Hurricane Ian Survivors & Helpers

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Uplifting Unsung Heroes

Disaster Volunteers

“To be a Disaster Relief volunteer is part of being a humanitarian. We have to be there to support our communities and to support the people around us… whether those people are part of our community or not. Why not put that goodwill out there and make a difference if we can?”

-Cammie Cooley,
Inspiritus Disaster Relief Volunteer

Strength in Community 

Disaster Partners

Inspiritus Disaster Response teams will be on the ground in Fort Myers, FL through February 2023. Your help is still needed. Join incredible volunteers like Cammie who are on the ground with Hurricane Ian storm survivors facing a long road to recovery. From gutting homes and clearing debris to creating meaningful connections with disaster survivors and fellow volunteers, donating your hearts, hands, and time with Inspiritus Disaster Relief can positively impact your life and the lives of those impacted by this devastating storm. 

If you are available to volunteer for a few hours, days or weeks, our incredible team is looking forward to meeting you! All skill levels are welcomed and training is provided. Learn more or sign up to volunteer here: www.weinspirit.org/drvolunteers.

Our partners at ToolBank USA, deploy staff and trailers filled with tools that help community-based organizations, like Inspiritus, respond faster. They have provided over $340K worth of tools (at no cost) to organizations across Florida to aid in the disaster relief efforts. The tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) that the ToolBank provides our teams are especially critical during large-scale relief efforts like Hurricane Ian. Their continued support helps us meet the needs of Disaster Survivors who do not have the resources to clean up and repair their homes on their own.

If your organization is looking for ways to help, contact Sherry Buresh, Executive Director of Disaster Relief programs at Sherry.Buresh@weinspirit.org

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Your support will empower Hurricane Ian survivors to receive assistance right now, when it’s desperately needed. Prayerfully consider joining us, in whatever way is right for you-- in your hearts, in your actions, and in your prayers.

DONATE

Donate to Inspiritus: The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help homeowners impacted by the Hurricane. You can help storm Survivors receive much needed help: Social, Emotional, & Spiritual Care, Muck & Gut services to remove water damage from their homes, Roof Tarps, Chainsawing, Debris Removal, and even Heavy Equipment Assistance. 

VOLUNTEER

This work would not be possible without hundreds of HEROIC volunteers, and supporters like you.

Prayerfully consider joining us in SW Florida now through the end of February 2023. We especially need Team Leads to guide volunteer groups with Muck & Gut and Debris Removal, but all hands are welcome, and all skills can be helpful. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at (239) 560-1554 or visit www.WeInspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.

SHARE STORIES

We invite you to share, follow and like us on your favorite platform below and learn more about the people impacted by this storm and how neighbors and strangers alike, can make a difference.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareinspiritus/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weareinspiritus

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/inspiritus-inc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/weareinspiritus

We are grateful for your compassion and commitment to empower individuals on their path from Surviving to thriving.



Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

#Inspiritus #SurvivingToThriving #HurricaneIan #DisasterRelief

Uplifting Unsung Heroes: Disaster Volunteers

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Disaster relief volunteers are the heartbeat of our work. Whether you’re new to Disaster Relief volunteering or have experienced multiple deployments, there is always a place for you. Nikki Membrere joined us this year during the Eastern Kentucky flooding and then again with Hurricane Ian in SW Florida. Like many volunteers, Nikki was compelled to help where needed. Our teams trained and supported her in volunteer coordination on the ground and in helping us conduct background checks remotely. She traveled cross-country-- from California to Florida-- to help Survivors who's lives have been turned upside down by a disaster. In the video below, she describes the ways you can join us in helping the many individuals and families still on their road to recovery.

For more information on how you can help, visit www.WeInspirit.org/drvolunteers.

"When you put things into perspective, especially hearing and seeing all these stories that have happened to everyday people...it makes you feel appreciative of everything you have, especially when you're not in the situation and on the other side."

-Nikki Membrere,
Inspiritus Disaster Volunteer

Strength in Community 

Disaster Partners

We cannot do this work without the individuals and organizations that join us from near and far in delivering life-saving tools, resources and help.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T) is one of our incredible partners that is dedicated to making a lasting impact in communities recovering from a disaster. The critical supplies and funding they donate to Inspiritus helps us meet many of the needs Survivors face in the aftermath of large-scale storms, like Hurricane Ian. Just last week, they organized a fundraiser in Fort Myers, FL to help extend our Response efforts so more individuals and families can get the help they need.

