In 2006 CREW had over 237 volunteers from 8 different states. The volunteers (counting only those who volunteered after May) put in 5480 volunteer hours at a in-kind donation total of $101,380. We also had numerous goods donated such as brand new tools, used furniture, a truck, building supplies, computers and related equipment and service, christmas gifts, air conditioners, office space, and more! CREW has been a testament of the generosity and good will of people who feel blessed and want to help those who have been sticken by disaster. We have helped over 300 victims of Hurricane Wilma in two counties. We are working on helping over another 300. We are also trying to help victims of Tropical Storm Ernesto and other local disasters.
But we need your help. Much of our donations are earmarked for very specific causes, which is greatly needed and welcomed. However, we have basic operating costs such as telephone bills, insurance, accounting fees, office suppplies, gas and truck maintenance, advertising, and fundraising activities. None of these costs are covered by any of our grants. We need your help!
Help us start the new year off right! We have 12 volunteer groups already lined up in the new year, we have many more people to help, and we need to find a new location! Call us to find out how you can help, or send your donation today!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Some give at Christmas and all year long!
We have had some real generous donors that have helped our clients this year. Although giving is part of the Christmas spirit, this is something these groups do all year round!
The Lutheran Disaster Response has helped fund jobs for Hurricane Wilma clients and picked up expenses where others donors funds ran short. They have already given $25,000 and have pledged another $10,000.
The Rotary Club has already given $7500 to help hire roofers to fix Hurricane Wilma damged roofs four our residents, and have pledged to help fund roofers to replace five more roofs of residents still trying to recover from Hurricane Wilma.
The City of Clewiston gave us a place to stay for a year for $1.00 rent. They have also provided invaluable advice and assistance. In addition they have donated one of their retired trucks for us to help deliver materials.
PDA,UCC, UMCOR and thier Storm Recovery Center, the Empowerment Alliance, Catholic Chaities, the United Way, Publix, 211, and Neighbors to the Rescue have also helped us and helped local residents recover from disaster.
The Lutheran Disaster Response has helped fund jobs for Hurricane Wilma clients and picked up expenses where others donors funds ran short. They have already given $25,000 and have pledged another $10,000.
The Rotary Club has already given $7500 to help hire roofers to fix Hurricane Wilma damged roofs four our residents, and have pledged to help fund roofers to replace five more roofs of residents still trying to recover from Hurricane Wilma.
The City of Clewiston gave us a place to stay for a year for $1.00 rent. They have also provided invaluable advice and assistance. In addition they have donated one of their retired trucks for us to help deliver materials.
PDA,UCC, UMCOR and thier Storm Recovery Center, the Empowerment Alliance, Catholic Chaities, the United Way, Publix, 211, and Neighbors to the Rescue have also helped us and helped local residents recover from disaster.
Friday, December 22, 2006
CREW Making Spirits Bright!
CREW has been busy this month making sure as many people as possible have a good Christmas.
Due to some private individuals who live in Cape Coral, CREW was able to make the wishes come true for 86 children in Hendry and Glades counties. Staff and Board members with kids from the Baptist Church spent the day Thursday before Christmas delivering gifts that had been handpicked for these specific kids.
Volunteers from East Lake United Methodist came and worked on replacing drywall in Moore Haven on December 2. First Presbyterian Church came and hung drywall, cabinets, and doors in Clewiston on December 16.
We have been very blessed and the New Year will see volunteers coming every week beginning January 6 till some time in March, and we are still scheduling. Donors have generously provided for the materials and costs of the repairs we are still making due to Hurricane Wilma. We still have 350 families needing to recover from Hurricane Wilma, and a handful from Tropical Storm Ernesto and from local fires.
Our Unmet Needs committee meets every month and finds local agencies and other donors and volunteers to help meet the unmet needs of these families. So far we have been able to help, or find others to help over 300 families. We are also helping low income residents strengthen their homes against future storms and disasters, through the statewide My Safe Florida program.
We are asking the community to step up and volunteer for CREW, we have had a few local volunteers, but most of our volunteers come from our town or state. We also need donations to help cover the cost of doing business, we often get donors willing to donate supplies or cover the costs incurred by volunteers, but we need donations simply to keep our doors open. Start the New Year off right by seeing what you can do to help!
Due to some private individuals who live in Cape Coral, CREW was able to make the wishes come true for 86 children in Hendry and Glades counties. Staff and Board members with kids from the Baptist Church spent the day Thursday before Christmas delivering gifts that had been handpicked for these specific kids.
Volunteers from East Lake United Methodist came and worked on replacing drywall in Moore Haven on December 2. First Presbyterian Church came and hung drywall, cabinets, and doors in Clewiston on December 16.
We have been very blessed and the New Year will see volunteers coming every week beginning January 6 till some time in March, and we are still scheduling. Donors have generously provided for the materials and costs of the repairs we are still making due to Hurricane Wilma. We still have 350 families needing to recover from Hurricane Wilma, and a handful from Tropical Storm Ernesto and from local fires.
Our Unmet Needs committee meets every month and finds local agencies and other donors and volunteers to help meet the unmet needs of these families. So far we have been able to help, or find others to help over 300 families. We are also helping low income residents strengthen their homes against future storms and disasters, through the statewide My Safe Florida program.
