We Stand With All Dreamers

Dear Friends,

We are disheartened and disappointed to learn of the recent ruling on DACA that prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from approving new applications to this vital program. We stand in solidarity with all dreamers and call for a compassionate immigration system that recognizes their incredible contributions and creates a pathway to citizenship in the only home they’ve ever known.

On Friday July 16, 2021, a federal judge partially struck down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This ruling prevents future applications. As result, 81,000 first-time DACA applicants will now not be eligible for DACA protections. Such a ruling goes against our very mission of empowering those whose lives have been disrupted to discover their strengths and resilience in their pursuit of a path to freedom.

Since 2012, DACA has granted these youth with long-awaited protection from deportation. This opens potentially bright new pathways for jobs, scholarships and travel for many individuals who were brought into the United States as children.

As an organization that works with individuals seeking asylum in the United States, let's continue to advocate for reform that includes a path to citizenship for all dreamers. Your support is so important as Inspiritus continues the important work of empowering our neighbors on their journey from surviving to thriving.

Kind Regards,

Aimee Zangandou
Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services
Inspiritus

Your Favorite Inspiritus Programs: 2022 Highlights

As we look back on 2022, this year tells a story of resilience, strength, and determination despite the storms of life that affect each of us and those we have the honor of serving. From the family arriving from a war-torn country with nothing but the clothes on their back who is given a warm home and welcome from Inspiritus staff and volunteers in Alabama, Georgia, or Tennessee, to the disabled senior veteran whose home has been restored after the tornado (or flood, or hurricane) hit both his home and his hope. On behalf of the 8,504 survivors we accompanied this year through life’s storms, thank you for your compassion and commitment to empowering each one on their path from Surviving to Thriving.

Watch Our New Series!

Moeen Amini, Interpreter for the U.S. Military in Afghanistan, was interviewed by Allied News. He reflected, “We really lost hope to live. We faced a lot of Taliban checkpoints. I cannot explain how hard it was facing those people. You know, seeing hundreds of people with guns and stopping us and asking us, ‘Who you are, where are you going? And why are you leaving the country? Are you people the U.S. military supporters, is that why you’re leaving the country?'"

Moeen and his family were resettled in Clarkston, Georgia. Upon arrival, however, no one was willing to hire him. Thanks to supporters like you who help us respond to the urgent needs of refugees, like the newly arriving families from Afghanistan, Moeen and hundreds of others have found housing, work, and schooling this year.

Inspiritus’ mission is to empower families to do more than survive…but to also thrive. In 2022, the Inspiritus Refugee and Immigrant Services team pivoted from resettlement of Afghan Allies to the ‘Long Welcome’— the extended period after a family is housed, when our teams help them pursue upskilling and securing career recertifications so they can earn enough income to fully support their families. We are also helping them to apply for permanent immigration status. Your donations make it possible for families like Moeen’s to thrive again.

Elizabeth Moore and her husband rushed to get their children to safety as 6 feet of water filled their home, making it uninhabitable. They applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and were rejected three times. On July 26, Inspiritus deployed a team to East Kentucky to provide the critical help needed after these flash floods. Inspiritus leaders helped homeowners, like Elizabeth, navigate FEMA, and volunteers worked endlessly to clean up the debris from flood ravaged homes.

This year, Inspiritus deployed Response teams to help give hope to thousands of survivors impacted by the Mayfield Tornado, East Kentucky Floods, and Hurricane Ian.

In addition, Inspiritus Recovery teams repaired 70+ homes this year in Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. When partners like you support our work on the ground, we can deploy teams faster to help the most vulnerable recover. Prayerfully consider donating or volunteering today with our disaster relief efforts.

We have come a long way as Inspiritus celebrates almost four years since we merged the organizations of Lutheran Services in Tennessee and Lutheran Services of Georgia. From the beginning, we have dreamed of ways to better meet the local community’s increasing needs from our site at the old St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. We are excited to tell you that we are on the verge of that dream being realized.

