Christ Is Risen! At the very heart of IOCC’s US Program are volunteers like you. Indeed, our work in response to disasters here at home relies on dedicated men and women who mobilize and put their faith into action. In this special edition of the Volunteer Update, you will learn more regarding what we do, as well as information about how you can get involved.
Thank you for everything you do to support IOCC’s mission to serve.
In the Risen Lord,
Archdeacon Paul Zaharas
US Country Representative
Home Again in Louisiana
Hurricane Ida struck Louisiana in September of 2021, leaving disaster in its wake. Heavy rains left many homes heavily damaged and in desperate need of repair. Barbara had lost her dad just before the hurricane hit, destroying the house she’d grown up in and cared for her aging parents in. Amid personal loss, she found herself living in a temporary trailer next to her ruined home.
Partnering with NECHAMA Jewish Response to Disaster and with the financial support of the United Way of St. Charles Parish, IOCC Action Teams stepped in. First, they gutted the home to remove damaged materials. Then, they replaced floor joists to make the floor safe to walk on, and finally laid a brand-new subfloor—as well as reframing the entire home and building a ramp for wheelchair accessibility.
Thanks to IOCC volunteers, Barbara will soon be back in her home—structurally safe and free of water damage and mold. Plus, the IOCC team also installed a washer and dryer and built in space for a central air unit—comforts Barbara has never had before.
To learn more about how IOCC serves after disasters across the US and to help homeowners like Barbara, sign up to volunteer with us at iocc.org/homebuild.
On the Ground: Mississippi Tornado Response
In March, a team of IOCC Frontline volunteers deployed to Mississippi in response to the recent string of tornadoes that traveled through the state. Frontliners met and spoke with community members, other disaster response volunteers, local parishioners, and local emergency response staff in the early days after the storms. Through these conversations and their ministry of presence, Frontliners provided emotional and spiritual care to people impacted by the storm and to those assisting in the clean-up efforts. Conversations like these can help survivors process a recent disaster, help them cope, and move forward in an overwhelming situation. To support future IOCC responses like this, please donate at iocc.org/donate.
Calling All Serv Alumni
IOCC is hosting two home builds for Serv-X-Treme alumni this summer! This is a great opportunity for alumni of our youth service-leadership conference to reconnect with friends from their conference and to meet those who attended other years as well. Alumni are welcome to choose which home build dates works best for them—two are scheduled:
- June 12–17: New Orleans, LA
- August 7–12: Paducah, KY
Alumni, grab your friends from the conference, and let’s see you out in the field this summer! To sign up, visit iocc.org/servalumnibuild.
Home Build Volunteer Opportunities
Families need your help getting home, and our teams on the ground need volunteers! Show your faith though your works, helping neighbors in need in Kentucky and Louisiana. To register, visit the links below.
- Western Kentucky Tornado Response – Now through October!
- Louisiana Hurricane Ida Response – Now through July!
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/homebuild. We can’t wait to see you!
Field Volunteer Conference
IOCC’s US Program is hosting its annual Field Volunteer Conference May 17-19 in New Orleans. If you are a current Action Team Leader or Frontline volunteer and are interested in attending, please contact US Program staff at usprograms@iocc.org.
This is an opportunity to connect with others in the program and learn more about how to best serve those affected by disaster.
Wondering if the Frontline or Action Team program is right for you? Learn more at iocc.org/volunteer.
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!
- May 8 – Cleveland, OH: 31st Annual Banquet
- May 11 – Chicago, IL: Annual Grand Banquet
- May 14 – Flemington, NJ: IOCC Flemington Coffee Hour
- June 4 – Pittsburgh, PA: West Bank and Gaza Relief Dinner with Wine Pairings
- September 24 – St. Louis, MO: Annual IOCC Banquet
- September 24 – Pittsburgh, PA: Ukraine Relief Dinner & Prayer Service
- October 19 – Pittsburgh, PA: Oktoberfest Happy Hour
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