We are asking the community to step up and volunteer for CREW, we have had a few local volunteers, but most of our volunteers come from our town or state. We also need donations to help cover the cost of doing business, we often get donors willing to donate supplies or cover the costs incurred by volunteers, but we need donations simply to keep our doors open. Start the New Year off right by seeing what you can do to help!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Saturday gives reason for more Thanksgiving!
Above you see the Chet (Volunteer), Tony (Construction Coordinator) and Renee (Volunteer Coordinator), the three musketeers! They were having fun wile working on Saturday! They spent the day in Lakeport on Gail's home, a new group that has never been out to help us before came from their pink church in Pompano Beach, First Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach! They sanded and painted and worked their tails off! Thy were joined by a volunteer, Chet, that was here all last week with the group From Manassas, VA who stayed and volunteered an extra day to help out. Fred, Dave, Mark, Barbara, Faith, Georgette, and Pam. They finished flooring a deck and sanded two rooms and painted one room and finsihed sub flooring in one room. This is the second group that has been out to help her. Gail has been living in disaray since Wilma tore her trailer apart, yet it did not change her committment to "taking care of God's critters". This foster Mom and caretaker of injured wildlife and strays shared with me that God has been good to her and she returns the favor by taking care of stray critters in need whether they have 2 or 4 legs they still need love. We have enjoyed helping her.
Another great accomplishment, thanks to the Rotary Club we were able to hire Titus Smith Services to replace Marcus's roof, porch and interor walls.
Friday, November 17, 2006
CREW helps create more reasons for Thanksgiving!
November is truly the month for Thanksgiving, here are some of the things CREW and volunteers have helped accomplish!
Three local individuals, Daniel Luna, Danny Luna, Gregorio Garcia worked to repair an elderly man, Calvin's trailer. Calvin is an 82 year old resident of the Clewiston area for 33 years. He supported his family by working at Shawnee farms. These local volunteers stepped up and helped install a new door, trim and molding that were destroyed by Hurricane Wilma. A grant from the NFL helped pay for the supplies and any costs the volunteers incurred. This same group went to Katleen's home. Kathleen is a 72 year old female who lives with her daughter and six grandchildren. Her home's roof, ceiling and back door were damaged by Hurricane Wilma. Between insurance and her own savings she was able to get the money after a year's time to fix the roof with help of friends. She was also able to buy a door, but had no way to install or the any money to pay anyone to install it. She shared the following with us "CREW has helped me tremendously. I didn't have finances and they helped by putting in a back door for me. Also they kept in touch with me. The door fits great so there is no hot or cold air coming in. There is also no spiders or animals coming in from outside." A grant through the NFL also helped with costs incurred by volunteers in this home as well.
A talented and spirited group of 20 volunteers from St. Thomas United Methodist Church in Manassas, Virgina came to repair roofs. They slept on cots in a local church and worked from sun up to sun down (sometimes past sun down). The first home they worked on was William's in Clewiston. William had massive damage to his home from Hurricane Wilma. A year after the storm he still had a "blue roof" and damaged windows. With the help of funding from the NFL for materials and volunteer costs, this group was able to completely replace the roof (including rotted plywood).
While here the group also worked on Luis's home in Moorehaven. Luis is a 50 year old disabled man living in a low income rented home. The roof was damaged and the house leaks under the door, there was a huge whole in the kitchen ceiling from water damage, the floor is spongy throughout the house and the sink needs to be replaced. CREW initially tarped the home to provide him with temporary relief. The owner shared that he did not have the funds to fix the home and rented to Luis at a low rate as he had been there a long time. He signed an agreement to not raise the rent or displace Luis for 3 years if CREW was able to help make some repairs. Our Virgina volunteers were able to replace his roof, plywood and all. The NFL helped cover the costs for this home as well.
This incredible group while here also worked on Altovise's home. Altovoise is a single mother of 3 daughters who has lived in Hendry county 3 years. She suffers from Lupus as well. In June we tarped her home to provide temporary relief. She had insurance however her deductible was almost %50. She used her insurance money and then United Church of Christ Disaster Assistance pitched in the remainder of the funds needed. The Virgina volunteers replaced some plywood and all of the roofing.
The final roof this wonderful group from Virgina worked on was Blanca's. She is a disabled adult who lives alone with limited functioning. She received funding from FEMA but used the funds to purchase clothing, food and other daily necessities. Her roof needs to be repaired, however she is unable to effectively advocate for herself, she has a guardian who provides assistance as well, but they were unable to get roof repaired. The United Church of Christ Disaster assistance also paid for these materials as well. The UCC group also sent a film CREW out to document our volunteers work on the homes!
The last home they worked on (yes that's 4 complete roofs and then some in 4 1/2 days) was for Gail in Moorehaven. Gail lives with her son, daughter-in-law and two granddaughters. Her home was damaged in Hurricane Wilma's but her son's home was destroyed, so the family moved in with her. She received assistance from FEMA and purchased supplies, her son worked to do the repairs himself, but had a full time job and a year later much of the work was still needing to be done. They hung and finished drywall and laid flooring for her in three rooms. This is the same home that East Lake and Grace United Methodist worked at the end of last month (see previous posts).