In the coming months, you will hear more about Inspiritus’ Campus Redevelopment that will expand our reach with 8,000 square feet of program space including a flagship “client choice grocery market” food pantry, affordable housing for seniors, community enrichment spaces for Inspiritus empowerment programs, and other services. We will not be able to accomplish this redevelopment without your support. We hope you will consider making a pledge or monthly gift to support this campaign, and will let us know if you have any friends, family, organizations, or foundations who might want to learn more about how to partner with us in this effort.

Your gift will empower our neighbors with the supports they need to thrive, right where they are.

Our disaster relief teams have been on the ground in Middle Tennessee for nearly a year and a half, supporting the needs of families impacted by the 2020 Nashville Tornado, as well as those more recently affected by the floods in March of 2021. Inspiritus has been working closely with our inspiring local partners to respond to the floods: Hands On Nashville, Nashville VOAD, Tennessee VOAD, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, and the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA.

READ HOW INSPIRITUS DISASTER RELIEF RESPONDED TO THE 2021 MIDDLE TENNESSEE FLOODS

Our Children and Family Services teams have been immersed in grant and funding application season while continuing to serve more families through our PSSF (Promoting Safe and Stable Families) contract, plus we're opening new foster care homes!

We've been busy with our various programs: including the A+ Parents Program which involves comprehensive education for families at risk of intervention.

READ HOW INSPIRITUS PROMOTES SAFE AND STABLE FAMILIES

Our Middle Tennessee programs continue to thrive: Inspiritus was selected as a 2021 Thrivent Choice Program Recipient! We are also celebrating 10 years of gardening at Cheatham Place, and to date 200+ gardens have been planted by residents in low-income communities. Our Thrive Studios Youth Arts 'spring breakers' completed a mural with artist Omari Booker, which can be seen on the “Local Distro” building-read more here.

READ HOW INSPIRITUS HAS HELPED EMPOWER CHARLIE TO BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT

We continue to need your support to keep our programs and services well-equipped to make a difference. Please consider making your end-of-year donation to Inspiritus. We are so grateful for supporters like you. We wish you safe and healthy holiday season!

National Leaders Tour Our Refugee Services

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Inspiritus received official recognition for its refugee resettlement work recently, along with other agencies that serve newly arrived refugees. As part of the World Refugee Day celebration, Inspiritus was honored to host U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Brian P. McKeon and Nancy Izzo-Jackson, senior bureau official, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) at our site in Clarkston last Friday.

This is the first official visit for Deputy Secretary McKeon and the first time a deputy secretary ever visited a local refugee community. Deputy Secretary McKeon was privileged to hear stories from a number of Inspiritus Refugee and Immigrant Services staff originating from Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Guinea, and Democratic Republic of Congo (and staff positions ranging from Employment Coordinator, Employment Specialist, Social Adjustment Case Manager, Case Manager Team Lead, and Financial Coach). The Deputy Secretary was deeply moved by these stories and delighted in hearing about how they were living the Inspiritus mission of transitioning from “surviving to thriving”.

Politics aside, it was a high honor for Inspiritus to showcase its work and help federal officials learn about the real-world impact of the work made possible by our friends, partners, supporters, and communities.

Thank you to everyone who made this honor possible!

Kind Regards,

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

Celebrating 10 Years of Healthy Gardens!

Inspiritus' Healthy Gardens Program is *growing* strong!

After a 10-year success rate, Inspiritus' Healthy Gardens Program is expanding into new neighborhoods and communities. On Saturday, June 26th, we will plant raised-bed gardens at the historical Bradley Academy & Museum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Inspiritus has also been asked to collaborate with Rosenwald Schools, a historical site in Bedford County, where we will be planting 10-20 raised garden beds (this site sits right next to a public housing community in Shelbyville, TN).

Our Healthy Gardens Program provides raised-bed gardens to teach and empower families living in public and subsidized-housing to grow their own fresh vegetables. These gardens increase the nutritional content of meals in the diets of families who often live in food deserts, struggle with transportation, and consume high fat and high salt content foods.

