POST-HURRICANE IAN EFFORTS OF THE GOLISANO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NAPLES

NAPLES, Florida (October 10, 2022) – The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) has worked to be a resource for children and their families throughout the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. From October 1 to October 7, CMON welcomed over 5,000 visitors free of charge. Coming from every corner of Southwest Florida, visitors have been able to find a bit of respite, air conditioning and power to charge their devices, as well as a sense of normalcy during this difficult time for our community.

 

A traumatic event like Hurricane Ian can be hard for children to make sense of and process their complex feelings. CMON is partnering with the Emotional Wellness Team and community Health Partners and has been providing the opportunity to speak with professionals and inviting service animals into the museum for additional support. CMON will continue to host Licensed Clinical Social Workers from the Emotional Wellness Team and Community Health Partners on Thursdays through October from 10am-12pm.

 

CMON also partnered with Just Play by E. Co to host a complimentary therapeutic yoga class for children and their accompanying adults. Participants of this class were encouraged to bring nonperishable food items and toiletries for those impacted by Hurricane Ian.

 

Jonathan Foerster, CEO, shared that “the mission of Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is to provide an exciting, inspiring environment where children and their families play, learnand dream together. I think we can also say we are a place for children to be themselves, process their feelings, and hopefully start healing their wounds.”