You'd think this blessed group from Virgina had done enough in a weeks time, sleeping on cots and eating food donated and prepared by local churches and the owners of the homes they repaired. Yet they saw our limited tool supplies and donated over $2000 (estimated) of Dewalt and other high quality tools, ladders, and equipment.
But there are more involved in helping us! The NFL draft grant has (in combined pledges and already paid expenses) given in excess of $20,000. PDA (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance) and the local Presbyterian church has adopted our cell phone expenses, paid for materials to finish our rebuild, and to fund some flooring and drywall jobs, and first month's rent for an individual displaced from apartment that has still not been fixed and has extensive mold. In addition, Community Presbyterian Church of Clewiston contributed $1,000 towards a $1300 computer allowing us to run video and photographs and to replace an older defective computer. They also assisted with $3000 to close the case on CREW's first rebuild. UMCOR, PDA and the United Way of Lee County continue to support our staff expenses.
Three local individuals, Daniel Luna, Danny Luna, Gregorio Garcia worked to repair an elderly man, Calvin's trailer. Calvin is an 82 year old resident of the Clewiston area for 33 years. He supported his family by working at Shawnee farms. These local volunteers stepped up and helped install a new door, trim and molding that were destroyed by Hurricane Wilma. A grant from the NFL helped pay for the supplies and any costs the volunteers incurred. This same group went to Katleen's home. Kathleen is a 72 year old female who lives with her daughter and six grandchildren. Her home's roof, ceiling and back door were damaged by Hurricane Wilma. Between insurance and her own savings she was able to get the money after a year's time to fix the roof with help of friends. She was also able to buy a door, but had no way to install or the any money to pay anyone to install it. She shared the following with us "CREW has helped me tremendously. I didn't have finances and they helped by putting in a back door for me. Also they kept in touch with me. The door fits great so there is no hot or cold air coming in. There is also no spiders or animals coming in from outside." A grant through the NFL also helped with costs incurred by volunteers in this home as well.
A talented and spirited group of 20 volunteers from St. Thomas United Methodist Church in Manassas, Virgina came to repair roofs. They slept on cots in a local church and worked from sun up to sun down (sometimes past sun down). The first home they worked on was William's in Clewiston. William had massive damage to his home from Hurricane Wilma. A year after the storm he still had a "blue roof" and damaged windows. With the help of funding from the NFL for materials and volunteer costs, this group was able to completely replace the roof (including rotted plywood).
While here the group also worked on Luis's home in Moorehaven. Luis is a 50 year old disabled man living in a low income rented home. The roof was damaged and the house leaks under the door, there was a huge whole in the kitchen ceiling from water damage, the floor is spongy throughout the house and the sink needs to be replaced. CREW initially tarped the home to provide him with temporary relief. The owner shared that he did not have the funds to fix the home and rented to Luis at a low rate as he had been there a long time. He signed an agreement to not raise the rent or displace Luis for 3 years if CREW was able to help make some repairs. Our Virgina volunteers were able to replace his roof, plywood and all. The NFL helped cover the costs for this home as well.
This incredible group while here also worked on Altovise's home. Altovoise is a single mother of 3 daughters who has lived in Hendry county 3 years. She suffers from Lupus as well. In June we tarped her home to provide temporary relief. She had insurance however her deductible was almost %50. She used her insurance money and then United Church of Christ Disaster Assistance pitched in the remainder of the funds needed. The Virgina volunteers replaced some plywood and all of the roofing.
The final roof this wonderful group from Virgina worked on was Blanca's. She is a disabled adult who lives alone with limited functioning. She received funding from FEMA but used the funds to purchase clothing, food and other daily necessities. Her roof needs to be repaired, however she is unable to effectively advocate for herself, she has a guardian who provides assistance as well, but they were unable to get roof repaired. The United Church of Christ Disaster assistance also paid for these materials as well. The UCC group also sent a film CREW out to document our volunteers work on the homes!
The last home they worked on (yes that's 4 complete roofs and then some in 4 1/2 days) was for Gail in Moorehaven. Gail lives with her son, daughter-in-law and two granddaughters. Her home was damaged in Hurricane Wilma's but her son's home was destroyed, so the family moved in with her. She received assistance from FEMA and purchased supplies, her son worked to do the repairs himself, but had a full time job and a year later much of the work was still needing to be done. They hung and finished drywall and laid flooring for her in three rooms. This is the same home that East Lake and Grace United Methodist worked at the end of last month (see previous posts).
You'd think this blessed group from Virgina had done enough in a weeks time, sleeping on cots and eating food donated and prepared by local churches and the owners of the homes they repaired. Yet they saw our limited tool supplies and donated over $2000 (estimated) of Dewalt and other high quality tools, ladders, and equipment.
