from the President in 2019. Mimi's commitment to service is also evident in her extensive volunteer work. She has dedicated over 315 hours this year alone to various causes, showcasing her deep commitment to fostering positive change.
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To learn more about our mission and Mimi's inspiring work, visit the 'About Us' section. Together, we can make a difference, one bear at a time.
MEET BOARD MEMBER, KASEY O'BRIEN
Kasey O’Brien’s career has been marked by its commitment to serving her community and its members. Believing that kindness and compassion are essential to resilience, she is committed to Comfort Bears mission of providing hope to children facing trauma caused by natural disasters.
Her dedication to serving others is informed by her experience as a live-in Americorps member at Maggie's Place, a shelter for moms and babies. Through her experience working and living with mothers and children facing homelessness, she saw how tangible support can provide hope and a sense of stability, even in the darkest times.
Kasey earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Management and Policy from the University of Arizona in 2020, and is currently pursuing education to become a registered nurse. Believing that compassion and dedication empowers all people to thrive, her goal is to help others know they are cared for in the darkest of times. She currently works in a hemodialysis clinic with patients facing end-stage kidney failure diagnosis.
MEET BOARD MEMBER, MARYBETH MASELBAS
Marybeth Maselbas is a seasoned Account Manager and recruitment specialist with a focus on strategic partnerships and business development. Currently serving as the Organizational Development Manager at Miracle Professional Group, Marybeth has a proven track record of designing and implementing marketing, outreach, and recruitment strategies that drive employee engagement and business growth.
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Though Marybeth lived in California during the wildfires, she was fortunate not to be directly impacted. However, witnessing the devastation fueled her desire to give back, and through Comfort Bears in a Catastrophe, she plays a key role in helping young disaster survivors find comfort through our organization’s support.
Marybeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Service and Public Policy from Arizona State University and an Associate of Arts in Kinesiology and Wellness from Mt. San Antonio College. Her dedication to community service and people-focused solutions continues to shine through in all she does.
MEET BOARD MEMBER, CAITLIN MARTIN
With a deep commitment to community service, Caitlin has dedicated over seven years to addressing the issue of bullying in schools. Her work has included advocacy and volunteer efforts with various organizations across the valley, aimed at raising awareness and finding solutions to this critical issue. Her experiences in pageantry, where she held multiple local titles and received numerous awards, have fueled her passion for this cause, allowing her to leverage her platform to make a tangible impact.
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In addition to her advocacy work, Caitlin is a skilled makeup artist who has generously volunteered her services to support local nonprofit events. Her artistry has been recognized and published, affirming her as a respected professional in her field.
Professionally, Caitlin excels as a paralegal specializing in commercial litigation, working closely with a seasoned attorney. Her dedication to the legal field is evident, and she is preparing to further her education with the goal of attending law school in the near future.
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Caitlin's diverse skills and unwavering commitment to making a difference in her community align perfectly with her role as an officer for Comfort Bears, where she continues to contribute her expertise and passion to our mission.
Miss Earth USA
Comfort Bears in a Catastrophe is proud to be the national philanthropic partner of Miss Earth USA. These beauties serve as ambassadors for our cause, spreading the word about the urgency to curve climate driven disasters and provide Comfort Bears programming in their states.
IMPACT STORIES
Since our nonprofit was founded, we have had a number of success stories and have seen the impact our bears have had on people’s lives. We’re proud to be able to bring a little bit of comfort to those who need it most.
"It is these little moments of smiles I have seen that bring a glimmer of hope among tough times. We might not be able to fix everything over night, but we can infuse it with love one Comfort Bear at a time."
- Savannah Gankiewicz, Miss Hawaii USA
ALLIES OF COMFORT BEARS
Organizations we have partnered with to distribute Comfort Bears in various states.