As a social worker, I always feel the need to help others wherever possible at whatever capacity I am able. When horrors occur such as the massacre that occurred in Orlando, it is easy to find ourselves feeling an array of emotions, one of which may be helplessness. This is normal, however, there are ways we can help.
I have sought out how I could provide assistance to the victims and families, and thought I’d share them below. Amidst a political landscape strewn with damaging and deplorable rhetoric, it’s easy to let our emotions get the best of us, point fingers and shift blame. Rather, I assert we direct our frustrations into action and use our energy to promote unity.
This is a prime opportunity to come together as a nation, and exhibit our ability to be the beautiful and diverse people we are – to express the most nurturing and healing message of all – LOVE. Where there is life, there is hope, and in hope, solidarity. Join me in promoting love, conquering hate and bettering our nation. One love, one heart, one pulse.
If you’re a fellow mental health provider, you can donate your services through giveanhour.org.
If you’re local, the organization Oneblood needs donations of rare blood types O negative, O positive and AB plasma.
You can donate monetarily to the Gofundme page set up by Equality Florida, a nonprofit LGBT civil rights organization.
The global nonprofit organization Planting Peace has set up a site for donations on Crowdrise which will help cover the funeral and medical costs of the victims.
The GLBT Community Center of Central Florida has also set up a Gofundme page where 100% of the profits go to shooting victims and their families.