But there are more involved in helping us! The NFL draft grant has (in combined pledges and already paid expenses) given in excess of $20,000. PDA (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance) and the local Presbyterian church has adopted our cell phone expenses, paid for materials to finish our rebuild, and to fund some flooring and drywall jobs, and first month's rent for an individual displaced from apartment that has still not been fixed and has extensive mold. In addition, Community Presbyterian Church of Clewiston contributed $1,000 towards a $1300 computer allowing us to run video and photographs and to replace an older defective computer. They also assisted with $3000 to close the case on CREW's first rebuild. UMCOR, PDA and the United Way of Lee County continue to support our staff expenses.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
CREW makes a difference on Make A Difference Day!
CREW stands up and Makes A Difference on Make A Difference Day! Although the volunteers we had were prepared to repair roofs today, God sent rain and changed our plans.
3 of the 9 volunteers from East Lake United Methodist Church in Palm Harbour worked diligently in repairing a handicapped railing on a handicap ramp in Moorehaven, Florida. This ramp will make life better for an elderly disabled couple. East Lake drove from Palm Harbor over 3 hours one-way to do this. This is East Lake's 5th trip to our town to help with Hurricane Wilma Repairs.
Meanwhile the other 6 volunteers from East Lake United Methodist and 3 from Grace United Methodist in Cape Coral Florida worked replacing drywall, repairing electrical outlets, and repairing steps for a remarkable woman in Lake Port. This woman has been living in disaray since Wilma tore her trailer apart, yet it did not change her committment to "taking care of God's critters". This foster Mom and caretaker of injured wildlife and strays shared with me that God has been good to her and she returns the favor by taking care of stray critters in need whether they have 2 or 4 legs they still need love. She is an increible woman that was a pleasure to help get back on her feet.
That afternoon while the volunteers worked to finish their projects, our case manager Amanda volunteered and ran a booth at the Lake Port Community Festival in order to help the community raise money for a much needed afterschool program.
Later that night two of the volunteers from Grace United Methodist stopped by to help our executive director share the need at a Gospel Sing Fundraiser for CREW in Clewiston.
3 of the 9 volunteers from East Lake United Methodist Church in Palm Harbour worked diligently in repairing a handicapped railing on a handicap ramp in Moorehaven, Florida. This ramp will make life better for an elderly disabled couple. East Lake drove from Palm Harbor over 3 hours one-way to do this. This is East Lake's 5th trip to our town to help with Hurricane Wilma Repairs.
Meanwhile the other 6 volunteers from East Lake United Methodist and 3 from Grace United Methodist in Cape Coral Florida worked replacing drywall, repairing electrical outlets, and repairing steps for a remarkable woman in Lake Port. This woman has been living in disaray since Wilma tore her trailer apart, yet it did not change her committment to "taking care of God's critters". This foster Mom and caretaker of injured wildlife and strays shared with me that God has been good to her and she returns the favor by taking care of stray critters in need whether they have 2 or 4 legs they still need love. She is an increible woman that was a pleasure to help get back on her feet.
That afternoon while the volunteers worked to finish their projects, our case manager Amanda volunteered and ran a booth at the Lake Port Community Festival in order to help the community raise money for a much needed afterschool program.
Later that night two of the volunteers from Grace United Methodist stopped by to help our executive director share the need at a Gospel Sing Fundraiser for CREW in Clewiston. 
At the same time staff members from CREW were running a booth at the Clewiston Kid's Fest and passing out flyers and materials to help get the word out about CREW, recruit new local volunteers, and promote safe fun for the community!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
CREW gets help from the United Church of Christ!
John taking it in! 
Ken works with the volunteer!
God Bless Mr. John Paterno from United Church of Christ. He came to do some volunteer work while he was here visiting from North Carolina. John Paterno is retired and has dedicated his time to volunteering whereever the need is. He travels all over when his wife will let him to donate his many skills to help people in need. He lives in Cary, North Carolina with his wife and youngest daughter. He has worked extensively with Habitat and done 2 complete rebuilds. He has also volunteered many times in Mississippi. He was in Miami on October 9th through the 13th, visiting his daughter who is attending college there. He came to do some needed repairs to her apartment and while he was here wanted to volunteer some time to help in an area that was in need. He contacted Rev. Karen Thompson the Minister for United Church of Christ Disaster REsponse and Recovery Center. He spent 1 day here assessing the site on 10/13. He then returned last week to work for three really long days at Ken's home. He pulled up old, moldy carpet and replaced moldy plywood. He primed and painted one bedroom, the hallway and the living room. He installed trim molding that had been damaged from the water coming in before the roof was repaired by a grant from USDA. Mr. Paterno also had to moved all the furniture and personal belongings of Mr. Schemms before this work could be done. While he was there he primed Mr. Schemm's other two bedrooms and the kitchen to kill the minor mold on the walls.
East Lake United Methodist to the Rescue Again!
East Lake meets up with Tony, CREW's new Construction Coordinator!
East Lake takes a much needed break at Joey's Pizza
East Lake came back again on 10/21 and are coming again for Make a Difference Day on the 28th! On the 21st the dilenglty worked in Moorehaven and Clewiston, and actually got to leave early due to windows being the wrong size...oops! But they are patient and are coming back to try to install them again this saturday! What an incredibly dedicated group. God bless them for all they have done and continue to do for us.
