By Liz McBreen
In the wake of the tragedy, the American Red Cross came to the aid of thousands of families affected by the tragedy. While the days and weeks immediately after the attacks were filled with confusion and uncertainty as to where loved ones were, Heegan, 25, knew that coping with the losses would take years.
Impressed with the work of the organization, Heegan decided to join the relief effort as a Family Support Specialist at the Nassau Chapter of the Red Cross. "Having been in the social service guild, I saw the good rapport the Red Cross had with these families," she said. "I wanted to be a part of it."
As a member of the 9/11 Recovery Program, Heegan provides families with the resources they need to receive financial assistance and counseling. This includes the Mental Health benefit, which helps connect 9/11 victims' families to mental health treatment and support groups. Heegan guides victims through clinical case management, financial assistance and referral to other helpful health resources.
The recovery program includes not only mental health services but health care, family support and community coordination services. One of Heegan's primary resources in aiding families is Project Liberty, a campaign set up by the New York State Office of Mental Health after Sept. 11. Project Liberty sponsors "Feel Free to Feel Better," a program designed to provide crisis counseling to those still affected.
In addition to providing day-to-day support for families, Heegan also coordinates the monthly Family Night at the Nassau chapter in Mineola. "The sessions include group discussions that allow families to talk about stress, the grieving process, financial issues and dealing with unwanted change," said Heegan. "Along with Family Nights, home visits are available to families as needed, to become more familiar with the families and become increasingly involved and understanding."
Heegan also volunteers for the Disaster Action Team. This allows her to become even more involved with the community by assisting families affected by disaster. "When shelters are opened during fires or other disasters, I'm ready to help," Heegan said.
Her continuing efforts to educate herself include attending training courses at ARC/Nassau and earning her MBA online at the University of Phoenix. These activities play off one another and allow Heegan to become increasingly better equipped to handle her large workload and provide quality services to her families. When Heegan started at the Red Cross last December, she was working with 138 Long Island families. Since another employee was taken on to help with the workload, Heegan now deals directly with 68 families.
She has enjoyed her first few months on the job. "I have been provided with great training by the Red Cross, and it feels wonderful to help these families," she said.
Heegan is no stranger to helping and counseling people in need. After graduating from the State University of Oneonta with a B.S. in child and family studies, she worked as a service coordinator for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families, helping them to get the best services possible. In addition to all of the families she assists, she cares for her own young family, which includes two children, ages 3 and 2.
Heegan remains strongly optimistic about the Sept. 11 Recovery program and being actively involved in advocating for her families. "I hope to help the community feel a greater sense of togetherness in these hard times, and to allow the families of victims to know that we are here for them," she says. "This job requires a large sense of devotion and strength to truly help the families."
Heegan urges anyone looking to make a financial contribution, take a safety course, volunteer or request more information to call (516) 747-3500, e-mail info@nassauredcross.org or visit www.NassauRedCross.org.