These gardens have proven to decrease a sense of isolation and promote healthy social interaction and support.

Cathy, one of our outstanding gardeners in Murfreesboro, had this to say about our program:

"It's awesome. I already ate 11 cucumbers and have lots of green big tomatoes. Next week, I'll be giving them away because I have so many! The lady at Salvation Army who feeds the homeless said she will take all the extras I have to make soup. I've already given them 2 sacks of sweet peas! Feels too good to give rather than get."

By raising gardens, individuals and families gain independence and responsibility as each garden is usually located right outside their home. Inspiritus provides everything a family needs to get started: raised-beds, soil, seeds, plants, tools, and on-going mentoring. Through this service, program participants are able to increase their self-esteem as they continue to garden successfully year after year - learning new techniques and sharing their experience with others in their community.

In honor of our 10th anniversary, please consider a donation to our Healthy Gardens Program so we can continue to empower these individuals and families on their path from surviving to thriving!

With Gratitude,

Janet Arning
Middle Tennessee Regional Director
Inspiritus

Action Alert: Help Protect Our Afghan Allies

Dear Friend,

Since 2002, the U.S. Government has employed Afghan allies to serve alongside U.S. troops, diplomats, and other government employees. Regrettably, these allies and their families soon became the targets of anti-American violence. They continue to be threatened, abducted, and targeted for their allegiance to the U.S. and NATO mission.

This issue is deeply personal to our Refugee and Immigrant Services team; multiple team members themselves fled Afghanistan for their lives as Special Immigrant Visa holders (SIVs) after aiding the US military.

Ahmad Habibzai is currently the Employment Coordinator for Refugees in Inspiritus' Atlanta office. Below is his story and call to action:

---

“My name is Ahmad Habibzai; I have worked with USA programs in Afghanistan from 2007-2012. We had a great life back in Afghanistan but after some time my family received threats from Taliban, and then I decided to apply to Special Immigrant Visa program. I came to USA in 2014 to save our lives. My family had a hard time here, but we worked hard to ensure our future is bright. My daughters and sons are going to school with a huge vision to help the world; right now everyone is happy and life is back to normal."

"The SIV program is crucial for Afghan Interpreters and Afghans’ who worked with USA programs in Afghanistan during the last two decades. Their lives and their families’ lives are in danger due to their support to USA. They risked their lives for the hope that they will have a great country and a bright future for their families and future generations which did not happen. They did their part with honesty, dedication, and loyalty, and now they need your help. Please help them."

---

Inspiritus has resettled hundreds of SIVs, and their stories are truly remarkable and heroic. The Afghan SIV program was created to provide a pathway to protection to those who face danger because of their service to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. It is our moral imperative to keep our promise to those we pledged to protect.

We're joining our Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) family, as well as several veterans’ groups, and members of Congress, in calling upon our government to urgently evacuate American-affiliated Afghans and their families...now! You can add your voice, by sending a message here.

As always, thank you for the compassion, support, and care you provide to the refugees we serve. We couldn’t do this work without you!

With Gratitude,

Aimee Zangandou
Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services
Inspiritus

The HungerWalkRun 2021 Results Are In!

Thank you for supporting another successful Hunger Walk Run with Inspiritus. With your support, we raised $92,484.19. This is the most we’ve ever raised!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in the 2021 Hunger Walk Run! This year we had 27 teams from 22 congregations. No matter how big or small your team was, or how much money you raised, YOU made an impact!

Team captains had a great time celebrating together on June 6 – click here for the video!

We'd like to recognize Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Marietta, and team captain Mike Frey, for the most walkers and runners registered online: 43. Also, Don Larsen from Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd was the top fundraiser online: $2,588.

Hunger Walk Run would not be possible without the amazing efforts of our Lutheran congregations who recruit the walkers and runners, raise the lion’s share of the funds, and utilize their percentage of the funds raised to support food ministries in their congregations and in their communities. And this year, with a totally virtual event for the first time, they came through with record setting results!