Thanks to the efforts of T2T and supporters like you, we will be on the ground until February 2023!

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Your support will empower Hurricane Ian survivors to receive assistance right now, when it’s desperately needed. Prayerfully consider joining us, in whatever way is right for you-- in your hearts, in your actions, and in your prayers. 

DONATE

Donate to Inspiritus: The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help homeowners impacted by the Hurricane. You can help storm Survivors receive much needed help: Social, Emotional and Spiritual Care, Muck & Gut services to remove water damage from their homes, Roof Tarps, Chainsawing, Debris Removal, and even Heavy Equipment Assistance.

VOLUNTEER

This work would not be possible without hundreds of HEROIC volunteers, and supporters like you.

Prayerfully consider joining us in SW Florida now through November 23. We especially need Team Leads to guide volunteer groups with Muck & Gut and Debris Removal, but all hands are welcome, and all skills can be helpful. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at (239) 560-1554 or visit www.WeInspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.

SHARE STORIES

We invite you to share, follow and like us on your favorite platform below and learn more about the people impacted by this storm and how neighbors and strangers alike, can make a difference.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareinspiritus/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weareinspiritus

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/inspiritus-inc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/weareinspiritus

We are grateful for your compassion and commitment to empower individuals on their path from Surviving to thriving.



Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

#Inspiritus #SurvivingToThriving #HurricaneIan #DisasterRelief

Hurricane Ian Survivors and Helpers

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STRENGTH, FAITH & RESILIENCY 

Hurricane Ian Storm Survivors

Response teams know, first hand, how especially hard natural disasters are on vulnerable members of the community. WINK News recently covered the impact of Hurricane Ian on the Benedettis, one of the many Island Park residents that Inspiritus' Disaster teams helped in response to Hurricane Ian. The couple decided to stay home and wait out the storm as the wife had just completed surgery.

Their experience reminds us how challenging it is for some people to evacuate, including elderly, medically-fragile and under-resourced individuals, not to mention, the daunting task of navigating the devastation, needs and resources after a storm hits. Their story reflects the strength, faith and resiliency that many Survivors learn to lean into in the wake of vast loss and destruction.

UPLIFTING UNSUNG HEROES 

Disaster Volunteers

Basecamp meals are essential to uplifting hard working volunteers before and after each workday... Rex Rothrock, knows this well. Through his family foundation, Rothrock Foundation, Rex passionately helps Disaster Survivors by making sure volunteer responders are well fed and nourished, in body and soul.

After a disaster hits, Rex joins in service with Inspiritus' Disaster teams and camps in the volunteer basecamp for weeks and even months on end, when he is able. We are incredibly grateful for his commitment to helping disaster survivors and supporting the volunteers that give so much of their time, talent and hearts in service to individuals that need it the most.  

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATE

Donate to Inspiritus: The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help homeowners impacted by the Hurricane. Your support will provide free debris removal, muck & gut services and water purification to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

VOLUNTEER

This work would not be possible without hundreds of HEROIC volunteers, and supporters like you.

Prayerfully consider joining us in Fort Myers, FL now through November 23. We especially need Team Leads to guide volunteer groups with Muck & Gut and Debris Removal, but all hands are welcome, and all skills can be helpful. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at (239) 560-1554 or visit www.WeInspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.

SHARE STORIES

We invite you to share, follow and like us on your favorite platform below and learn more about the people impacted by this storm and how neighbors and strangers alike, can make a difference.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareinspiritus/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weareinspiritus

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/inspiritus-inc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/weareinspiritus

Please join us in uplifting all those impacted by storms and those helping Survivors recover. We are grateful for your compassion and commitment to empower individuals on their path from Surviving to Thriving.



Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

#Inspiritus #SurvivingToThriving #HurricaneIan #DisasterRelief

Day 28: Hurricane Ian Updates

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Dear Friend,

When disasters strike, they leave trails of catastrophic destruction, instantly uprooting the lives of millions of people each year. Once the cameras leave and the news stories trickle to a stop, what many don't see is the grueling and costly journey Survivors experience for months and often years after a disaster hits. Between 15-75 percent of people who experience a natural disaster later develop PTSD. Natural disasters can also worsen existing physical and mental health conditions and disproportionately impact children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and under-resourced and underinsured individuals. 

Nearly 30 days after Hurricane Ian's landfall, our teams are witnessing the trauma and mental/social anguish continuing to increase for many residents and survivors. Community members are grappling with the surmounting feeling of loss and grief and the reality of the long road ahead. 

“They don’t have any food, they don’t have a dry bed to sleep in, their socks, their clothes, their underwear…everything is soaked. People couldn’t even find their cars. One person lost two cars…but they didn’t know where they floated to.” (Mary Ann Roberts, Inspiritus Disaster Relief Volunteer)

This is why it's critical for our teams to take extra care of not just a Survivor's home and belongings, but the person impacted. This is where resiliency and recovery begins-- the people. Survivors receive spiritual, emotional, and social support from trained staff and volunteers. This is important work that uplifts the soul and often gives them the strength to go on as they navigate the difficult road ahead of them.

Homeowners also receive much needed assistance with their damaged homes from Inspiritus trained volunteers, who help them to salvage their personal belongings from the rubble, provide quality controlled muck & gutting (comparable to that of paid contractors), and mold remediation. These free, high quality services by volunteer teams help each homeowner save a life-changing $25,000-$50,000!

In response to the growing need, Inspiritus teams have expanded their work on the ground to over 8 communities in and around the Fort Myers area (Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Arcadia, Royal Woods, Harlem Heights, Fort Myers Beach, and Pine Island). We are grateful for groups and individuals like you, who come together to help bring care and hope to Survivors. 

It will continue to take the efforts of countless supporters like you to help affected residents rebuild their lives.

Inspiritus, New York City Firefighters, The Home Depot Foundation and Tunnel to Towers teams came together to help a Survivor whose house was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. The homeowner is a U.S. Navy Veteran who suffered a disability in Afghanistan, now facing the devastating loss of his home and a lifetime of family memories and belongings.

WHAT WE ARE DOING (Day 28 Update)

Inspiritus saves each homeowner an average of $25k-$50k in costs during a Response. Our current Hurricane Ian impact:

  • 1,000+ Individuals served

  • 100+ Volunteers in the field, each day currently

  • 5,770+ Volunteer Hours served

  • 19 Debris Removal jobs

  • 35 Muck & Gut jobs

  • 6 Roof Tarping jobs

  • 14 Chainsaw jobs

We work with a diverse range of volunteers, partners and donors to ensure individuals get the help they need and that volunteers are well trained and equipped to provide the necessary support. Our work includes:

  • Capacity Building: Inspiritus staff are partnering with local emergency and city/county officials to build local disaster response capacity, providing expert disaster response advisement. While staff are actively supporting operations in Fort Myers, they are also actively providing advisement to leaders in other towns and counties to help them assess and manage the people and resources they need. Towards the end of our Response, Inspiritus staff will advise and support the development of Long-Term Recovery planning and committees.

  • Assistance Hotline (FL): To better serve homeowners impacted by Hurricane Ian in the Fort Myers and surrounding areas, a hotline number has been setup to receive requests from impacted homeowners for assistance and aid.

  • Volunteer Housing: Inspiritus has setup volunteer housing at Anthem Church - Fort Myers, with the capacity to accommodate 50-80 overnight volunteers daily.

  • Spontaneous & Network Volunteer Management: We are directly coordinating and managing Spontaneous Volunteers and volunteers from our Partner Network. This collaborative Network includes volunteer teams and leads partnering with Inspiritus from local and national faith groups and partners. Passionate solo volunteers are an essential part of this network as well. More volunteers are needed to ensure all homes receive help. Join us!

  • Home Assessments, Heavy Equipment, Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Quality Control, Roof Tarping and Mold Sanitation: Volunteers are conducting home assessments and are providing Muck & Gut, Debris Removal, Roof Tarping and Mold Sanitation work for local residents’ homes where it's safe to enter. Teams are also being deployed to areas needing chainsaw and heavy equipment support.

