DR Newsletter 9-31-18

SIGNIFICANT RECOVERY

The Oklahoma United Methodist Disaster Response ministry has been blessed over the last five years to have provided volunteer home repairs across 49 counties in the state. We have served disaster survivors from the 2013 spring, 2015 spring, 2015 winter, 2016 spring, 2017 spring, and the 2018 spring disasters. Over 720 projects have been completed by 6,481 volunteers who have come from 10 different denominations plus schools and businesses across 34 states. These volunteers have served 125,573 hours equal to $2,694,107 in labor value.

"You know all my life I have loved to hear it rain. But for the last two years I get worried when the weather man even says there's a chance of rain. Now for the first time in two years I can listen and appreciate Gods watering my yard again. Thank you guys for giving it back to me."

DISASTER RESTRUCTURING

In a message from the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference Director of the Office of Mission, Reverend Jeremy Basset, linked here, details are provided on how the conference will continue to respond to future disasters.

The existing staff of Chad Detwiler, Kevin Walker, Hal Wright, and Drew Shahan have decided they want to continue working in disaster recovery. They are forming a new 501(c)3 nonprofit organization called

“Recovering Oklahomans After Disaster, Inc.”.

This new nonprofit will be a standalone organization that will continue to host volunteer teams serving disaster survivors across the state helping them meet their home repair needs.

We know that with our trained and experienced staff we will continue to help Oklahoma be more prepared to recover from future disasters. By creating organizational stability through the service of volunteers to the disaster survivors, Oklahoma will be more resilient for the years ahead.

In order to receive updates about disaster recovery in Oklahoma from
"Recovering Oklahomans After Disaster, Inc."

we need you to join a new mailing list by filling out an online form.

VOLUNTEER

Our project calendar shows disaster survivors in need of your volunteer help.

Our staff will arrange for your lodging, deliver materials and provide oversight on the task to be accomplished. You can register online or contact us for more information.

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION

Special thanks to our OKVOAD partner Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Oklahoma City for their tireless service through Disaster Case Management and the generous use of their office space for our staff.

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