The TOP TEN CONGREGATIONS:

1. Trinity Lutheran Church, Lilburn $17,564.00

2. Grace Lutheran Church, Carrollton $14,597.55

3. Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta $12,938.64

4. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Johns Creek $11,291.00

5. Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Roswell $6,755.00

6. Rivercliff Lutheran Church, Atlanta $5,540.00

7. St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta $4,310.00

8. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Marietta $3,850.00

9. Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Douglasville $3,773.00

10. St. Luke Lutheran Church, Atlanta $2,625.00

Trinity Lutheran has set an all-time record for amount raised by one congregation!

The Hunger Walk Run is an event of the Atlanta Community Food Bank that unites our community to raise awareness and critical funds for local hunger relief. Proceeds from the event benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and partner organizations like Inspiritus that help recruit participants and receive a percentage of the funds raised to support their hunger relief programs. Hunger Walk funding for Inspiritus is a vital part of our Refugee and Immigrant services programming. The funds will provide culturally appropriate food for newly arrived refugees on their first night in the United States, and longer as needed while they are striving to secure employment and attain self-sufficiency. Emergency food assistance is also available for refugees and immigrants facing food insecurity. We offer meals to families that participate in extended cultural orientation classes to learn how to navigate in their new communities, and snacks for refugee children who attend our summer camp program.

Thanks again to all who participated, and truly went the extra mile to make Hunger Walk Run 2021 a success. We are grateful for your partnership and support, and we look forward to walking together in the fight against hunger in 2022!

With Gratitude,
– Lorraine Dorough
Inspiritus

World Refugee Day is June 20

Dear Friend,

Please join us and our Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies partners as we celebrate World Refugee Day at Refuge Coffee Co., in Clarkston on Jun 20th!

Enjoy delicious food from local vendors, family-friendly activities, and delicious iced tea and coffee drinks as you meet your neighbors. Listen to special guest speakers, gather information at our advocacy booth, and experience incredible music and dance performances by various community groups. Shop locally from refugee and immigrant business owners at our vendor’s market.

Guests are asked to please register in advance. Invite interested friends and family members and share the news on your social channels using the hashtags #GALovesRefugees #RefugeesWelcome

If you have any questions, please contact me at sarah.burke@weinspirit.org

Don't miss this chance to show your support for refugees-RSVP below!

With Gratitude,

– Sarah Burke
Community Engagement Coordinator
Inspiritus

Inspirational Gardening

Hello Friends,

As we head into the holiday weekend, we are reminded of the joys of enjoying outdoor activities. With weather this warm, it's prime gardening time. We'd like to share the story of a very special gardener who is near and dear to our hearts: Charlie Jones.

Charlie lives at MDHA's Cheatham Place and is an active participant in our Healthy Gardens program. From tilling the soil to thoughtfully caring for each fruit and vegetable, Charlie sees his garden as an opportunity to not only be self-sufficient (he lost both legs a few years ago), but to also plant seeds of inspiration within his neighbors throughout Cheatham Place.

Watch Charlie's story by clicking on the image below:

Charlie Jones, our wonderful gardener from Cheatham Place

Our Healthy Gardens program has been helping people like Charlie since 2011. We started with just 12 gardens for elderly, parents, and children in low-income areas. Those 12 initial gardens have now grown to over 204+ gardens in three counties in Middle Tennessee!

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.

Another resident at Cheatham Place gardening

Your donations help us empower these vulnerable friends of ours with the opportunity to increase their food security, as well as improve their overall health and well-being.

We hope you all continue to stay safe and healthy during these upcoming summer months. Thank you for your prayers and support. I pray you have a fun and restful Memorial Day weekend!

With Gratitude,

Janet Arning
Middle Tennessee Regional Director
Inspiritus

More Cheatham Place residents enjoying our annual plant day. The beginning of May marked 10 YEARS of GARDENING for our wonderful gardeners in Cheatham Place.

Nashville Flood Update: Month #2

Dear Friends,

We've had over 117 volunteers assist our disaster relief efforts in Tennessee following the devastating floods that ravaged the Nashville region in late March.