  • Social & Emotional Support: Disasters can affect a Survivor's physical and emotional well-being. They disrupt everyday life by displacing individuals and families, destroying homes, and splintering communities. Inspiritus' volunteer teams and community partners are providing emotional care, spiritual guidance and critical resources to help impacted individuals in and around the Fort Myers area recover stronger.

  • Water Purification: Inspiritus volunteers are providing locals with access to clean water thanks to WaterStep, who donated Water on Wheels Carts (WOW Carts) to help communities that have lost access to safe drinking water due to disaster damages.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATE

Donate to Inspiritus: The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help homeowners impacted by the Hurricane. Your support will provide free debris removal, muck & gut services and water purification to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

VOLUNTEER

This work would not be possible without hundreds of HEROIC volunteers, including those who have driven in locally, as well as Team Leads who have come in from around the country and are living in Fort Myers, FL at our local Volunteer Housing Camp.

Prayerfully consider joining us in Fort Myers, FL now through November 23. We especially need Team Leads to guide volunteer groups with Muck & Gut and Debris Removal, but all hands are welcome, and all skills can be helpful. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at (239) 560-1554 or visit www.WeInspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.

SHARE STORIES

We invite you to share, follow and like us on your favorite platform below and learn more about the people impacted by this storm and how neighbors and strangers alike, can make a difference.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareinspiritus/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weareinspiritus

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/inspiritus-inc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/weareinspiritus

OUR PARTNERS

Inspiritus is grateful for the individuals, congregations, and corporate teams from within the following organizations, for your help in this disaster:

We are collaborating extensively with community partners, including a diverse range of churches and businesses from the local area, and those traveling from communities as distant as California, the Bahamas, and the Carolinas to help disaster survivors in SW Florida. 

Thank you to all the Congregations and Individuals who are recruiting friends and family members to join us in service. This disaster relief effort is only possible because of your support (donations, volunteers, and/or professional expertise). Your generosity and compassion is making a difference.

Inspiritus partner, Missions On Wheels, is providing our disaster relief volunteers with a 7-unit portable shower trailer at no cost to our teams.

As we continue helping individuals and families in SW Florida, your prayers and support are deeply appreciated. Thank you for helping impacted communities find strength and resiliency during this difficult time. We will continue to keep you updated as the work progresses.



Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

#Inspiritus #SurvivingToThriving #HurricaneIan #DisasterRelief

Day 19: Hurricane Ian Updates

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Dear Friend,

As you are aware, Hurricane Ian was considered one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the U.S., with max wind speeds of 155 mph. Ian caused catastrophic damage with losses currently estimated to reach $67 billion dollars. Damage was mostly from flooding, particularly impacting the cities of Fort Myers Beach and Naples, FL. Sections of Fort Myers were overwhelmed with a 15-foot storm surge, raging floodwaters and winds after the historic storm touched down as a high-level Category 4. Millions were left without power and water in the storm's wake, and many residents were forced to take refuge on their roofs or succumbed to drowning. In total, Hurricane Ian has caused at least 130 fatalities. 

Video: Fort Myers resident, Melinda Meyers on the the impact of Hurricane Ian on her home and how you can help residents devastated by the storm.

Inspiritus deployed a team to Fort Myers and plans to be on location for 8 weeks. We have been coordinating with local and state officials, as well as our partners to bring much needed help to impacted residents in and around the Fort Myers area, including the communities of Royal Woods, Harlem Heights, Pine Island and Little Gasparilla Island.  

Staff and volunteers have setup intake centers and have deployed assessment teams into these communities to determine the extent of support that will be need to help survivors on their path to thriving. Our teams are coordinating and providing Social & Emotional Support, Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Chainsaw and Heavy Equipment services for the most vulnerable homeowners. Responders are seeing that the majority of survivors are highly vulnerable senior citizens who are especially overwhelmed and at severe risk now due to the catastrophic damages to their homes and lives. These seniors have low to modest income and exhibit high levels of both financial and emotional support needs due to underinsurance or resistance from their insurance companies.

There is an urgent need for assistance to continue the work of helping the individuals and families whose homes and lives were devastated. These families continue to be at risk as they remain exposed to life-threatening mold and severe damages in their homes. As we continue our response efforts in Florida, we will keep you updated on ways you can help.

