NTC To Offer Disaster-Response Case-Management Training

When a disaster strikes, like a tornado, families can expect a six- to 12-month recovery process

The new year has come and a new decade, too. Though the opening of a new decade brings much hope and aspiration, many of our Dallas, Richardson and Garland neighbors remain in recovery from the tornadoes of October 2019.

Just before Christmas Day, the North Texas Conference joined the efforts of Unite Greater Dallas and Buckner International. Unite identified more than 70 families in immediate need. Congregants within our local churches partnered with four families recovering from the tornadoes. Tools were provided for fathers and mothers to help restore hope. Clothing, toys and technology were provided for these families, and many saw the tangible goodness of God because of the generosity of our conference.

Thank you for stepping in to be the beauty of God in the aftermath of despair. As we look to be hope in the coming months of this new year, we will continue our partnership with Unite Greater Dallas. As United Methodists, we have a long-standing tradition of showing up when our neighbors need us. According to Houston Responds, heavily impacted families can expect a six- to 12-month recovery process during which time there is a likely rise in depression, school dropouts and other negative outcomes.

One way the North Texas Conference has decided to continue showing up for our neighbors during their journey to restoration is to offer case management. In the next month, UMCOR will provide training for anyone who would like to become a disaster response case manager volunteer. Please consider attending. You may volunteer as much time as your schedule and life allows. Dates for the training are coming soon.

Email Jurrita Williams Louie, NTC disaster response coordinator, to have your name included on the contact list for trainings and recovery information.

Published: Wednesday, January 15, 2020