Live from Pearlington - Nov. 26, 2004
I have been thinking a lot about this time, last November, as my stint as Manager of the Recovery Center was drawing to an end and we were struggling daily to get everyone off the ground and into FEMA trailers, at last.
And so, it seemed odd to be sitting in a Slidell steakhouse eating Prime Rib with Susie and Randy last night. Last year, the best we could have hoped for was some industrial-strength powdered eggs and runny grits in the Red Cross food tent. I awoke this morning with Pearlington on my mind, as I have many, many mornings since I first fought my way into town early last September.
It's been a ride, that's for certain, and so much more yet to do....
Introducing....
Miss Becca Weaver, of Longmont, CO. Becca is the new Manager of the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) Camp No. 6 in Pearlington. A graduate of the University of Colorado with a degree in Sociology, Becca arrived on the coast in early September, under a Young Adult Program with that organization. Becca arrived in Pearlington later that month and will be spending at least a year in Pearlington taking care of PDA's interests at Camp 6.
Joining Becca as co-Manager until December, is John Hill, of Claremont, CA.
Welcome to Pearlington, Becca and John!
Salvation Army Grants:
Today, please notice a new link to the right of this panel, outlining the procedure by which a Resident might access these grants. There has been much hoop-jumping to date to make a few of these happen and we are working with Salvation Army to make them as accessible as possible.
Once again, they rely heavily on the ability of C.O.D.R.A. members and other organizations to have sufficient volunteer labor to get the jobs done!
You may access the file directly HERE.
UMCOR Case Management Training:
Training sessions will be held for interested parties on Dec. 4, 5 and 6th. Case Management is basically the interviewing of residents seeking assistance, during which the completion of approx. eight pages of forms detailing the resident's situation is conducted. It is critical, as much of the assistance available uses this information to make decisions.
This is a nationally-recognized training program. There are not many paid jobs available, but Case Managers are desperately needed. What paying positions there are, would be with UMCOR, Red Cross or Salvation Army. The job does require a long-term (one year) commitment. Most Disaster Recovery Operations would welcome a trained volunteer who could do Case Management, even on a part-time basis.
There is a temporary link to the file on the right panel, or you may access the application form HERE.
News from Pearlington:
There is a wonderful story in the SeaCoast Echo concerning Miss Lillian Rogers' new home, built by volunteers and fulfilling Miss Lillian's dream. You may access the story on SeaCoast Echo's web site.
Bucks-Mont Katrina Relief Program has raised $500,000 and will be building a large permanent animal shelter on Lower Bay Road. The land has been donated by the Port and Harbor Commission. Good for Bucks-Mont!
The County is set to dispense $140,000 received in donations after Katrina and specifically earmarked for County employees. They hope to have the cheques out by Christmas.
"See" ya tomorrow....
P.S. I was finally able today to upload the rest of yesterday's images. Check 'em out, below.
posted by Jon White @ 7:30 AM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Jon, We need to let everyone know that we desperately need man(or woman)-power in Dec & Jan - we will have much work to be done but we have very few volunteers scheduled. Also - the parade is going to be on the 16th of Dec. and we have music and food and a party for the children of Pearlington scheduled for the same day at the old Library buiding after the parade. It's good to have you back in P-ton! Laurie
Hi Jon,
I am a Civil Engineer at Cornell University and would like to take 2
weeks sometime Jan - March to volunteer together with dad. My father is
quite an experienced handy-man, having built two cabins from the ground
up by him-self (he's a retired chemistry professor) and I would love to
have the two of us involved in something helping others.
In the past, each year I've volunteered in Central America (Honduras &
Nicaragua) doing water projects. I try to do a few trips a year; it
gives me a chance to get away, help others, and fully appreciate all
that I have. Last year I was already committed to Honduras otherwise I
would have stayed state-side to help re-build post the hurricane. So I
hope I can do something this year to help those affected by the Hurricane.
My dad has a camper we would like to stay in together with his other two
daughters, two English setters, who he travels the country with. He is a
real worker and knows how to get things done. He has tons of tools and
his own 'shop' at home. I think he would be great to have volunteer just
because he's done everything there is for renovations and building,
including light structural and MEP systems. And he has tons of energy
(more than me and I'm a lot younger than him, 38 vs 64).
If you have room for us and would like us to come please let me know.
P.S. I heard of you through a friend/colleague who worked with you,
Mary-Lynn.
thank you, Tammi
Tammi:
We would LOVE to have you and your father in Pearlington.
I NEED YOU TO CONTACT ME. These comment pages do not record your email address.
Contact me directly at:
jonw@bconnex.net
and I will hook you up.
Thanks,
Jon
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