We're so grateful for the hard work of our volunteer team leaders: Nicholas Rhine, Dave Marsh, and Julie Dimitrov. They're leading amazing volunteers serving with us in partnership with Hands On Nashville.

Volunteer team leader - Nicholas Rhine

Our team has completed:

• 51 jobs
• 25 homes
•150 crisis clean-up calls
• 298 volunteer days
• 1,035.5 volunteer hours

Overall, our disaster relief work has impacted 99 individuals in the Nashville region, and we have 10+ homes in the queue. We estimate there may be 30+ more additional homes in need of our services in the month ahead.

To see coverage of our work and collaboration with Hands On Nashville–watch a News4Nashville clip here.

Volunteer clearing debris from flood waters

Tennessee's flood event left six people dead, hundreds rescued from flooded cars and homes, and extensive damage to businesses and homes. It is marked as the worst flood in the last decade.

Where:

Inspiritus has been on the ground in South Nashville for flood survivors and leading volunteer teams to provide free muck and gut services.

Who:

Our disaster relief staff are working closely with our partners: Hands On Nashville, Nashville and Tennessee VOADs, and the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA.

What:

Inspiritus is providing free muck and gut services to flood-damaged homes throughout South Nashville. As temperatures rise, waterlogged flooring and walls will exhibit rapid mold growth – which often poses long-term health risks for the residents in the home.

Personal protective equipment (PPE), such a Tyvek suits and N95 respirators masks, are crucial in protecting our volunteer teams as they remove debris from impacted households. Our crews are currently providing the following services:

• volunteer team management

• muck & gut

• mold sanitation

• mitigation

• chainsaw

• debris removal

• sort & salvage

HOW TO HELP:

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

To volunteer in Nashville, please sign up through Hands On Nashville HERE

DONATE TODAY: click here or checks can be mailed to:

Inspiritus
Attn: Disaster Response
731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30308

We're grateful to be working closely with our local community partners. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking below. We’re preparing to extend our response in Nashville for up to another month to make sure every homeowner receives the help they need during this stage of their recovery. Your support makes this possible.

Thank you for your continued prayers and generous support.

Kind Regards,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

There's Still Time to Give to The Big Payback !

Hi Friends,

The Big Payback ends tonight! If you haven't made a donation-there's still time to support our Middle Tennessee programs. Plus, there is a $100 match for every organization that raises $100 by 12pm today!

We're so grateful to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for holding this annual 24-hour online giving event. Every donation helps Inspiritus raise funds and brings awareness to pressing needs in our community.

Here are ways you can help:

$25 will help end hunger for families in need

Inspiritus is providing food to the most vulnerable of families throughout Middle Tennessee, especially seniors and those living with disabilities. Your gift will ensure these families have the food they need this month.

Donate HERE

$50 will provide art therapy kits for kids

Inspiritus is guiding children through healthy ways of coping with traumatic experiences. Your gift will provide art therapy kits for children living in low income communities in Middle Tennessee.

Donate HERE

$125 will help build gardens for hungry families

Inspiritus is planting hundreds of home gardens for families and seniors living in low-income communities and food deserts. Your gift will help build two gardens this month.

Donate HERE

$250 will help families impacted by the pandemic

A year later, COVID-19 is still impacting families across Middle Tennessee. Your gift will ensure these families receive the help they need.

Donate HERE

$500 will help give hope to tornado & flood survivors

Inspiritus is assisting families whose homes have been damaged by recent floods in Nashville. We are still on the ground in Cookeville helping families rebuild after last year’s tornado. Your gift will ensure these families have the help they need to recover and thrive again.

Donate HERE

Thank you for your donations during this very important fundraising day!

Even if you're unable to give, you can show your support today by sharing this email across your personal and social networks. Please use the hashtags #TheBigPayback and #Inspiritus when sharing across your social networks.

Your generosity will help more individuals and families get back on the path from surviving to thriving. We are so grateful for your support.

