Recently I had the opportunity to co-lead a Home Build team in Fort Myers, Florida with a group of CrossRoad Institute alumni from across the country. These devout young adults who have spent time exploring their unique vocational callings put faith into practice by helping to rebuild a home that was damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Beyond the opportunity to assist storm survivors, I was inspired to see dedicated future leaders step forward to make service to others a priority in their lives. This is what volunteering with IOCC is all about…answering God’s call to serve others who are in need.
In this special US Programs edition of the Volunteer Update, learn more about our recent work in Florida, Kentucky, and elsewhere as we continue to help those impacted by disasters.
Thank you for your continued dedication and support of IOCC’s mission to serve.
In Christ,
Archdeacon Paul Zaharas
US Country Representative
On the Ground
Western Kentucky Tornado Home Builds
This past month, IOCC completed its second year of rebuilding in Western Kentucky in response to the December 2021 tornadoes. This year’s response welcomed 12 weeks of volunteer teams and one AmeriCorps NCCC Summer of Service team that served for six weeks. These teams – 117 volunteers – were able to complete repairs on 16 homes, donating over $190,000 in volunteer labor. Thank you to all our volunteers and donors for making this possible!
IOCC Hosts Training for Stress Management and More After Disasters
This month, IOCC completed its efforts in response to Hurricane Ian, which hit the Gulf Coast in 2022. In southwestern Florida, IOCC has been providing Emotional and Spiritual Care (ESC) for those in long-term recovery. Teams of Frontliners deployed there provided ESC for over 320 survivors, helping them manage the traumas of the disaster and the stresses of recovery from the storm’s damage to their lives.
In addition to direct care for survivors, IOCC hosted eight trainings to further equip recovery personnel, disaster case workers, and faith leaders to assist Hurricane Ian survivors and those who may experience future disasters. Through these trainings, 48 individuals became certified in Emotional and Spiritual Care in Disasters, Stress Management for the Trauma Service Provider, Peer Support During Critical Events, and Stress Hardiness. Thank you to all who participated in these trainings!
To learn more about how IOCC responds to disasters across the US through the Frontline program, and to apply, visit iocc.org/frontliners.
Hurricane Beryl Emergency Response in Texas
IOCC deployed a team of sawyers to respond to Hurricane Beryl, which struck the coast of Texas in July. These volunteers, specially trained for chainsaw work, were able to remove downed trees and clean up several properties in Bay City, Texas, including at a local community center. Several volunteers from a nearby parish joined to help remove debris.
To become an Action Team volunteer and respond to disasters like this one, sign up at iocc.org/actionteam.
Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Home Builds
The United States is entering the peak of hurricane season, and we need volunteers to work with our teams on the ground as we respond to various storms. Get your hands dirty helping neighbors across the US! You don’t have to be skilled – just energetic. To receive updates and sign up to respond to disasters, please do so at iocc.org/actionteam.
News from the Outreach Team
This month, Elaine Cladis was honored in Denver for her many years of service on the IOCC board, as well as leading the IOCC Denver Metropolitan Committee as chair for 13 years. Axia! She is Worthy! Our heartfelt thanks go to Elaine Cladis for her hard work, dedication, memorable events, and ongoing support of IOCC’s work!
Please join us in welcoming Sophia Loizos to the IOCC Outreach Team! Sophia joined IOCC on August 1, and she is looking forward to meeting and working with you! She feels grateful to work for an organization whose values align with her own. She was initially drawn to IOCC because of the emphasis on service and international disaster relief, and she is excited about the opportunity to meet people from around the country in her new position. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and being outdoors. Welcome, Sophia!
Upcoming 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!
September 29 – St. Louis, MO – 22nd Annual IOCC Banquet
October 5 – Chicago, IL – 18th Annual Walk the Walk for IOCC
October 10 – Pittsburgh, PA – Oktoberfest Happy Hour to Benefit IOCC
October 21 – Cleveland, OH – Dinner with Wine Pairings to Benefit IOCC
October 26 – Charlotte, NC – Harmony of Hope
October 27 – Philadelphia, PA – 13th Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC
November 3 – San Francisco – IOCC Food & Wine Tour
November 7 – Pittsburgh, PA – Bourbon Tasting to Benefit IOCC
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