East Lake takes a much needed break at Joey's Pizza
East Lake came back again on 10/21 and are coming again for Make a Difference Day on the 28th! On the 21st the dilenglty worked in Moorehaven and Clewiston, and actually got to leave early due to windows being the wrong size...oops! But they are patient and are coming back to try to install them again this saturday! What an incredibly dedicated group. God bless them for all they have done and continue to do for us.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Plantation United Methodist
Jeff, Harold and Ron working on shingles! 
Jack delivers materials!
A hard working, very well organized team of volunteers drove from Planation, worked all day in the hot son on roofs in Harlem and Clewiston! 10/7 was their first mission trip to our little town, and they came back the very next weekend to finish what they started! God was with them as they blessed us with their dedication and hard work!
David scraping off shingles!
Friday, September 29, 2006
Make a Differnce Day!
CREW is helping to promote MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY! We not only have several volunteer projects planned for October 28th, but we are also participating in the Gospel Sing to raise money for Hurricane Victims as well as some of our staff our volunteering in Lake Port to help raise money for their after school event.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
CREW on You Tube!
Watch our first rebuild on you tube as they work on building the roof and frame!
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=CREWInc
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=CREWInc
Monday, September 25, 2006
CREW and their Weekend Warriors!
We normally think of Saturday's as lazy laid back days, not for CREW! CREW covered two counties promoting Hurricane information and preparedness at Project Hope Event and hosting volunteers at three homes in two counties!
CREW supported Project Hope and the Corp Of Engineers as they helped use the anniversary of the devastating hurricanes from decades ago to remind people to prepare for those of tomorrow. CREW is not only helping people recover from past storms such as Wilma and Ernesto, but promoting the importance of preparing for future storms. We are actively exploring ways to help people prepare for future storms by exploring hurricane mitigation opportunities as well as teaching people the importance of preparing. Akiva and Trish set up the booth at the site, then Akiva, Amanda and Betty spent the day informing people about what we can do to help!
Meanwhile, Renee' made sure the volunteer CREW from East Lake United Methodist got off to a good start. They were tired from fighting the Tiger traffic the night before! Go Tigers!!!
The CREW started in Moorehaven, splitting and working at two different homes. Replacing drywall in one while repairing a screen door at another. All the time the group was being followed around by the St. Pete Times. The Times interviewed each volunteer, Renee' and Trish at the home and then we all went out to a late lunch to refuel for the next project! The whole gang traveled to Clewiston to help repair a stubborn roof that won't quit leaking! Unfortunately they were unable to finish as they could not get the right supplies. But the volunteers wearily agreed to come back next month and tackle the roof first! The Times hung around and took a tour of the Clewiston damage with Trish, and learned what a resilient town we are, as the volunteers began their long drive home to Palm Harbor, hot and tired, but satisfied with a great days work for the Glory of God!
But, it does not end there. Sunday also saw Akiva diligently working to get our videos installed on our new computer, donated by the Presbyterian Disaster Association while Trish met with member of the Bass Association regarding a donation to CREW and talked further with the St. Pete Times. Thank you so much to those who have so willingly and continually supported us!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
East Lake United Methodist!
GARY AND KAREN
East Lake United Methodist Church came and did wonders! We were so impressed their work and their continued support! East Lake has been here 6/16-6/17 and tarped in Clewiston and Harlem. On 7/21 they came and tarped a roof and cut up trees in Montura. On 8/25 they came and tore out and replaced drywall in Moorehaven and installed installation in Hookers Point, just outside Clewiston. They will be back on 10/23 for more work! They are such a great group, they get off work on Friday and drive to Clewiston from Palm Harbor, and then get up Saturday morning and work all day and then drive 4 hours to go home. Here are some pictures of their trip in August! Praise God for East Lake United Methodist!
REV. GENE WATSON JULIUS & LARRY!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
CREW attends Glades Hurricane Info Day!
C.R.E.W Attends Glades Hurricane Info Day
MOORE HAVEN, FLORIDA - A Hurricane Information Day and Community Picnic was held at the Moore Haven City Park on September 9, sponsored by the Glades County Emergency Management Department. CREW gave out balloons and candy as Project Hope painted faces making it a fun day for the kids. The kids had fun while the adults learned how to better prepare for hurricanes.
CREW, with the help of Palmdale Fire Department, passed out health kits and flood buckets to Ernesto flood victims, which were donated by UMCOR and delivered by a Methodist Church in West Palm. Also delivered was food donated by Catholic Charities.
During this information day, CREW was able to complete four applications for one resident in Muse, one in Labelle and two in Moore Haven. Executive director Trish Adams, LCSW was able to deliver donated clothes to the First United Methodist Church for Moore Haven's thrift store. CREW helped to organized and run the raffle for Glades Emergency Management to help promote awareness and get residents to register and to challenge their knowledge of knowing when to evacuate.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Grace Ministries to the Rescue!
Grace Church helps survivors of past hurricanes, prepares for new ones
Aug. 29, 2006 News media contact: Tita Parham* 800-282-8011 tparham@flumc.org Orlando {0538}
An e-Review FeatureBy Nancy E. Johnson**
Wearing neon-green shirts that say, "Disaster Relief Team ... 'Here I am, send me!' Isaiah 6:8," team members from the disaster ministry team at Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Coral work to retarp a roof damaged during last year's storm season. Photo courtesy of Grace United Methodist Church, Photo #06-429.
