A BIT ABOUT US
Helping Children Impacted by Disasters
Comfort Bears in a Catastrophe is dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children affected by disasters. We strive to ensure that these children receive a Comfort Bear, along with a handwritten note of encouragement, to bring them comfort and hope.
Our donations go directly to thousands of children impacted by disasters, ranging from hurricanes to fires. We believe that every child deserves to feel safe and loved, especially during difficult times.
As a fiscally sponsored project of IFERS, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are able to offer tax-deductible donation options to our generous supporters. Your contributions make it possible for us to continue spreading comfort and hope to children in need.
Join us to make a positive difference in the lives of these children by donating or volunteering today. Together, we can make an impact!
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.
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. As an undergraduate student at Arizona State University in 2020, Mimi utilized her skills to establish the organization. Now, currently pursuing her Master's in Public Administration at Grand Canyon University, Mimi is utilizing her expertise for the greater good.
As a survivor of Hurricane Katrina, Mimi knows firsthand the importance of comfort in the aftermath of a disaster. She noticed that despite essential items being donated, there was a lack of comfort items available for children impacted by disasters. This led her to create Comfort Bears in a Catastrophe, with the mission of providing teddy bears to children affected by disasters.
Mimi believes that the absence of comfort items 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."
To learn more about our mission, visit the 'About Us'.
ALLIES OF COMFORT BEARS
Organizations we have partnered with to distribute Comfort Bears in various states.
GENEROUS SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS OF COMFORT BEARS
Businesses that have made contributions to our ongoing mission here at Comfort Bears in a Catatsrophe.
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