Promo video explaining how the Burned Children Recovery Foundation provides support and services to burned children and their families all over the United States. Introduction
280,000 children are burned every year in America. How many have you see? Not many, because most severely burned children never leave their home once burned. They go into hiding. They may become suicidal. They eventually become a burden on society when and if they become adults. They are not living life to its fullest. The social perception of a burn survivor is that they are socially discriminated against more than any other group in America. Our goal is to prevent this from happening while they are young by giving them the tools, resource and help so that they can overcome any obstacles that stand in their way of recovery. The Burned Children Recovery Foundation’s support and information makes the road to recovery less difficult. Many children are turned away from this help because the funds are not there. We provide support and financial assistance to any child that is burned, age 17 and under and living in the United States. No family is rejected service based on their social, economic status, race, ethnicity or gender.
Mission
Our dedicated staff and caring volunteers are committed to effectively helping burned children and their families manage the emotional, social and psychological effects of being scarred.
Providing Hope and New Beginnings to Burned Children for 29 years
We Let No Child Walk Alone!
Lifelong Everett native, Michael T. Mathis, was burned over 64% of his body at age 11 in 1967 and is the Founder and President of the BCRF. The BCRF has an additional paid staff member who is the Executive Director and Corporate Treasurer. The BCRF Board of Directors oversees all programs, implements fundraising programs and provides strategic planning advice. The Burned Children Recovery Foundation has over 780 volunteers who play an important role in fulfilling the BCRF's mission. Many are involved in fundraising efforts as well as volunteering their time and expertise for the BCRF’s many programs.
Burns can be physically and psychologically devastating. Unlike many other injuries, those with burn and scald injuries wear the scars of their trauma for the world to see. The need for ongoing support to cope with the emotional, mental and financial issues is crucial. There is a growing society of hidden children that are lost because of the negative response to their burn scars. To date we have distributed over 127,700 recovery packets to burned children and their families after fire and burns have changed their lives forever!
Services and Programs
The Burned Children Recovery Foundation has many support programs and activities where the children can come and learn how to deal with what has happened to them. We offer unique support from experienced burn survivors who understand the trauma the children are going through. The credibility of “having walked in their shoes” helps the burn survivor trust, feel comfortable asking questions, and seek support and understanding in dealing with personal difficulties. This support helps the children through the transition from victim to a survivor.
BCRF Provides:
• Transportation, meals and lodging costs for medical appointments or surgeries
• Financial assistance for out of pocket medical costs and counseling
• Toll free burn survivors help line
• Phoenix House Recovery Center for high trauma children
• National Burned Children’s Camp, Camp Phoenix
• School re-entry program that prepares the school so the child can return to a safe
environment
• Funds for school, summer and winter clothing that helps to build self-esteem in the child
• Costs for activities and hobbies outside the home that prevents reclusion
(We will consider any request from a family for help if it meets our mission statement)
With the programs and the tools that we provide to the children, they learn that they can continue to live full and productive lives behind the scars.
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