WHAT WE ARE DOING (Day 19 Update)

  • Capacity Building: Inspiritus staff are partnering with local emergency and city/county officials to build local disaster response capacity, providing expert disaster response advisement. While staff are actively supporting operations in Fort Myers, they are also actively providing advisement to leaders in other towns and counties to help them assess and manage the people and resources they need. Towards the end of our Response, Inspiritus staff will advise and support the development of Long-Term Recovery planning and committees.

  • Assistance Hotline (FL): To better serve homeowners impacted by Hurricane Ian in the Fort Myers and surrounding areas, a hotline number has been setup to receive requests from impacted homeowners for assistance and aid.

  • Volunteer Housing: Inspiritus has setup volunteer housing at Anthem Church - Fort Myers, with the capacity to accommodate for 50-80 overnight volunteers daily.

  • Spontaneous & Network Volunteer Management: We are directly coordinating and managing Spontaneous Volunteers and volunteers from our Partner Network. This collaborative Network includes volunteer teams and leads partnering with Inspiritus from local and national faith groups and partners. Passionate solo volunteers are an essential part of this network as well. More volunteers are needed to ensure all homes receive help. Join us!

  • Home Assessments, Heavy Equipment, Debris Removal, Muck & Gut, Roof Tarping and Mold Sanitation: Volunteers are conducting home assessments and are providing Muck & Gut, Debris Removal, Roof Tarping and Mold Sanitation work for local residents’ homes where it's safe to enter. Teams are also being deployed to areas needing chainsaw and heavy equipment support.

  • Water Purification: Inspiritus volunteers are providing locals with access to clean water thanks to WaterStep, who donated Water on Wheels Carts (WOW Carts) to help communities that have lost access to safe drinking water due to disaster damages.

"...I marvel at those who answer the call and who give their all to ensure that individuals and families devastated by disaster have a fighting chance of moving from surviving to thriving." (Inspiritus' CEO, John Moeller, in his tribute to Volunteers)

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATE

Donate to Inspiritus: The more funding we raise, the longer our teams can stay on the ground continuing to help homeowners impacted by the Hurricane. Your support will provide free debris removal, muck & gut services and water purification to help families affected by the storm, especially those who can't recover without help.

VOLUNTEER

This work would not be possible without hundreds of HEROIC volunteers, including those who have driven in locally, as well as Team Leads who have come in from around the country and are living in Fort Myers, FL at our local Volunteer Housing Camp.

Prayerfully consider joining us in Fort Myers, FL now through November 23. We especially need Team Leads to guide volunteer groups with Muck & Gut and Debris Removal, but all hands are welcome, and all skills can be helpful. Please call the Volunteer Hotline at (239) 560-1554 or visit www.WeInspirit.org/drvolunteers to learn more.

SURVIVOR STORIES

We take extra care to lift-up the voices and stories of both survivors and helpers of each Response we go on. We invite you to follow us on your favorite platform below and learn more about the people impacted by this storm and how neighbors and strangers alike, can make a difference.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareinspiritus/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weareinspiritus

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/inspiritus-inc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/weareinspiritus

OUR PARTNERS

Inspiritus is grateful for the individuals, congregations, and corporate teams from within the following organizations, for your help in this disaster:

This disaster relief effort is only possible because of the support (donations, volunteers, and/or professional expertise) provided from partners and supporters. Your generosity and compassion is making a difference.

Locally, we are collaborating extensively with local community partners, including a diverse range of local churches and businesses. Many of whom are providing care for our volunteers. Local partners are also sending their own volunteers to join us and shadow our disaster relief teams, in order to learn how to be prepared for the next storm and how to build local capacity and readiness. These local partners and volunteers are likely to develop to be key leaders in the Long-Term Recovery process, and Inspiritus is committed to empowering them.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation donated a truckload of much needed supplies (generators, fans, shop-vacs, tools, batteries, etc.) to help empower storm survivors in Fort Myers, FL.

Governor Ron DeSantis and his family came to witness the work on the ground and thank partners like ToolBank USA who has provided our team with the tools needed for a successful Response. Inspiritus' Construction Management Lead, Kevin Burgess, shown updating the Governor on the needs of impacted homeowners.

