These children have a clean and safe playground thanks to AmeriCares, which has funded more than one hundred large and small garden projects in communities devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

This community garden is one of more than one hundred large and small garden projects AmeriCares has funded for earthquake and tsunami survivors in Japan. Some gardens give elderly survivors a place to be active and meet and work with others. All are part of the $1.5 million in aid we’ve provided to improve survivors’ mental well-being.

Big hands and little hands help to plant as part of recovery efforts following the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami. This community garden is one of more than one hundred large and small garden projects AmeriCares has funded for more than 5,000 earthquake and tsunami survivors in Japan.

This community garden is one of more than one hundred large and small garden projects AmeriCares has funded for more than 5,000 earthquake and tsunami survivors in Japan.

New flower beds and trees funded by AmeriCares help restore a playground that had been polluted after being exposed to the tsunami wave. Now this new landscape can be freely enjoyed by the youngsters of this community.

This playground is one of more than one hundred large and small garden projects AmeriCares has funded for more than 5,000 earthquake and tsunami survivors in Japan.

The 2011 earthquake and tsunami damaged 60 dental clinics in Iwate. Now mobile teams of dentists use portable equipment donated by AmeriCares to bring dental care to elderly patients, many of whom live in temporary housing far from a clinic.

Mr. Shinji Akifuji is just one of thousands who lost their homes and businesses in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. He participates in one of the hundreds of gardening projects AmeriCares supports to improve survivors’ mental health and well being.

These girls are enjoying one of 59 community events AmeriCares has funded in the past two years. The funding helps gather relocated residents and reinstate seasonal celebrations, reducing isolation and stress in survivors.

AmeriCares is working with local organizations to rebuild community life, funding events and programs that benefit residents throughout the region, including this barbecue for a fisherman’s association. Men especially are at risk for depression due to the stress of isolation.

After losing their homes in the earthquake and tsunami, many young mothers were isolated and stressed. With partner Baby Smile Ishinomaki, AmeriCares is giving 1,400 women in Ishinomaki the support they need.

The support programs are effective: More than 80 percent of participants felt less anxious after taking part and 95 percent felt closer to their child.

With partner Baby Smile Ishinomaki, AmeriCares is giving 1,400 women in Ishinomaki the support they need.

After taking part, more than 80 percent of participants felt less anxious and 95 percent felt closer to their child. Now, Baby Smile is looked at as a model of care throughout the region.

With partner Baby Smile Ishinomaki, AmeriCares is giving 1,400 women in Ishinomaki the support they need.

The mothers attend talks by child-care experts and join in “mommy and me” exercises. The programs are effective: More than 80 percent of participants felt less anxious after taking part and 95 percent felt closer to their child.