In October of 2023, the US Program completed its Western Kentucky project funded by the American Red Cross. Leveraging the success of that program, IOCC was approached by five donors to continue efforts in Marshall County, Kentucky. As a result of these generous donors, the US Program is continuing recovery work through July of this year.
This is an example of how IOCC’s US Program has strategically expanded long-term recovery capacity in disaster areas around the country. In order to sustain this growth and further extend response capabilities, in January, an additional Emergency Response vehicle was added to the IOCC fleet. The added vehicle will facilitate service to more individuals affected by disasters each year.
In this special edition of the Volunteer Update, learn about IOCC’s first quarter activities in the US, as well as upcoming opportunities to serve.
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
Since the beginning of the year, volunteer teams have completed work on two properties and several more are underway. Thanks to our additional Emergency Response vehicle, multiple worksites can run simultaneously! To help us complete this important work, sign up to volunteer at iocc.org/homebuild. If you are unable to volunteer but would like to support work like this, please donate at iocc.org/donate.
Young Adult Home Build
This summer, IOCC is hosting two hands-on opportunities for young adults. The first young adult home build is open to all individuals aged 18-30, and will be held in Marshall County, Kentucky, June 23-29. This is an incredible opportunity to put your faith into action, reconnect with old friends, and bring new ones along!
The second opportunity is open to all alumni of the CrossRoad Institute, and will be held in Fort Myers, Florida, July 27 – August 3. Working in cooperation with the CrossRoad Alumni Advisory Board (CRAAB), this home build will provide an opportunity for alumni to continue exploring vocation in the context of service.
The cost of $200 includes local transportation, room & board (three meals a day), materials, supplies, tools, and site supervision. Volunteers are responsible for their transportation to the home build location. To participate, please sign up at iocc.org/homebuild.
Hurricane Ian Psychosocial Support
In January 2024, IOCC returned to Florida to provide emotional and spiritual care in response to Hurricane Ian, which struck the Gulf Coast of Florida in September of 2022. Since the beginning of the year, IOCC has deployed six teams of Frontline volunteers who have been able to meet with individuals, families, and small groups of Hurricane Ian survivors to address the cumulative stress they have. To date, Frontline volunteers have met with over 130 survivors.
To further equip local Florida recovery personnel, disaster case workers, and faith leaders in assisting Hurricane Ian survivors and those affected by future disasters, IOCC is hosting four trainings focused on emotional and spiritual care and stress management. If you are local to Florida and interested in attending these trainings, please sign up at iocc.org/training24.
To learn more about how IOCC serves after disasters across the US through the Frontline program and to apply to join, visit iocc.org/frontliners.
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 iocc.org/homebuild.
Western Kentucky Tornado Response – Now – July 2024
Young Adult Home Build, Calvert City, Kentucky – June 23-29, 2024
Training for Disaster Response Workers
If you are a disaster case worker, faith leader, or first responder in the Fort Myers area, you are invited to attend the following trainings below. To register, visit iocc.org/training24.
Providing Emotional and Spiritual Care after Disasters
Venice, FL: May 28 & 29
Fort Myers, FL: June 11 & 12
Stress Management for the Trauma Service Provider
Venice, FL: May 30 & 31
Fort Myers, FL: June 13 & 14
If you have questions, please contact IOCC’s US Program team at 667.331.9812 or volunteercoordinator@iocc.org.
IOCC Outreach Coordinator Position Is Open
Are you or someone you know looking for a career change or a new job opportunity?
IOCC is looking for an Outreach Coordinator to work with volunteers and Metropolitan Committees in the Midwest and West Coast areas. If you are interested in learning more, please visit our website for more details about this job’s requirements.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with anyone you may think is interested.
IOCC 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!
April 27 – May 5: Washington DC – St. Sophia Fundraiser for Middle East
May 11: San Jose, CA – St. Basil Dinner to Support IOCC’s Relief Efforts in Gaza
May 16: Chicago, IL – 32nd Annual IOCC Chicago Grand Banquet
June 3: Cleveland, OH – 32nd Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC
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 description and application instructions, visit iocc.org/careers.
Director of Development – HQ
Communications Manager – HQ
IOCC Country Representative for Lebanon
Outreach Coordinator
Homefront Coordinator (Program Coordinator)
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