Anthem Church - Fort Myers has been providing their facility to house volunteers and to support our relief operations. The Sunday School kids tended to the hearts of volunteers with hand-written thank you notes.

Please continue to join us in prayer for those families impacted, and for the strength of the volunteers serving on the ground now. Thank you for your support!



Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

#SurvivingToThriving #HurricaneIan #DisasterRelief

Hurricane Ian: Message from the CEO

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Hurricane Ian banner-Inspiritus

Dear Friend,

I am writing to you from the road. Today, I am journeying to Fort Myers, Florida, one of the epicenters of Hurricane Ian‘s landfall. I am bringing a much needed vehicle to the Inspiritus team that will be used to shuttle staff and volunteers around the area during our Response. Unfortunately, there are no rental vehicles to be found in South Florida right now. I’m also here to check on the team and survey our base of operations in SW Florida. My final goal is to gain an understanding of the magnitude of the devastation so that I may be a credible witness to the pain and suffering of those in the region.

I am grateful for our disaster services team’s quick thinking to pre-position resources in south Georgia last weekend to be ready to deploy this week. Thanks to the quick thinking, the team is already conducting assessments and deploying work crews this Tuesday afternoon in the Fort Myers area. I am also grateful for relationships with multiple church bodies that have provided local intelligence and hospitality that have enabled Inspiritus to establish a base of operations so quickly. Donations and financial commitments have poured in over the last couple of days, and the need is great. The Home Depot Foundation, Lowe’s, the Tunnels to Towers Foundation and individuals have generously committed significant funding to fuel the immediate response work. Lastly, I am humbled by the outpouring of people from all across the country who want to volunteer with Inspiritus in the aftermath of the storm. I look forward to shaking their hands and thanking them for their sacrifice and service to survivors of the storm.

Thank you for the meaningful ways you share your care and support as we accompany the most vulnerable among us. I ask that you might prayerfully consider donating to empower survivors to go from surviving to thriving: weinspirit.org/donate. As the days progress, I hope to provide further updates from ground zero.

 

                                                                       Sincerely,



Rev. John R. Moeller, Jr.
President & CEO,
Inspiritus

Inspiritus MLK Day of Reflection 2021

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Martin Luther King Day of Service

A day of service, learning and advocacy to commemoratethe life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This will be an enlightening afternoon of reflection. We are very excited to announce that we will have a children's pastor and two youth pastors facilitating an age-appropriate learning experience for the first half of the afternoon's event.

Our children will be lead by: Deacon Mary Houck. She serves as Director of Children's Ministry and Special Needs Ministry at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta and has been involved in leadership of the Inspiritus MLK Day of Service for several years.

Our youth will be lead by Reverend Michael Jannett and Hillary Nelson. Reverend Michael is the Assistant to the Bishop for Communication and Formation for the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA. Hillary Nelson is the Director for Middle and High School Youth Ministry at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta.

The adult sessions will have a multi-sensory approach with musical performances and artist, GW Harper, painting through out the event. We will reflect on Dr. King's messages of peace, hope, and service through poems, lectures, and break-out group discussions.

Families, please register each of your children separately, and indicate whether you'd like a children's ticket (5th grade and under) and/or a youth ticket (6th grade through 12th grade) on our registration page.

Please note that families will begin the event together, on the parent's Zoom link, then we will ask the children to log on to a separate Zoom on their own devices after the introductory portion of the program.

We look forward to learning, serving, and advocating with you on January 18th!

A Special Zoom Event

Monday, January 18, 2020

1:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST

COVID Relief: Please Send Supplies!

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Dear Friends,

We’re seeing amazing stories of empathy–on the news and from our staff across our regions. We believe we are each wired to connect and contribute, especially during this unprecedented time of isolation. From sidewalk chalk thank you notes to first responders, to our staff members helping vulnerable clients with therapy gardens, we’re all motivated to help during difficult times. One of the ways we’re helping address serious needs is by sending critical supplies to our staff who are serving on the front lines. We’ve created our COVID-relief wish lists so you can drop-ship supplies directly to our Atlanta and Tennessee regions. Households in those areas need basic items such as cleaning supplies, diapers, and school items so they can continue to thrive at home.

