Read the 2009 Annual Report today at www.ldr.org/2009report

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Case Management Training
As you may be aware, Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) has an excellent reputation for responding to disasters. And LDR is probably best known for its long-term recovery efforts. Case management following a disaster plays a vital role in recovery and most case managers are local volunteers. A free training course is being offered in Herculaneum, Mo. (August 17-18). Please share this information with anyone that you feel may have an interest. For an informational flyer, click here.

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September is National Preparedness Month

Plan Now. Work Together. Be Ready.

Did You Know?*

Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility.
Are you Ready?

To learn more about how you, your family, your business and your community can prepare for emergencies and get involved, please visit ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY, TTY 1-800-462-7585. For a Preparedness Month poster, click here.

* Data from Personal Preparedness in America: Findings from the 2009 Citizen Corps National Survey

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Oil Spill Update

From LDR - July 15, 2010

In collaboration with the other members of National VOAD and Church World Service, Lutheran Disaster Response continues to assess the needs of the many people affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. One unmet need that has clearly emerged is for emotional and spiritual care, specifically for young people. This is an area where we as Lutherans have a proud heritage, by providing programs that address the emotional needs of children and teens who have experienced a trauma or disaster.

Two such programs -- "Camp Noah" and "God's Can-Do Kids" -- have proven effective in helping young people to cope with their fears and anxieties of disasters and are well respected in the disaster response community. These programs, which are similar to a Vacation Bible School and range in length from two days to a full week, offer children and teens a chance to cope and heal through games, crafts, stories and other activities.

Seeing this need, Lutheran Disaster Response has made a disbursement from the undesignated disaster fund to host these programs in the Gulf Coast states, beginning with a program in Pensacola, Florida during the last week of July. The undesignated fund allows Lutheran Disaster Response and its affiliates to participate in "Readiness and Response" activities in the absence of a major funding appeal. To contribute to this Readiness and Response fund, and support Lutheran Disaster Response in providing children's programs for those affected by the oil spill, click here.

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From LDR - June 10, 2010

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

We continue to monitor the devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and pray fervently for all those who have been affected. Indeed, while the long-term effects of this tragedy will be felt by all of us, for those whose lives and livelihoods have been directly impacted, the needs for help are acute and overwhelming.

Earlier this week, Jessica Vermilyea, disaster coordinator with Lutheran Social Services of the South, took part in an ecumenical listening tour into the bayou marsh areas of Plaquemines Parish in southeastern Louisiana. As part of this group, Jessica heard from fishermen, business owners, and other local leaders about how the oil spill is affecting them, even as many of them continue to struggle with recovery from Hurricane Katrina.

We have received numerous inquiries from Lutherans around the country about volunteering in some capacity along the Gulf Coast. At this moment, only people who are being specifically trained and equipped by BP are being permitted to work directly in the clean-up process. This has much to do with the health and safety risks of handling the crude oil. In the future, opportunities may emerge for other types of volunteer roles, and each state in the area is receiving names of volunteers who are interested in helping. To register, follow one of the following links:

Several questions have been raised about whether a national funding appeal should be launched in response to this tragedy. Our commitment has always been that we will find the most efficient ways possible to use financial contributions to meet unmet needs that arise from disaster. At this time, BP has pledged that it is their responsibility to pay for all costs related to clean-up as well as to reimburse those who have experienced a loss of income as a result of the spill, and anyone seeking to file a claim can do so directly through the BP Web site. Given the unique nature of this situation, we will not be seeking funding for this response.

Instead, we lift up the unfolding needs of those in the many states affected by flooding and tornadoes so far this spring, including as recently as this past weekend in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. I ask you to consider giving a gift to support the responses getting underway in places like Yazoo City, Mississippi and Nashville, Tennessee. Click here to give today.

In the mean time, we will continue to listen for emerging unmet needs along the Gulf Coast and for meaningful ways that we might engage there. As we do, I ask for your continued prayers for the beautiful land and people of the Gulf Coast as they struggle to overcome this continuing tragedy.

In service,
Rev. Kevin A. Massey, Director


Lutheran Disaster Response
Bringing Help and Hope...
Phone: 773-380-2748
Fax: 773-380-2493
Visit us on the Web at LDR.org
Are you on Facebook? Join the cause.

