Helping Injured Kids be Kids: Firefighters for Healing Transitional Healing Center
When the doors to the Firefighters for Healing’s Transitional Healing Center opened for the first time in January 2023 in downtown Minneapolis, the air was filled with excitement and anticipation. So many had given their time, talents and dollars to bring this first-of-its-kind facility to life to change the lives of countless individuals who had suffered from burn trauma. The Transitional Healing Center provides victims of burn trauma, including firefighters and other first responders, with cost-free lodging while seeking medical care at Hennepin County Medical Center’s Burn Center.
An important part of the new center is the spirited, youth-focused Joy Room funded through a three-year financial commitment totaling $50,000 from Affinity Plus and designed by partners – and Affinity Plus members – the Joy Collaborative. The Joy Room is a corner of the world where kids can forget about their medical treatments and simply be kids.
Having Fun, Building Confidence
As children enter the Joy Room, their eyes widen with wonder at the Touch 2 Play interactive gaming system, arts and crafts table and array of games. The Joy Room isn’t just about fun and games. It is also a place for kids to build their confidence, make new friends and connect with others with similar experiences.
The space also serves to connect youth to Firefighters for Healing Camp Red – a summer camp for youth and families who have experienced burn trauma. The camp connects families with similar experiences to help them cope with their scars, share their stories and build lasting friendships. Now, the Joy Room in the Transitional Healing Center can serve as a gateway to this incredible camp experience.
The team at Joy Collaborative has a mission to build joyful spaces for children with life-limiting conditions. That’s why they put their heart and soul into creating the Joy Room with visual and functional effects to engage youth, while also providing them with a safe environment.
The Joy Collaborative is always looking for volunteer contractors, designers and installers for projects. If you are interested in giving back in this way, we encourage you to reach out to them on their website: https://joycollaborative.org/