TENNESSEE Inspiritus Nashville continues to ramp up their Food Pantry efforts to serve the city’s most vulnerable citizens throughout this crisis. We are delivering supplies to these clients who cannot come to us. We need you to help us with much needed items for our vulnerable neighbors! In Middle Tennessee, many of our gardeners are growing spring greens as we continue to plan for Plant Days to support our 184 gardens. We thank Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, Thomas Rowe and MHA for allowing this program to thrive! Please check out our Amazon wish list to see the supplies you can provide. (Please select Inspiritus c/o Janet Arning from the drop down address list for shipments).

GEORGIA Many of our clients need cleaning supplies such as bleach cleaners and heavy duty sponges. They are also in need of laptops for the many students who are now at home doing digital learning. These items are listed on our Amazon wish list. With a few clicks on Amazon, you can help us give these vulnerable clients the opportunity to increase their food security, as well as, increase their overall well-being. (Please select Inspiritus c/o Eli Flournoy from the drop down address list for shipments).

Also in Georgia, our director of Disabilities program, Christina Blair, is partnering with her community in Northwest Georgia to bring all the emotional and mental benefits of gardening to some of our host homes and clients in Disability Services in NW GA. Through Healthy Gardens, families and individuals have easy and free access to fruits and vegetables to supplement their meals as well as a healthy outlet for relieving stress and staying active. If you would like to send Christina and our Disability clients in NW Ga the supplies to get started on their own garden, we’ve listed the needed items on this Amazon wish list. (Please select Inspiritus c/o Christina Blair from the drop down address list for shipments).

As you plan your shopping needs, here's something to be mindful of over the next few days:

Please avoid grocery shopping on April 1-3 unless you have a critical need. Many WIC/SNAP benefits come to low-income families at the first of the month and there will be a surge as these families redeem them. Many of these families’ benefits were depleted more quickly because children are staying home from school and some families are going hungry right now. Also, please respect their needs by not buying items with a WIC shelf tag unless you absolutely need them. They cannot simply substitute these items with others; they would go without. This will also help to keep some of our city’s most vulnerable safer by not adding to the crowds in the stores unnecessarily.

These critical supplies will help local families in crisis. And financial donations are always greatly appreciated! To meet the needs we’ve assessed across our clients, we need to raise at least $500,000 in emergency financial assistance. Please donate below and help us during this crucial time.

We couldn’t do what we do without your support and kindness. Thank you.

With Gratitude,

-Virginia Spencer
Vice President of Development
Inspiritus

COVID: Hunger Relief Updates

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Dear Friends,

We hope you all are staying safe and healthy during this challenging time. We wanted to let you know about some immediate action steps that Inspiritus is taking to offset the impact of this crisis. Our COVID Emergency Hunger Relief efforts are well underway in many of our regions. We’re providing valuable assistance for seniors, neighbors with disabilities, parents, and children in low income areas with little to no access to food.

Here’s how we’re supporting our neighbors in our four major program areas:

DISASTER RELIEF Inspiritus Nashville continues to ramp up their Food Pantry efforts to serve the city’s most vulnerable citizens throughout this crisis. We’re delivering to our elderly neighbors who cannot come to us. In Middle Tennessee, many of our gardeners are growing spring greens as we continue to plan for Plant Days to support our 184 gardens. We thank Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, Thomas Rowe and MHA for allowing this program to thrive!

REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT SERVICES We're connecting refugee families to emergency resources. We're providing virtual case management and teaching individuals how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Many of our clients have lost their jobs as a result of this pandemic, and are at risk of losing their homes. We're helping with emergency financial assistance for families struggling to keep food on their tables. And we're helping refugee students navigate virtual learning and tutoring.

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES Our staff is closely working with caregivers, families, and vulnerable children served by this program to make sure they have the support they need to navigate this crisis. Our financial opportunity center will provide emergency financial assistance for those who may find themselves in an economic or health crisis related to COVID-19.

DISABILITY HOST HOMES Our Healthy Gardens program is expanding to Georgia! Our staff have identified clients & caregivers in North Georgia who need a Healthy Garden to stay safe and well during this crisis. Through our Healthy Gardens program, families and individuals have easy access to fruits and vegetables to supplement their meals as well as a healthy outlet for relieving stress and staying active.