With Gratitude,

Janet Arning
Regional Director, Middle Tennessee
Inspiritus

The Big Payback Starts Today!

Hi Friends,

The Big Payback starts today! The next 24-hours is a very important fundraising event for us. Join us and please spread the word.

The Big Payback, hosted by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, is a community-wide giving day which shines a spotlight on local giving and motivates Middle Tennessee to “give back” in a big way.

This 24-hour online giving event helps Inspiritus raise funds and brings awareness to pressing needs in our community. It’s also the prime time of year to give!

Here are ways you can help:

$25 will help end hunger for families in need

Inspiritus is providing food to the most vulnerable of families throughout Middle Tennessee, especially seniors and those living with disabilities. Your gift will ensure these families have the food they need this month.

Donate HERE

$50 will provide art therapy kits for kids

Inspiritus is guiding children through healthy ways of coping with traumatic experiences. Your gift will provide art therapy kits for children living in low income communities in Middle Tennessee.

Donate HERE

$125 will help build gardens for hungry families

Inspiritus is planting hundreds of home gardens for families and seniors living in low-income communities and food deserts. Your gift will help build two gardens this month.

Donate HERE

$250 will help families impacted by the pandemic

A year later, COVID-19 is still impacting families across Middle Tennessee. Your gift will ensure these families receive the help they need.

Donate HERE

$500 will help give hope to tornado & flood survivors

Inspiritus is assisting families whose homes have been damaged by recent floods in Nashville. We are still on the ground in Cookeville helping families rebuild after last year’s tornado. Your gift will ensure these families have the help they need to recover and thrive again.

Donate HERE

Thank you for your donations during this very important fundraising day!

Even if you're unable to give, you can show your support today by sharing this email across your personal and social networks. Please use the hashtags #TheBigPayback and #Inspiritus when sharing across your social networks.

Your generosity will help more individuals and families get back on the path from surviving to thriving. We are so grateful for your support.

With Gratitude,

Janet Arning
Regional Director, Middle Tennessee
Inspiritus

U.S. Annual Refugee Admissions Cap Raised to 62,500

Dear Friend,

I have waited four years for this day. As a former refugee, I was excited by yesterday's news that the United States will officially raise the refugee admissions ceiling for the 2021 Fiscal Year to 62,500. This puts us one step closer to America's historical average of 95,000 and it's a significant increase from the prior year’s record-low of 15,000.

We at Inspiritus rejoice in the spirit of welcome and are eager to empower these individuals and families on their journey from surviving to thriving.

As Rev. John R. Moeller, Jr., Inspiritus' President & CEO has shared:

“Inspiritus is excited to get back to the robust work of welcoming the stranger! Inspiritus and its partners live to offer this welcome. It’s who we are. It’s like sunshine, air, or water to our team. It’s our very life. For the last several years, Inspiritus has experienced a dark winter of the soul. It doesn’t mean we haven’t been busy. In fact, the team has used the time to plan, but now we know that spring is coming. I can see the life blood coming back into bodies, minds and spirits of our staff and partners. Together, we will be more than ready to roll out the red carpet and provide a warm welcome to the huddled masses who seek an opportunity to start anew in America!"

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

On a personal note, I wish to thank our many supporters who advocated on behalf of refugees. This increase is thanks to everyone who raised their voices and is proof that advocacy works.

Please consider donating to our refugee services and programs today, so we can continue our work to reunite families. As always, thank you for the compassion, support, and care you provide to the refugees we serve. We couldn’t do this work without you!

With Gratitude,

Aimee Zangandou
Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services
Inspiritus

Day 20: Southeastern Tornadoes & Flood Response Update

Dear Friends,

Our disaster relief efforts in Georgia and Tennessee are still going strong following the devastating tornadoes and floods that ravaged the Southeast at the end of March.

We're so fortunate and grateful to be working closely with our local community partners, especially the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, however we continue to need your support to keep our teams on the ground and well-equipped to make a difference.

Inspiritus’ Kevin Burgess led a group of Home Depot volunteers as they removed debris from homes impacted by these catastrophic tornadoes.

