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Christopher's Story Overcoming the challenge of autism to find a job where his talents shine .... MORE |
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September 22, 2006 (Mentor, Ohio) Local volunteers announced today the creation of Tri-County C.A.R.E. (Compassionate Assistance & Response after Emergencies) an inter-faith/inter-agency steering committee made up of dedicated volunteers working in a collaborative manner to address the long-term needs of flood victims in Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake Counties. Tri-County C.A.R.E. will work in association with and in support of many organizations such as local non-profits, churches, hospitals, businesses and communities to serve flood victims who have unmet needs related to the recent flood disaster (view complete listing of participating groups). "Our efforts are not to be mistaken with the extraordinary services provided by FEMA, the Red Cross, or our local Emergency Management officials. Tri-County C.A.R.E. will focus solely on long-term unmet needs to assist organizations and residents with recovery efforts that remain beyond the initial response" said Bradley Petitt, Co-Chair for Tri-County C.A.R.E. and Coordinator of Housing Services at Ravenwood Mental Health Center in Geauga County. According to Petitt, "we know there are many unmet needs in the tri-county area and people are struggling to pick up the pieces of their lives and get back to some degree of normalcy. Our committee is dedicated to doing everything that we can to address those unmet needs. That means that our committee will remain active and diligent until every resident with an unmet need, as a result of this disaster, has been served". Tri-County C.A.R.E. is not affiliated with any government agency however, as a requirement for services, individuals affected by the severe storms and flooding of July 27 through August 4 must register with FEMA. Individuals have only one week remaining to apply for state and federal disaster assistance before the September 30 deadline. To register with FEMA, individuals must call the FEMA toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. Individuals also may register through the Internet at www.fema.gov. Tri-County C.A.R.E. will become an ongoing presence in Northeast Ohio to provide coordinated assistance for the long-term recovery efforts following community disasters and provide the long-term assistance necessary for unmet needs long after initial first responders have left the community. Tri-County C.A.R.E. will also be working in association with local EMA offices to advocate for ongoing preparedness within the community through the cooperation and collaboration of any and all stakeholders. Individuals affected by the flood disaster who miss the deadline and have unmet needs are encouraged to contact their local 2-1-1 by simply dialing 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone. Individuals who have already received assistance from FEMA and other agencies who realize long after their initial assistance that more help is needed may also call 2-1-1. Information and referral specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist families and direct those with unmet needs to Tri-County C.A.R.E. case managers. Individuals, non-profit organizations, and businesses interested in assisting Tri-County C.A.R.E. with this effort or anyone with questions should contact Kimm Leininger at 440-285-2261 ext. 222. In addition, tax-deductible donations to Tri-County C.A.R.E. can be made at any Sky Bank location. American Red Cross, Ashtabula County Emergency Management Agency, Auburn Career Center, Catholic Charities, Central Congregational Church, Chardon Rotary Club, Chardon Township, Chesterland Rotary Club, Church World Service, City of Chardon, Country Neighbor, Departments on Aging, First Church Congregational - Painesville, Geauga County Department of Emergency Services, Geauga County Job and Family Services, Geauga County Public Library, Lake County Emergency Management Agency, Lake Hospital Systems, Lutheran Disaster Relief Services, Lutheran Disaster Response, Lutheran Social Services, Madison Ministries, Madison Village, Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce, Northeast Ohio COAD Southern Baptists, Ohio Conference - United Church of Christ, OURCC Carpenters, Painesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Prudential Select Properties, Ravenwood Mental Health Center, Red Cross, RSVP, Salvation Army, Sky Bank, St. Vincent DePaul, State Representative Cassell, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Lake/Geauga Chapter, UHHS Geauga Regional Hospital, United Methodist Church East Ohio Conference, United Way, and WomenSafe"> |
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