Waukesha Parade Tragedy Mental Health Services

You are most likely aware of the tragic events that took place on Sunday November 21st at the Waukesha Holiday Parade. An SUV intentionally plowed through the parade route and struck at least 60 victims, many of whom were children. A joyous tradition that quickly turned into a horrific series of events. Myself and my children were at the parade and witnessed the devastation. Luckily, we left physically unharmed unlike so many others. However, mentally this event has taken a toll on many, children and adults alike. 

I have created this GoFundMe page to raise money for those who have been affected as well as the community as a whole. Mental health will be a priority in the days and months that lie ahead. Unfortunately, common barriers to mental health care access include limited availability and affordability. This issue has worsened during the pandemic. I have partnered with a local non-profit counseling organization called Family Service of Waukesha.

The center spent this week getting a plan in place with the school districts to answer calls that will come in and for the return of students next Monday. The therapists spoke to many people affected by the tragedy while maintaining their usual client caseload. The team has worked tirelessly with community health and mental health partners to arrange several appointment options based on geography and client need. The next phase of planning is to organize group sessions, as well as continue individual and family sessions. They will be continuing to partner with the schools and be prepared to meet the in-house needs of staff and students as these are identified. They will be constantly evaluating community need and striving to meet that need.

Family Services of Waukesha has been in the community 57 years and have therapists on site in approximately 60 schools in Southeast Wisconsin, including all schools in the School District of Waukesha.

Thank you for your support and thoughts for the community and those affected. Any donation, large or small, will make a difference. Let’s do what we can to make quality mental health services more available for those in need after this devastation. Please share with anyone who is willing and wanting to help.

GoFundMe asked that I include:

1. Who you are-Theresa Lombardo

2. Where you're from-Southeast Wisconsin

3. Your relationship to the parties you're raising funds for-community member, spoke with the executive director, Krystal Wynter, to determine the need

4. How the funds will be spent (be specific as possible)-Providing increased availability of quality mental health services to the affected families and community as a whole after the Waukesha Christmas Parade Tragedy. Improving accessibility of counseling for students within the school districts.