Below is how we're helping survivors in Newnan, Georgia and South Nashville, Tennessee:

GEORGIA:

Where:

Our teams are currently on the ground in Newnan. Special thanks to the Go Church for hosting us at one of their properties, the former Palmetto Church of God. The Inspiritus volunteer and housing operation center is located at 84 Smith Circle, Newnan GA 30265. We have space and capacity for additional volunteers to be housed safely at this location, so please consider joining us.

Who:

As of today, our Inspiritus staff and volunteers have completed:

• Over 215 volunteer hours

• 60 assessments

• 10 saw jobs

• 12 debris removal projects

What:

Inspiritus is collaborating with local churches and partners, including ITDRC, and the Siren Project to prepare to stay a few more weeks. We're supporting local families with damage and needs assessment coordination, debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, emotional and spiritual care, and other assistance as needed.

Our special thanks goes out to Home Depot and the Home Depot Foundation for their continued generosity and support as we empower disaster survivors on their journey from surviving to thriving!

#NewnanStrong

TENNESSEE:

Tennessee's flood event left six people dead, hundreds rescued from flooded cars and homes, and extensive damages to businesses and homes. It is marked as the worst flood in the last decade.

Where:

Inspiritus has been on the ground in South Nashville since Monday evening, completing damage assessments for flood survivors. Special thanks to Christ Lutheran Church in Nashville for hosting us for this effort.

Who:

Our disaster relief staff are working closely with our partners: Hands On Nashville, TN VOAD, and the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA.

What:

Our crews are currently assessing and preparing to provide the following services:

• muck & gut

• mold sanitation

• mitigation

• chainsaw

• debris removal

• sort & salvage

HOW TO HELP:

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

If you'd like to volunteer in Newnan, Georgia, please contact Sabrina More: sabrina.more@weinspirit.org

To volunteer in Nashville, please sign up through Hands On Nashville HERE

DONATE TODAY: click here or checks can be mailed to:

Inspiritus
Attn: Disaster Response
731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30308

If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking below. Thank you for your continued prayers and generous support.

Kind Regards,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Day 11: Southeastern Tornadoes & Flood Response Update

Dear Friends,

Inspiritus Disaster Response teams are providing relief in Newnan, Georgia and Middle Tennessee following the devastating southeastern tornadoes and floods that ravaged five states at the end of March.

Thousands of individuals have been impacted by these tragic weather events, and our hearts go out to each and every one of them.

Click the image below to see how you can help empower the survivors of the Southeastern Tornadoes & Floods:

Below is how we're helping survivors in Newnan, Georgia and Middle Tennessee:

GEORGIA:

Where:

Our teams are currently on the ground in Newnan. Special thanks to the Go Church for hosting us at one of their properties, the former Palmetto Church of God. The Inspiritus volunteer and housing operation center is located at 84 Smith Circle, Newnan GA 30265. We have space and capacity for additional volunteers to be housed safely at this location, so please consider joining us.

Additional thanks to Community Incident Response Foundation for loaning us their Shower Trailer for this effort, and Blue Diamond for loaning their skid loader.

Who:

Since Tuesday, Inspiritus has been training county staff and volunteers to conduct Damage Assessments across the region. Inspiritus staff and volunteers are on the ground now leading volunteer response teams with debris removal efforts. To date, 1700+ homes have been reported as affected by the tornadoes, and the count rises daily.

What:

Inspiritus is collaborating with local churches and partners, including Home Depot, the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, ITDRC, and the Siren Project to prepare to stay in the weeks ahead. We're supporting local families with damage and needs assessment coordination, debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, public road clearing, emotional and spiritual care, and other assistance as needed.

#NewnanStrong

Inspiritus Volunteers on the ground

TENNESSEE:

Tennessee's flood event left six people dead, hundreds rescued from flooded cars and homes, and extensive damages to businesses and homes. It is marked as the worst flood in the last decade.

