In the wake of Hurricane Ian, the communities of Sanibel and Captiva Islands were left with destroyed homes, displaced families, and emotional scars. But, as always, these hurricane-hit communities proved that recovery is not just about rebuilding structures but about rebuilding lives. At the heart of this recovery effort was F.I.S.H. of SANCAP, a local organization embodying the “neighbors helping neighbors” philosophy, and the American Red Cross Long Term Recovery program, which provided crucial support even after the immediate disaster response had passed.

F.I.S.H. of SANCAP, with its mission to enrich lives through social services, education, and assistance, partnered with Camp Noah to deliver more than just relief—it offered healing. “Partnerships and collaboration continue to be one of our greatest strengths as noted by the extremely successful Camp Noah summer program in early June. To counter the trauma from Hurricane Ian experienced by children, we partnered with Camp Noah to offer a free, week-long day camp for local elementary-age children," said Maria Espinoza, Executive Director for F.I.S.H. of SANCAP.

Thanks to a grant from the American Red Cross Long Term Recovery team, F.I.S.H. hosted the summer camp for 40 children who had endured the trauma of Hurricane Ian. Held at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, the nationally recognized Camp Noah focused on helping these young campers process the emotional impact of the storm through daily activities rooted in resilience.

Camp Noah's approach centered on fun and friendship to foster connection among the participants. The camp’s facilitators, including F.I.S.H. staff, volunteers, mental health professionals from Azul Mind Space, and local organizations, worked together to provide the children with the tools they needed to heal. Through engaging workshops, such as learning about fire safety from the Sanibel Fire Department and understanding the importance of wildlife preservation from the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, campers were equipped with practical skills for both preparedness and emotional recovery. 

One of the standout programs during the camp was the “Pillowcase Project.” This session, hosted by the Red Cross, taught the children how to pack essential items into a pillowcase in case of an emergency. More than a simple preparedness lesson, the Pillowcase Project helped the children feel empowered to take control in situations that often seem uncontrollable. They learned not only how to protect themselves and their families but also about the value of staying calm and focused during a crisis.

This program highlighted an essential truth: the work of the American Red Cross and its partners doesn’t stop when the storm clouds clear. Long after the immediate threat of a disaster has passed, organizations like F.I.S.H. of SANCAP and the Red Cross remain committed to helping communities recover, heal, and become stronger for the future. The Long Term Recovery program is a testament to this commitment. While immediate disaster response focuses on lifesaving relief, such as providing shelter and food, long-term recovery is about ensuring that families are given the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

“Partnerships are important to FI.S.H. because they expand our network in order to ensure that needs, big or small, are met. We are so thankful to the American Red Cross for their support after Hurricane Ian and beyond. They provided essential supplies after the disaster and continue to support our long-term recovery efforts on island. Without guidance and support from the Red Cross, we would not have been able to provide the aid and care we did for the survivors,” said Maria.

Children, in particular, face unique challenges after disasters. Without the ability to fully understand the situation, they can carry fear, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness for months or even years after the event. That’s why programs like Camp Noah are so crucial. By giving children the opportunity to talk about their experiences, share their feelings, and learn valuable coping mechanisms, they are given the tools to move forward with confidence. Educating children about preparedness also instills a sense of security and resilience. They learn that while disasters may be unpredictable, they are not powerless in the face of them.

For F.I.S.H. of SANCAP, Camp Noah was a chance to bring their vision of creating a supportive community to life. The camp was not just about helping children move past the trauma of Hurricane Ian, it was about helping them realize their potential to thrive in the face of adversity. Thanks to the combined efforts of local volunteers, mental health professionals, and partners like the Red Cross, these young campers left Camp Noah not only with new friendships but with a sense of empowerment and readiness for the future.

The story of F.I.S.H. of SANCAP and Camp Noah is a powerful reminder that recovery from disasters is a marathon, not a sprint. Through long-term initiatives like these, the Red Cross and its partners ensure that communities are not left to recover alone. By focusing on resilience, preparedness, and education, they help individuals of all ages build stronger foundations for the future. In doing so, they prove that the true measure of recovery is not just rebuilding homes, but rebuilding hope.

By Stephanie Wesseling, American Red Cross Public Affairs