It’s been almost a year since Hurricane Wilma whipped through many of Florida’s communities. It’s no longer front-page news, but much of the devastation remains.
“There’s still work to be done. It amazes me that some local churches are still unaware that there’s still a cry for help,” said Patti Nemazie, a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Coral.
Nemazie is one of about 40 church members who helped form a new ministry called The Grace Disaster Relief Ministry. They received early responders training through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) so they’ll be ready when disaster strikes.
In the meantime, the team has been practicing the UMCOR model in the field. They formed three teams and began working in neighboring communities still recovering from previous hurricanes, with each team focusing on a local mission. Within each team, team members were assigned specific responsibilities outlined in UMCOR’s training: logistics, team leader and base camp manager. With the experience they’re getting they say they’re prepared for any hurricanes that may hit this season.
One team worked with Lee County Human Services to help a grandmother who qualified for a grant, but still needed “lots of work to be done to her house to make that family whole again,” Nemazie said. “She is the caregiver to three grandchildren.”
Nemazie said the cost of the supplies was covered by the grant and the church’s disaster ministry was “the hands and feet, using the UMCOR model.”
The second and third teams worked in the Clewiston area on tree and debris removal and in Bonita Springs doing minor roof repairs. After the teams completed their “missions,” Nemazie said they met as a large group to discuss what did and did not work well.
Lon Elliott was on the team that visited Clewiston in July. They were surprised to see so much damage that still remained from Hurricane Wilma.
“They still had trees leaning; you could still see blue tarp on houses. There’s been some cleanup, but it’s been slow,” he said.
His team helped with home repairs and rebuilding at three houses. They re-tarped Joyce Hollingsworth’s home — Hurricane Wilma had shown it no mercy.
“It knocked down my garage. Concrete beams got knocked down during the storm,” Hollingsworth said. “It ripped some of the roof off and uprooted one mango tree and six fruit trees.”
A bond formed between Hollingsworth and the Grace Church team members. Nemazie recalls the homeowner sharing the story of how the home had been in her family for generations — she inherited it from her mother. Her grandmother died in the back bedroom during a house fire.
“She cried out, ‘Lord, I need your help. Water’s coming in, there’s mold.’ Then the phone rang within minutes and it was the logistics team from Grace Church calling to say they were coming to tarp her roof,” Nemazie said.
Hollingsworth insists it was answered prayer. “I said ‘Lord, what will I do. If another storm comes, this roof is going to fall,’ ” she said.
Elliott recalls the gratitude of every homeowner his team helped. “One couple was in their 80s. When the job was done, they wanted to give us a donation, but we said no.”
There are hundreds of people in need in Clewiston, hundreds of stories of rebuilding. Until a new round of hurricanes makes landfall, Grace Church team members will continue to respond to the survivors of past hurricanes.
“We’ve got a list of more places that need help,” said Elliott. “Until we’re called out by UMCOR for a disaster elsewhere, we’ll help here.”
And Hollingsworth appreciates the team’s work on her family home. “I was very pleased. We ministered to each other. It (Hurricane Wilma) did some damage, but in spite of it all, we were blessed,” she said.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
CREW Builds it's first home!
This CREW of teenagers from the Church of the Covenant from Washington, PA helped worked on Y.H.'s house in Moorehaven as did Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church from Maryland who finished the job here, Hilliard Presbyterian from Ohio started the job at her house some weeks ago. We replaced the roof, gutters (plywood and all) as well as drywall and ceilings, insulation and paint.
This CREW came from Indiana, three teachers, a preacher and his wife, a contractor and an owner of McDonald franchise worked 4.5 days and built this house frame, walls and roof for a retired couple Mr. and Mrs. Garcia. A local man poured the concrete for free as well. Cross Training Ministries from Labelle showed up one day to help them as did 4 local teenagers and some of CREW's own staff. There is still work to be done here and we want to challenge the community to help finish this project! We need shingles, drywall, ceiling, insulation and more. We also need $ to help pay the electrician and plumber! This project made it on WINK TV. http://www.winktv.com/x22920.xml
Thursday, July 13, 2006
CREW is in desperate need of funds!
CREW remains busy. We have a group here now from The Church of the Covenant in Washington, PA. They are doing incredible work, however the home they are working on (in Moorehaven) is the same home that the group that was here at the end of June, Hilliard Presbyterian Church from Hilliard, Ohio was working on. The damage is much more than initially suspected. She had damage from three different storms. Her entire roof has had to be replaced (wood and all). Costs have exceeded well above expectations and what we had donated. This has happened on most jobs. Also many of our volunteers are from out of state or at least out of county. Local volunteers, including licensed contractors and translaters would be greatly appreciated.
The week before that we had East Lake United Methodist Church from Palm Harbor, Florida who tarped two houses in Clewiston in one day before driving home.
Another group, from Lakeland Florida has been here several times helping a couple (one with serious medical conditiaons) in Buckhead Ridge, Florida and an elderly disabled woman in Ortona.
Grace Ministries from Cape Coral has also been here once and are coming back this weekend to help tarp roofs and remove debries. They helped clients in Moorehaven and Clewiston.