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Nebraska and Kansas youth campers to assemble 32,000 health kits for people in need
BY CASEY FUERST, DIRECTOR/MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS, NLOM

As campers of all ages gather this summer from throughout Nebraska and Kansas, they will take part in an unprecedented partnership to fill an entire ocean freight container with some 32,000 health kits to be distributed to families living in poverty. More than 1,500 youth will join hearts and hands in assembling the kits as part of the Created for Community Project, a partnership between Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM) and Lutheran World Relief (LWR).

Throughout the summer at Carol Joy Holling Camp near Ashland, Neb., Sullivan Hills near Lodgepole, Neb., and Camp Tomah Shinga at Junction City, Kan., campers will assemble health kits as they learn to put their faith into action in service to their global neighbors.

Once assembled, the health kits will be transported to LWR’s warehouse in New Windsor, Maryland, for final processing before being shipped overseas. The health kits are destined for Haiti as part of LWR’s ongoing response to the January 12 earthquake that killed an estimated 230,000 and left millions homeless and in desperate need of help. Lutheran World Relief works with Lutherans and partners around the world to end poverty, injustice, and human suffering.

“I am excited to partner with Lutheran World Relief in an effort to educate our campers about being a part of the worldwide community,” said Pastor Brad Meyer, Director for Programs at NLOM. “Campers will learn how each of us is dependent upon one another, and the importance of helping people in need.”

For the last several months, LWR’s health kit inventories have remained critically low while requests for assistance across the world increase. The kits—containing basic hygiene supplies to help reduce the spread of germs and disease—are sent around the world to people dealing with the affects of war, disaster, and poverty.

To further the impact of the partnership, NLOM is encouraging Lutheran congregations throughout Nebraska and Kansas to also assemble health kits to be sent to LWR along with the 32,000 assembled by the campers. Instructions for assembling the kits are online at www.lwr.org/beinvolved. Assembled Health Kits can be delivered to the Tomah Shinga Quilt Auction on Saturday, July 10, 2010 or the Carol Joy Holling Quilt Auction on Saturday, July 31, 2010.

A blessing of the health kits, led by President John Nunes of Lutheran World Relief and Bishop Dave deFreese of the ELCA Nebraska Synod, will take place during NLOM’s annual quilt auction fundraiser at Carol Joy Holling Camp on July 31. Visit www.nlom.org for more information on the event.

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LDR BEGINS WORK IN MISSISSIPPI
The path of destruction left by Saturday evening's severe storms in the southern United States begins in Yazoo City, Mississippi, where a massive tornado touched down and traveled for more than 100 miles. Hundreds of homes are estimated to have been destroyed, or heavily damaged, and at least 12 people were killed. Affected communities are now beginning the process of recovery, and Lutheran Disaster Response is playing a vital role in that work.

Image credit: EPA

Sandra Braasch, Lutheran Disaster Response coordinator with Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi, is traveling today into Choctaw County, located northeast of Yazoo City. Braasch serves as president of the Mississippi Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), and in that role, she works closely with partners in various faith-based, secular and governmental disaster response organizations.

Lutheran Disaster Response has issued an emergency grant of $10,000 to Lutheran Episcopal Services for use in these early days of response. Additional funding, and non-financial resources, may be available as the full scale of need becomes more clear. A press release from the ELCA News Service, which details this grant and shares additional information about the unfolding response in Mississippi, can be found here.

Please consider making a gift to support the recovery efforts from this storm, and those that may follow later this spring. To information on how you can give today, click here.

We lift up in prayer the many people affected by these terrible storms, especially those who lost loved ones, and we ask God to comfort and protect them in the long process of recovery that lies before them.

In service,

Michael Nevergall
Assistant Director, ELCA Domestic Disaster Response

Lutheran Disaster Response
Bringing Help and Hope...
Phone: 773-380-2748
Fax: 773-380-2493
Visit us on the Web at LDR.org
Are you on Facebook? Join the cause.

From ELCA News: Volunteers to assist in removal of fallen trees and destroyed homes, as well as clearing of other debris, can sign up on the Web at http://www.volunteermississippi.org or call 888/353-1793, according to a news release from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Registered volunteers will be contacted as additional assistance is needed, according to the release.

