Navigating the Los Angeles Wildfires: A Compassionate and Trauma-Resilient Approach

The wildfires in Los Angeles County have shaken our community deeply. As we witness the loss, displacement, and fear that these fires bring, I find myself reflecting on the power of resilience and the importance of collective care. In moments like these, we are called not just to survive but to draw upon the strength within ourselves and our communities.

Caring for Ourselves in Crisis

Much like parenting, navigating a crisis is a marathon, not a sprint. While the immediate demands of safety and survival feel overwhelming, it’s essential to pause and care for ourselves.

• Breathe through the storm. Ground yourself with this affirmation: “I am doing my best, and that is enough.”
• Focus on the basics. Hydration, nourishment, and rest—even if fleeting—are acts of resilience.
• Allow space for emotions. It's okay to feel grief, fear, or anger. Acknowledge these feelings without judgment; they are part of the healing process.

Strength in Connection

As parents, neighbors, and community members, we are stronger when we lean on one another. The same principles I’ve shared about positive parenting—empathy, communication, and respect—are the foundation of community care.

• Check on your neighbors. A small gesture, like offering water or a listening ear, can mean the world.
• Be present for your children. Even in chaos, consistent love and reassurance will help them feel secure.
• Engage with support networks. Mutual aid groups and local organizations often rise to meet the needs of communities in times of disaster.

Cultivating Resilience Through Affirmations

In the face of trauma, I’ve seen the incredible power of words to ground and heal. These affirmations may offer a touchstone during difficult moments:

• “I am strong enough to face this moment, and I don’t have to do it alone.”
• “This community is full of care, courage, and compassion.”
• “Together, we will rebuild, stronger than before.”

TREC Takeaways: Turning to Hope

At TREC, we know that building resilience is not about erasing hardship but growing through it. As parents, neighbors, and leaders, we can model hope and healing in tangible ways:

• Buffer the effects of trauma. Offer children and loved one’s consistent love and understanding. A stable presence is the greatest gift we can give.
• Empower with agency. Involve your children in age-appropriate decisions, like choosing supplies to pack or helping a neighbor. This builds confidence and resilience.
• Foster community connections. Relationships are the lifeblood of resilience. Lean into your networks for support and offer the same to others.

Even in this season of loss, I see glimmers of hope in the acts of kindness that ripple through our community. We are witnessing resilience in action—neighbors helping neighbors, strangers offering shelter, and families holding tightly to one another.

Let us move forward with courage, compassion, and an unwavering belief in our ability to heal and rebuild together.

Be safe and well,

Staci Roth