We really need fern strips, tarps, plywood, shingles, drywall, office supplies, a truck, or volunteers who are licensed or skilled, as well as unskilled volunteers, someone willing to deliver supplies, provide meals and shelter to volunteers. In addition, it would be wonderful to have local volunteers.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
June Update!
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Since June 1st things have really taken off. We have had 4 groups of volunteer come in and work on 10 clients homes. One local crew tarped 2 roofs. 1 crew from Lakeland worked on 3 clients homes helping with drywall, plumbing, painting and demolition. 1 crew from Palm Harbor tarped 2 or more roofs. 1 crew from Pennsylvania rebuilt a fence for 1 client, did drywall, cool sealed roofs, laid tile and carpet, and skirted a mobile home for 2 other clients. The group from Lakeland was back twice and plan to come back again. A group from Ohio is currently here and has done debris cleanup and are currently working on replacing drywall, ceilings, windows, and studs. Grace Relief Disaster Ministry from Punta Gorda did debris removal for our clients this past weekend as well.
Donations included tools to help CREWs get their jobs done, including a number of power tools, a fence stretcher, post hole diggers, and tarping plastic and furring strips. Volunteer groups that have come this month have pledges donations of $1700 total. Donations have also included use of latters, trucks, drills and other tools. $6000 from the Community Relief Fund to be shared between two counties. Several local business and individuals also donated supplies, furniture, labor, food for volunteers, and use of tools and trucks.
We have a total of 672 cases including open, closed, unassigned and referrals back to Palm Beach LTRO. Within the month of June 250 cases were opened, reviewed and the homes assessed by case managers. 317 cases total in Hendry county have been assigned, reviewed and homes assessed for damages, 49 in Glades County. 79 cases have been closed in Hendry county, 34 in the month of June. 11 cases have been closed in Glades county, 3 in June. There are currently 174 unassigned, unassisted clients. June was the most productive month we have had since the new Case manger supervisor came. We currently have 7 case managers but loose funding for at least 5 possible 6 of them July 1st.
2 secretarial positions (part time) have helped through a grant for the month of June but they are also leaving July 1st as is our 3rd secretarial staff who has worked part time for a couple of months now. We will have no staff in these positions beginning July 1.
Case Manager Supervisor, Executive Director and Volunteer coordinator participated in FIND training that helped us learn from other LTRO experiences. The Executive Director and Volunteer Coordinator also began their CERT training course to become first responders for Hendry County to help our residents out in the event of a disaster. The Case Manger Supervisor will also be taking this course.
At long last the DRD (Disaster Response Database) is up can running and we have entered most of the data, the girls have been working steady using the computers full time just entering this information. 332 cases have been inputted in to the Hendry county data base and 75 clients into the Glades county database. It took two volunteer computer WIZs, a board member and his friends, our own FIND and Lutheran Disaster DRD friends, and our Case management Supervisor a lot of time and patience and volunteer time to get it working.
We have partnered with many agencies to help facilitate help to our clients. We have partnered with United Way, UMCOR and PDA. In addition we have assisted USDA by providing a local place they could meet with clients and help them qualify for low cost loans. We have also assisted getting information to the Empowerment Alliance which resulted in $10,000 of supplies and services to clients. In addition we are assisting the Rotary Club in finding a good use for $30,000 which will be spent on clients rebuilding their homes as well. They related they were impressed at the homework we had done in regards to client resource or lack of. We have helped get donated chairs (80), cribs, strollers, diapers and other supplies to needy families. FEMA representatives Ortes Perez and Keith Denning have also been working with us. We have worked jointly with Workforce development, providing a place for them to train staff. We have also worked with United Way and helped them in promoting their 211 program and have referred many clients to this program. One of our staff through the NEG grant has been helping the local Methodist Church with office assistance in addition to completing work for us. The local Methodist Church and the local Presbyterian Church have provided shelter to our volunteers as well as meals. Meals have also been provided by the Baptist Church, local restaurants, various church members from various affiliations, and other volunteers.
Some problems include that many procedures are not in place yet, although they are being put in place and a policy manual has not been written, thus it has been difficult dealing with issues that come up without this guide. We have successfully gotten a procedure in place for handling volunteers and ensuring paperwork and information is gathered and releases signed prior to them doing any work. In addition we have been pulled at times to work on “crisis cases” instead of focusing on long term recovery needs. Polices and procedures manual is almost completed and has been being worked on diligently. Clear boundaries were presented for ensuring that all volunteers go through Volunteer Coordinator and she has completed training for these procedures. Crisis cases are being refereed to United Way’s 211 program. The Case Management supervisor was hired and trained to make referral and ensure backgrounds and complete information was gathered on clients before assisting them.
We desperately need more donation money for supplies, or money to hire contractors and skilled volunteers. We also need a Construction Coordinator, and another Spanish speaking case manager and the funds to pay them. An office person would be very helpful as well. Money to assist unregistered's would also be a help!
We are trying to pull off building a house for a client in July but due to delays from volunteer contractors drawing the plans up and the inspector’s vacation it is looking like this may not happen, we are working our best to ensure that it does. A lot depends on the cooperation we get from local contractors, the county inspector, and the weather.