Through our amazing supporters and a recent $150,000 grant from the United Way we can immediately assist our clients. We are so grateful to United Way of Greater Atlanta & Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta for moving quickly to help us stabilize the most vulnerable among us. 💪❤ Our Financial Opportunity Center is preparing to disperse this $150,000 grant as emergency financial assistance so that families navigating job losses & medical concerns will be able to survive & thrive! The grant will support rent and utilities assistance, and food, household, medical and sanitizing supplies to meet the urgent needs of the individuals and families we serve across Metro Atlanta. It is such an amazing start, but to meet the needs we've assessed across our clients, we need to raise at least $500,000 in emergency financial assistance.

This is such a critical time. Today, your gift will do more than help our teams guide local families in crisis on the path from surviving to thriving. For the time being, your gift will help them survive. Please donate below and help us during this crucial time. We are so grateful for your continued support. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We could not do the work we do without helpers like you!

With Gratitude,

-Virginia Spencer

Vice President of Development

Inspiritus

Inspiritus COVID-19 Update: Planning & Response

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Dear Friends,

Inspiritus has been closely monitoring the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Our Clinical Team Manager is working across our programs to ensure sanitary and preventative measures are in place. She has been working in partnership with all program directors to accomplish these precautionary steps. Here are the immediate priorities we're working on across all four of our program areas:

DISASTER RELIEF:
We are ramping up and adjusting our Hunger Relief services through our Food Bank site in Nashville to support growing pandemic needs. Meanwhile, our Tornado Disaster Response teams which have led over 4,200 volunteers in service to the Nashville and Cookeville communities over the last two weeks are temporarily returning to their homes to weather the pandemic crisis at hand. Our Nashville office will continue to receive donations and supplies for our Tornado response and recovery work, please donate for a 50% match from Thrivent Financial here. Our relief efforts will resume again as soon as possible. 

REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT SERVICES:
Rapid changes are occurring in this program daily. Yesterday, our teams were preparing to receive and resettle 30 refugees in March-April, totaling 30% of our annual caseload in a two month period. Yesterday, we were informed that all refugee resettlement into the US has been temporarily halted due to pandemic risks to these families. While we are evaluating how to maintain staff capacity to endure this gap in service funding, our staff are already receiving increased requests for assistance from refugees living in Clarkston. These individuals and families have lost their incomes as a result of the economic downtown precipitated by this pandemic. We expect these calls to increase daily and are currently seeking to raise funds to help keep 50 of our families stably housed this month, with financial needs of $800 per family for rent.

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES:
Our staff is adapting and adjusting as they continue to provide vital services to help protect foster children in our care, particularly those with existing health challenges and may be at higher risk of infection. Case managers are staying in close contact with our foster families to identify needs that arise as a result of the coronavirus and to connect them to the additional resources.  As these resources are squeezed due to increased demand, we will need to lean on our own resources to fill gaps.

DISABILITY HOST HOMES:
Because most of the adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities we support in host homes have at least one, and often many, medical diagnoses that place them at higher risk for becoming infected, our staff are adapting to support them and their host home support companions during this crisis.  They are paying particular attention to the need for economic, food and other assistance that might not be otherwise required.   

We serve those who are most vulnerable in this national crisis. Their cries for financial assistance are starting to pour in, at the same time that we are daily seeing reduced volunteers and funds due to the coronavirus pandemic.

We're asking each of our supporters to prayerfully consider joining with us as a "monthly sustainer" during the uncertain months ahead. Your monthly donation will directly go to help those who are losing jobs, facing homelessness, enduring life-threatening medical challenges, and spiraling into crisis. Your monthly gift will sustain foster parents caring for medically fragile children during this crisis. You will help caregivers with highly-vulnerable, disabled adults living in their homes with 24-hour medical care needs. You will help hard working fathers and mothers who are losing their jobs and facing homelessness in Clarkston, Atlanta, and Nashville.

This is a critical time. Today, your gift will do more than help our teams guide local families in crisis on the path from surviving to thriving. For the time being, your gift will help them survive. Please donate below, and select a monthly donation option to be a Sustaining Partner with us now.