Regenerating Communities in this Time of Ongoing Disasters

Disasters—whether wildfires, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, or other disruptions—leave more than physical destruction in their wake. They upend lives, fracture communities, and challenge our collective sense of belonging. Recovery is not just about rebuilding structures; it’s about reweaving the social fabric of community and restoring hope.

For decades, NewStories has worked alongside communities navigating the aftermath of disasters—from Japan to North America and beyond—creating spaces where people can grieve, dream, organize, and take action together. Our work is grounded in deep listening, community facilitation, and the co-creation of regenerative futures.

NewStories is invited into communities in times of crisis to help illuminate pathways forward. We counteract the silos that often emerge post-disaster by fostering collaboration, shared learning, and collective action. Our approach integrates immediate recovery efforts with long-term regeneration, ensuring that rebuilding is not just about physical infrastructure but about strengthening the relationships and systems that sustain a thriving community.

Community led-recovery: Re-Storying in Action

When disaster strikes, life changes in an instant. What was is gone, and what might be feels invisible. Yet, even in the midst of overwhelming grief, some begin to ask: What do I want now, for my life and the future of my community?
 
At NewStories, we believe that communities are the authors of their own future. The energy, experience, wisdom, and vision needed to move forward already exist within the people of the place. We specialize in post-disaster community facilitation, guiding individuals and communities through healing, processing loss, and envisioning a regenerative future rooted in their unique needs.
 
In these excruciating moments, there is an opening—an opportunity to leap beyond old constraints and Re-Story.
Only when the social fabric of a community is re-stitched can physical rebuilding be sustained in a way that supports a thriving future. NewStories helps communities navigate this uncharted territory, clarifying core principles and guiding cycles of reflection, planning, and action.
 
This is community-led recovery. This is Re-Storying in action.

Our Offerings for Fire-Affected Communities​

1. Community Facilitation

We first listen. Each person and community has a unique history, story, and aspiration for the future. Our experienced facilitators work closely with communities to provide a safe and supportive environment for open dialogue, collaboration, and healing. Through workshops, group sessions, and one-on-one support, we co-design and facilitate a unique community led recovery process, supporting communities in making sense of their experience and determining their own path forward. Our participatory processes  such as community sense-making help communities Re-Story their lives, illuminating a way forward that is both meaningful and actionable. It’s your story, we are here to help illuminate it and bring it to life.

2. Processing Loss

Grieving is a nuanced process that requires time and understanding. Before communities can embark on the journey of rebuilding, they must first navigate the complexities of the initial loss. At the heart of our approach is the belief that each community possesses its own narrative and individualized healing journey. Through our experiences, we have witnessed the transformative power that arises when individuals come together to process their grief collectively. We strive to support communities in sharing their stories, experiences, and aspirations for the future in ways that resonate with their unique identity. In this journey, we understand that the pain we endure is a direct measure of our love for what was lost, a love that becomes the essential energy needed to re-weave the social fabric of the community. Healing begins when people feel seen, heard, and held in their experiences.

3. Envisioning a Regenerative Future

The foundation of building a resilient community lies in a collective vision for the future based on shared values. Our team orchestrates envisioning sessions that empower communities to explore their genuine aspirations and the interconnectedness that originates in their relationships to each other, the land, and their history. From this place of connection, people can collectively Re-Story what is now possible. It all begins with recognizing our shared story—what narrative do we want our life and recovery to convey?

4. Finding A Way Forward

Bringing new stories to life requires more than imagination—it takes intentional action, trust, and collective vision. At NewStories, we support communities in the essential work of Re-Patterning and Re-Structuring, pioneering participatory processes that help people build trust, uncover shared values, and co-create tangible plans for meaningful change. Through community-led initiatives, participatory planning, and systems-thinking approaches, we walk alongside communities as they navigate the real steps needed to turn new stories into lived realities.

Why Choose NewStories?

  • Experience: With more than 20 years of experience, NewStories has worked with communities around the world in post-disaster recovery and regeneration.
  • Compassionate Approach: Our team brings deep care and commitment to each community, ensuring that recovery efforts are place-based and trauma-informed.
  • Proven Impact: Our place-based and context specific approach fosters stronger, more resilient communities by centering local wisdom and leadership.

We are here when called upon- whether you are an individual seeking support, a community leader, or an established agency, NewStories welcomes collaboration and engagement.

Support & Resources

When fires hit Lahaina, Hawaii, NewStories and our friends at Regenerating Paradise shared tips from our experiences. What needs to happen is shaped by local culture and geography, but “Ashes to Resilience: A Guide to Wildfire Recovery” may offer some starting points.

NewStories is working with partners from wildfire-affected communities to create a Wildfire Affected Communities Collaboratory. This initiative brings together people from across the West and the world to share learning, experiences, and solidarity to regenerate community.