Thanks to your generous support and willingness to deploy following disasters in 2023, IOCC had 481 volunteers respond across the country this year, resulting in over $745,000 in labor donated to the people IOCC helped. As we celebrate the growth the US Program achieved in 2023, let us work together to fulfill our calling to serve an increasing number of our brothers and sisters affected by disaster in 2024.
In this special edition of the Volunteer Update, learn about recent activities as well as opportunities to serve in the new year.
You make the work of IOCC’s US Program possible. Thank you for your dedication and support of IOCC’s mission to serve.
In Christ,
Archdeacon Paul Zaharas
US Country Representative
Hurricane Ian struck the Gulf Coast of Florida in September 2022. IOCC initially responded to the storm with gifts-in-kind and emotional and spiritual care for survivors. Under a grant from the American Red Cross, IOCC is returning to Florida to provide emotional and spiritual care in the long-term recovery context from January through July 2024. This will be the US Program’s second grant from the American Red Cross and first project doing emotional and spiritual care in long-term recovery.
In November, IOCC trained 20 Frontline volunteers in group and individual crisis intervention at a workshop in Atlanta. IOCC’s Frontliners will be using this training to serve individuals, families, and small groups of Hurricane Ian survivors. IOCC also has four trainings slated for local Florida recovery personnel, disaster case workers, and faith leaders to better equip them to serve Hurricane Ian survivors and those affected by future disasters. Join us in praying for these teams as they deploy to Florida.
To learn more about how IOCC serves after disasters across the US through the Frontline program and to apply, visit iocc.org/frontliners.
On the Ground
Western Kentucky Tornado Home Builds
In January – October of this year, in partnership with Inspiritus, IOCC started rebuilding homes in Western Kentucky in response to the tornadoes that struck the state in December of 2021. The completion of this project resulted in 25 families safely back in their homes.
In February of 2024, IOCC will be returning to Marshall County, Kentucky, to help repair remaining homes damaged by the storm. To help us complete this important work, sign up to volunteer with us at iocc.org/actionteam. If you are unable to volunteer, but would like to support IOCC’s efforts, please give at iocc.org/donate.
Hurricane Ian Home Build
Under a grant from the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, IOCC has been working in the Fort Myers, Florida, area—struck by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Although the storm hit the area over a year ago, the community is still in the midst of recovery. IOCC will be rebuilding in the area through January of 2024, so help us serve affected homeowners by putting your faith into action!
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
We need volunteers to work with our teams on the ground! Get your hands dirty helping neighbors across the US. You don’t have to be skilled, just energetic. To register, visit the links below.
- Florida Hurricane Ian Recovery – Now through January 2024
- Western Kentucky Tornado Recovery – February through July 2024
If you have questions, please contact IOCC’s US Program team at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667.331.9812. Check for updates at iocc.org/actionteam. We can’t wait to see you!
Awareness Events
Interested in planning your own virtual or in-person event to raise awareness about IOCC? Get one on the calendar today! We’d love to help you organize, so please contact IOCC’s Outreach team at 410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org.
Check for updates at iocc.org/events. And thank you for partnering with us!
- January 14 – Phoenix, AZ: 2024 Holy Land Fundraiser Luncheon
- February 3 – Little Falls, NJ: A Taste of North Jersey 2024
- February 10 – Milwaukee, WI: 2024 IOCC Tailgate and Game Night
IOCC Is Hiring!
Bring your expertise to an organization making a difference around the world, and join our team. Know someone who would be a perfect fit? Please pass this info along to them! For full job descriptions and application instructions, visit iocc.org/careers.
Stay Connected to IOCC Online!
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and our Latest Updates page to keep up to date with IOCC news, view event photos, and get a firsthand look at how your support is changing lives around the world.
