WAUKESHA, Wis. — More than a week past the tragic events of the Waukesha Christmas parade, it is difficult to say that the city is “returning to normal.”
With the memory still fresh in many people’s minds, normalcy is something that likely won’t be achieved for a long time. However, as schools and businesses reopen, people are sending a message that support will remain for a long time.
Monday, Richard Yeomans could be seen walking around downtown checking in on local businesses. Yeomans, who lives in southern California, is a chaplain with Emergency Ministry Services. He has been handing out literature about how to cope with grief and trauma to anyone who needs it.
Yeomans said he is amazed how much he has been welcomed by the community as he works to lend a helping hand.
“I think one of the valuable parts for me is being kind of a neutral body that comes here and isn’t necessarily from this area,” said Yeomans. “It almost gives them a sense that it is OK for them to talk openly about their own personal feelings.”
A helping hand that extends far beyond the streets of downtown. Monday Waukesha schools reopened for the first time since the holiday parade. District administration says more than 75 school counselors are available for students to talk with.
Around 50 of those counselors work in the Waukesha School District, and others have been brought in from neighboring districts like Pewaukee and Elmbrook.
Superintendent Jim Sebert said the work of these counselors to help students and staff is commendable.
“Day in and day out we see their brilliance and they just elevate their game in situations like this where most of us are having so many questions that we can’t figure out which way maybe we should go they are the ones that are rock solid in terms of helping kids and helping adults,” Sebert said.
The Waukesha School District said the additional counselor support will remain in schools Tuesday and that help will be available all year long for any student who feels they need to talk.