Appreciation for the Case Management Supervisor, Volunteer Coordinator and Executive Director who regularly put in over 50 hours a week, often closer to 80 is appreciated. In addition be aware, they are being mandated to take some personal time and we are closing for 4 days over the 4th of July weekend to ensure that this happens.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Up to date Happenings!
Community Rebuilding Ecumenical WorkForce (CREW), Inc.
121 Central Ave (back door)
Clewiston, Florida 33440
(863) 983-2390
CREW has completed a lot of work. We have 245 open cases. We have about 300 cases yet to have assessments. We have closed 66 cases. Volunteer CREWs the past few weeks have worked on 6 homes completing repairs.
This coming week we have four CREWs that will be present. (two are local, VFW and Baptists are local), the other two are Eastlake Untied Methodist Church from Palm Harbor, Florida and the Presbyterian Church from Chestnut Hill, PA. They will be working on 7 homes (tarping) and I debris clean up, 3 more homes replacing drywall, cool ceiling roofs, putting sown tile, carpeting, putting up fence, repairing holes in floor, leveling a porch, and installing fence posts. They will be working in Clewiston, Labelle, Montura, Harlem, and Hookers Point.
We have had $10,00 donated from the Empowerment alliance directly to clients for supplies and services. Café Tropical is providing lunch one day and the Presbyterian Church is donating dinners for one group all week. One local person donated use of truck, power tools were donated, the county donated services, the city donated tarps, the Baptist is providing space for lunch and clean up services, and many of our staff have worked well overtime to help make the next few weeks a success.
The nest week we have Hilliard Presbyterian Church from Ohio being hosted by the Methodist Church. Also 1st Untied Methodist Church of Lakeland will be back to work on house in Glades counties.
The workforce development grant ends the end of this month and we will loose most of our case managers and the two teenagers who have been helping out in the office. We also had $6000 from the community relief fund which we are using to buy supplies.
After a lot of work from local computer geeks, as well as Akiva, Gricel and Stan, we do have our DRD system up and running, Staff are working diligently imputing information from all the cases, closed and open that we have.
We have workers in Labelle, Harlem and Moorehaven with regular office hours at least one day a week. Tuesdays are the day we will have office time in all these places.
In July, we have groups coming from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Indiana.
121 Central Ave (back door)
Clewiston, Florida 33440
(863) 983-2390
CREW has completed a lot of work. We have 245 open cases. We have about 300 cases yet to have assessments. We have closed 66 cases. Volunteer CREWs the past few weeks have worked on 6 homes completing repairs.
This coming week we have four CREWs that will be present. (two are local, VFW and Baptists are local), the other two are Eastlake Untied Methodist Church from Palm Harbor, Florida and the Presbyterian Church from Chestnut Hill, PA. They will be working on 7 homes (tarping) and I debris clean up, 3 more homes replacing drywall, cool ceiling roofs, putting sown tile, carpeting, putting up fence, repairing holes in floor, leveling a porch, and installing fence posts. They will be working in Clewiston, Labelle, Montura, Harlem, and Hookers Point.
We have had $10,00 donated from the Empowerment alliance directly to clients for supplies and services. Café Tropical is providing lunch one day and the Presbyterian Church is donating dinners for one group all week. One local person donated use of truck, power tools were donated, the county donated services, the city donated tarps, the Baptist is providing space for lunch and clean up services, and many of our staff have worked well overtime to help make the next few weeks a success.
The nest week we have Hilliard Presbyterian Church from Ohio being hosted by the Methodist Church. Also 1st Untied Methodist Church of Lakeland will be back to work on house in Glades counties.
The workforce development grant ends the end of this month and we will loose most of our case managers and the two teenagers who have been helping out in the office. We also had $6000 from the community relief fund which we are using to buy supplies.
After a lot of work from local computer geeks, as well as Akiva, Gricel and Stan, we do have our DRD system up and running, Staff are working diligently imputing information from all the cases, closed and open that we have.
We have workers in Labelle, Harlem and Moorehaven with regular office hours at least one day a week. Tuesdays are the day we will have office time in all these places.
In July, we have groups coming from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Indiana.
Wish List
Drills, ladders, copier paper, envelopes, plywood, drywall, volunteer craftsman, volunteers of all kinds, mattresses, a truck, newer computers, office furniture, gas cards, food for volunteers, housing for out of town volunteers, and anything else the Spirit moves you to give!
Monday, May 29, 2006
Hurricane Recovery
Case managers help give hope by getting donated furniture to clients whose furniture was destroyed by Hurricane Wilma as they prepare for Memorial Weekend when Volunteers from Lakeland will come in to help rebuild homes.
On Saturday as many were relaxing and enjoying the holiday weekend, others were repairing doors, roofs, hanging drywall, replacing ceiling and paneling to help the residents of Hendry and Glades counties continue in their recovery efforts.
Staff are busy planning for more volunteer groups coming this summer from Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania. They also hope to challenge local businesses and individuals to help pitch in as well with donations and volunteer time.
C.R.E.W., Inc
863-983-2390
121 Central Avenue, (around back)
Clewiston, Florida
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