Southern CA Regional Message – November 2022
My name is Andrew Mersmann and I am the Director of Programs and Services. Below is my message to you for the month of November 2022.
Hello AARBF family, my name is Andrew “Monkey” Mersmann. You may know me from my years of volunteering at Champ Camp, weekend retreats and other activities. I have joined the AARBF team as the new Director of Programs and Services. As you know, Margarita Rodriguez left the foundation in September, so I will also be covering the Southern California region during this transitional period.
One of my first tasks in Southern CA is to plan the holiday party. It’s not quite ready to go, so watch our social media and your email for more information coming soon! If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at amersmann@aarbf.org.
If you are a burn survivor and family member and wish to be added to our monthly email, please email info@aarbf.org and indicate your region.
Dinner & Dance
December 10, 2022
If you plan to be in the Clovis area, join us in December at the Dinner & Dance. Space for this event is limited and we sold out early last year. So, round up your friends and join us! Visit our website at https://www.aarbf.org/dinner-and-dance-2022/ to learn more.
Writing Expression
November 29, 2022
Watch for more information coming soon on our social media or via email on this month’s Writing Expression. Please note: The date for November has been changed to a Tuesday, the time 7:00PM, remains the same.
Support Groups
Southern California – November 6, 2022 from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. This is an in-person regional support group open to both survivors and their family members. Currently this group is meeting virtually, but will convert back to an in-person group as soon as it is safe to do so. Contact me at amersmann@aarbf.org to register.
Caregiver – November 3, 2022 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. This is an online state-wide support group for family members, care givers and loved ones of burn survivors. This group is closed to burn survivors. To register, please contact Scott Wertz at swertz@aarbf.org.
Spanish Speaking – November 15, 2022 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm. This is an online support group specifically designed for Spanish-speaking burn survivors. Contact me at amersmann@aarbf.org to register.
Statewide – November 17, 2022 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. This is an online support group open to both burn survivors and their loved ones throughout California. To register, please contact Scott Wertz at swertz@aarbf.org.
Peer Support – Not everyone is comfortable in a group setting, which is why the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation offers one-on-one Peer Support. Peer Support is a power tool for healing from a burn trauma. There is something magical that happens when one survivor sits and shares their experience and healing process with another. Peer support can relieve the feeling of being all alone in your experience. Peer support can come in many forms; a burn survivor talking to another burn survivor, a parent talking to another parent or loved one. This service is not limited to burn survivors. A burn injury can affect the entire family, caregivers and other loved ones. Contact me at amersmann@aarbf.org to get started today.
Back to School Support (available upon request) – Contact me at amersmann@aarbf.org to learn more about this program.
Featured Videos
AARBF’s Multimedia Resource Library includes tip sheets, videos, stories, and so much more. Video content within the library has been developed by the AARBF Community; including our staff, volunteers, burn survivors and community partners! Below are our featured videos for July!
AARBF Wellness Team members Jamba and Poppy share ways to help you manage stress and anxiety through breathing.
If you want to try yoga but think your body can’t do the yoga poses, then this video is for you. Our yoga team will show you how to modify the poses to suit your body.