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Davey and Goliath - PSA - "Working Together" - Disasters

   

In this public service announcement produced for radio and television, Davey reassures Goliath that no matter what happens, God is there through the people who help after a disaster.

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From Lutheran Disaster Response
Feb. 19, 2010

This spring, Lutheran Disaster Response joins nine other denominations in the second-ever Church World Service "Ecumenical Rebuild" project. This year's project will take place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa from April 12 through May 21.

In the interest of having a mix of volunteers from each participating church, we are limited to a certain number of volunteers per week, and slots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you have a group from your congregation interested in participating, be sure to contact Pastor Mike Stadie, with Lutheran Services in Iowa, as soon as possible.

[Please download a flyer which] will help you promote the project, and also includes contact information for Pastor Stadie. I would like Lutherans to be well-represented at this year's project, and I hope you will strongly consider putting together a team of volunteers to participate.

Thank you for your ongoing support of this important ministry of our church!

Mike Nevergall
Assistant Director

Lutheran Disaster Response
Bringing Help and Hope...
Phone: 773-380-2748
Fax: 773-380-2493
Visit us on the Web at LDR.org
Are you on Facebook? Join the cause.

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ELCA INTERNATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE COMMITS FUNDS TO HAITI RELIEF
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- International Disaster Response of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) announced it will immediately commit $250,000 to support response efforts to the earthquake in Haiti. It will also advance another $500,000 in anticipation of additional gifts from ELCA members. Read more and contribute gifts online at www.ELCA.org/haitiearthquake or call 800-638-3522.

For worship resources, bulletin inserts and additional information, click here. To read ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson's message: www.elca.org/bishopstatement. Read Bishop Hanson's Jan. 15 update and view video, click here.

At present most of the agencies are still encouraging cash contributions. Cash allows established organizations to purchase the exact type and quantity of items needed to help those affected by the earthquake without having to pay the high costs associated with transporting physical donations to Haiti. Cash donations often ensure that culturally and environmentally appropriate assistance is rendered. To make an online donation to ELCA Disaster Response, go to www.ELCA.org/haitiearthquake. Online donations may also be made to Lutheran World Relief at www.lwr.org.

USAID has established a volunteer portal at www.usaid.gov/haiti. USAID echoes the message that spontaneous/unaffiliated volunteers are heavily discouraged at this time. Volunteers will be needed for years to come, so if you're planning to volunteer, please consider a trip later in the spring or summer.

FEMA has re-released a brochure, "When Disaster Strikes ... How to Donate or Volunteer Sucessfully," that contains fundamental information to consider following a disaster. To download, click: When Disaster Strikes.

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Disaster preparedness
The National Weather Service office in Paduch, Kentucky is sponsoring a 3-Day Emergency Kit Campaign, which breaks down items to be purchased over a three month period. For the list of suggested items, click Emergency Kit.

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Volunteer Opportunities in Florida

CREW (Community Rebuilding Ecumenical Workforce) in Clewiston needs skilled volunteers. Work remains to be done from Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and Tropical Storm Fay in 2008. Volunteers are needed for roof repair, flooring and to install windows and doors. Renee is the Volunteer Coordinator for CREW. She can be reached at (863) 983-2390.

VIND (Volusia Interfaith/Agencies Network in Disaster) is also in need of volunteers. Work remains to be done from the recent flooding and tornadoes. Skilled volunteers in roofing and carpentry preferred. Laurie Hardin is the Volunteer Coordinator. She can be reached at (386) 255-5510. Her email address is volunteervind@cfl.rr.com.

LASER (Lake and Sumter Emergency Recovery Inc) is in need of volunteers both skilled and unskilled. Much work remains to be done as a result of Tropical Storm Fay. Leisa is the Volunteer Coordinator –she can be reached at (352) 483-1029 or through email leisa@laser.fl.com.

All volunteer groups are coordinated through LSF. We need to do background checks and are in need of completed forms on each person. Thank you.

Danielle Kearney
Director Church and Community Relations
Lutheran Services Florida
3627A W. Waters Ave
Tampa, Fl 33614
(813) 676-9513
1-800-651-1853

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MAKE A GIFT

Financial contributions are VERY MUCH needed. Give through your congregation or the synod, or donate online through the ELCA. Visit www.elca.org/disaster/giving/ for instructions and details on how to get your donation to the desired fund.