On Hurricane Harvey

Contact: Carla Hofland, Director of Member Services
Phone: 212-358-1250 x302
E-mail: carla@amshq.org

American Montessori Society
116 East 16th Street, New York, NY 10003-2163

August 30, 2017

Dear Montessori Friends and Colleagues,

I am writing to express AMS’s deepest concern for everyone who has been impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Among the millions who have been affected are members of our Montessori community—schools, teacher education programs, teachers, support staff, families, and, of course, our children.

We are evaluating the situation to determine how we can be most helpful. However, until things stabilize, and the totality of the damages is determined, there are many unknowns.

Currently, my staff and I are in the process of reaching out to all of our member schools and teacher education programs in affected areas. Many of your will have received a phone call from us earlier in the week—others will be hearing from us very soon. If we are not able to reach you by phone, we will follow up with a personal email. Please respond, when you can, to let us know how you are and what your needs are.

Maria Montessori said, “We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.”

With this in mind, we know that many of you are thinking about how you can help.

Here are several resources you may find helpful:

·        Texas Monthly: information about donating to programs that serve people with special needs, and more

·        Dallas Morning News: how to register as a volunteer, provide supplies, and more

·        Archdiocese of New Orleans: Parish-based support…

·        Chron: food banks, donate money, support African-American businesses, help pets…

·        San Diego Tribune: volunteer, donate money…

·        USA Today: help a children’s hospital, donate money, volunteer…

·        CNN: donate blood, donate supplies, help with cleanup…

We will be continuing to monitor the situation and to assess how our community can best support those affected.

Sincerely,

Carla Hofland
Director of Member Services
212-358-1250 x302