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Family Resources

As we enter this new season at Abundant Life Christian School, we continue to hold firmly to the Lord’s promises. He has never left us, and we are grateful for His ever-present help. We may not understand everything that occurred on December 16, but we know that God is good, and we trust Him in every circumstance.

We are grateful for the abundance of resources available to our families as we walk through recovery and healing. Below, you’ll find practical resources and tips to support your children and care for yourself as a parent.

 

 

Connect With Your Church

We encourage families to lean on their church community for support and reach out to their pastor for spiritual care and counseling. If you do not have a church home, we encourage you to connect with a local church.

FAITH-BASED PRAYER SUPPORT

  • Billy Graham Prayer Line: Call toll-free anytime, day or night at (888) 388-2683 or (855) 255-7729, or request prayer online
  • Christian Broadcasting Network Prayer Line: Call toll-free anytime, day or night at (800) 700-7000, or request prayer online
  • Life 102.5: Submit a prayer request
  • Trinity Broadcasting Network Prayer Line: Call (714) 731-1000 or request prayer online
  • Living Springs International Church Midnight Hour Prayer: Call (608) 716-4100 to join midnight prayer from 12am–1am, Monday–Friday, with Pastor Sam Twum.

 

Parent Resources

Parents play an important role in supporting their child through recovery and healing after a traumatic event. Caring for your child can also be difficult and exhausting, so it is important to care for yourself along the way. We hope these resources provide helpful information and practical tools for both you and your child.

Featured Parent Resources 

SURVIVOR-TO-SURVIVOR TIPS FOR RECOVERY AND RESILIENCY
Dr. Moreland shared this special resource with us, developed by a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing. It offers practical tips for recovery and resiliency and can help parents as they navigate their own healing while supporting their child.

MENTAL HEALTH TOOLKIT FOR FAMILIES
ALCS' Recovery Coordinator provided this mental health toolkit, which is also used in our classrooms. It includes practical tools to help children and families ground themselves and refocus when feeling activated or overwhelmed.

THE NATIONAL CHILD TRAUMATIC STRESS NETWORK GUIDE
The NCTSN offers a helpful guide for parents on supporting children and teens after a traumatic event. It includes information about common reactions and practical ways parents can support their children and themselves. Here is the guide in Spanish.

 

Communicating About Crisis Events

NAVIGATING A CRISIS WITH CHILDREN 

  • Limit exposure to graphic media
  • Children take cues from adults, so manage your stress openly
  • Shield children from adult worries; let them be children

DISCUSSING CRISIS DETAILS WITH CHILDREN 

  • Provide clear, factual information without graphic details
  • Show empathy and validate the child’s feelings
  • Reassure them about safety and encourage ongoing conversation
  • Listen, validate, and take the child’s concerns seriously

TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT A CRISIS 

  • Make time, but don’t force it
  • Look for signs that the child wants to talk
  • Choose calm moments for discussion (in the car, at dinner, or during calming activities)
  • Let the child’s questions guide the conversation

      — From the WI Department of Justice's Office of School Safety

 

Taking Care of Your Children

Parents often wonder: “What is normal? How long will this process take? My child isn't talking about what happened. Is that okay?”

Every child responds differently to a traumatic event. These resources can help you understand common reactions and provide practical ways to support your child.

TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN
Let them know they can ask questions and share their concerns and feelings. Be available when they are ready to talk, but don't pressure them. It's okay if you don't have all the answers, and it's okay to say that.

MAKE TIME TO CONNECT
Use everyday moments, such as meals or time together in the evening, to check in and talk about what is happening. Avoid difficult conversations close to bedtime when possible.

KNOW WHEN TO SEEK HELP 
If your child continues to struggle in the weeks or months following a traumatic event, consider reaching out to a trusted doctor or mental health professional.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

 

Taking Care of Yourself

As you care for your children, remember to care of yourself, too. You don't have to walk through this alone. Connect with your Challenger family, family and friends, and your church community. 

If you're feeling isolated or carrying a lot of grief, please reach out to another parent. Send a text, make a call, share a meal, pray together, or simply let the kids play. Small moments of connection can make a difference.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Do your best to drink plenty of water, eat regularly, get enough sleep, and stay active. 

LEAN ON OTHERS
Spend time with trusted family, friends, or members of your community who can listen and support you.

GIVE YOURSELF TIME
Avoid making any unnecessary, major life decisions while you are processing and healing.

GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK
Make time to rest and do things you enjoy.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

 

Counseling Resources

Looking for counseling or additional support? The following providers have offered counseling services or resources to ALCS students.

RAPID TRAUMA RESPONSE GROUPS
Depending on need and interest, Journey Mental Health is prepared to offer six free small group counseling sessions at ALCS, co-facilitated by an ALCS-connected counselor. Parent permission is required to participate. For more information, contact Annette Intveld at aintveld@alcs.us.

NEW LIFE RESOURCES 
(262) 782-1474
Based in the Milwaukee area, New Life Resources offers virtual and in-person therapy from a Christian perspective. They accept many insurance plans and offer several fee options, including discounts based on need and for those in ministry. Their office can help families understand insurance coverage and available payment options.

ANCHORED HOPE
Anchored Hope offers virtual therapy grounded in biblical principals. They are a partner of Door Creek Church and are offering ALCS families 30% off. Please use the code provided by Mrs. Intveld when scheduling. 

 

 


Standardized Test Tips

Resources to help students prepare for standardized testing, manage test stress, and approach testing with confidence.