Where:

Inspiritus disaster relief services have been requested to assist in flood response and recovery efforts in the Middle Tennessee region.

Who:

Our disaster relief staff are working closely with local Emergency Management officials, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), the Tennessee VOAD, the SE Synod of the ELCA, and our local partners to assess and identify ways to help. In the weeks ahead, Inspiritus will be leading efforts to serve outside of the Nashville area in communities that haven't received sufficient assistance.

What:

Five Inspiritus volunteers are currently helping with the crisis cleanup phone lines, helping to process requests for assistance from local homeowners.

We are continuing to work with our partners to identify local unmet needs and will provide updates soon.

HOW TO HELP:

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

If you'd like to volunteer in Newnan, Georgia or Middle Tennessee, please contact Sabrina More: sabrina.more@weinspirit.org

DONATE TODAY: click here or checks can be mailed to:

Inspiritus
Attn: Disaster Response
731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking below. Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee are in our prayers during this unprecedented time of disaster. Thank you for your prayers and generous support.

Kind Regards,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Day 7: Southeastern Tornadoes & Flood Response Update

Dear Friends,

Inspiritus Disaster Response teams are providing relief in Newnan, Georgia and Middle Tennessee following the devastating southeastern tornadoes and floods that ravaged five states last week.

Thousands of individuals have been impacted by these tragic weather events, and our hearts go out to each and every one of them. The upcoming Easter holiday is a sacred time usually spent with family and friends, however, many of the individuals and families in these regions have lost everything.

Click on image below to see WSB-TV news coverage of Inspiritus' efforts in Newnan:

*Also, read more about Inspiritus and work we're doing on the ground in the latest issue of the Newnan-Times Herald

Below is how we're helping survivors:

GEORGIA:

Where:

The Newnan, GA tornado was one mile wide, and had a 170 mph maximum wind speed.

Our teams are currently on the ground in Newnan, GA where we have set up an operations office at the Coweta County Emergency Operations Center. The University of West Georgia has kindly provided 34 dormitory rooms, as well as, dinner for our volunteers during this response.

Who:

Since Tuesday, Inspiritus disaster relief lead construction manager, Kevin Burgess, along with a group of experts, have been training volunteers to conduct Home Damage Assessments across the region:

"It's a needs assessment training–we're training individuals to go out, knock on doors and ask questions of what is needed, how we can help, and then we're taking that information, bringing it back here, and we're using that information to get the proper volunteers and the proper resources to the right place."

– Kevin Burgess

What:

In Newnan, GA, Inspiritus is collaborating with local churches and partners, including the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA and Home Depot, to prepare to stay in the weeks ahead. We're supporting local families with damage and needs assessment coordination, management of the volunteer reception center, debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, public road clearing, emotional and spiritual care, and other assistance as needed.

Kevin Burgess with Pastor Terry Lemons, Pastor of Newnan Chapel UMC, the congregation that hosted our training for all damage assessors.

TENNESSEE:

Tennessee's flood event last Saturday has left six people dead, hundreds rescued from flooded cars and homes, and extensive damages to businesses and homes. It is marked as the worst flood in the last decade.

Where:

Inspiritus disaster relief services have been requested to assist in flood response efforts in the Middle Tennessee region.

Who:

Our disaster relief staff are working closely with local Emergency Management officials, the SE Synod of the ELCA, and our local partners to assess and identify ways to help.

What:

Inspiritus is providing remote volunteers to help with the crisis cleanup phone lines and intake requests for assistance from local homeowners.

We are working with partners to identify local unmet needs and will provide updates soon.

Inspiritus' Kevin Burgess coordinating volunteers on the ground

ALABAMA:

The Birmingham, Alabama tornado destroyed homes and lives, causing major damage to communities across Central Alabama.

Special thanks to John Boettner, the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, and the many generous individuals and groups who helped host our volunteers last week.

HOW TO HELP:

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

If you'd like to volunteer in the Southeastern Tornadoes and Flood response efforts, please contact Sabrina More: sabrina.more@weinspirit.org

Inspiritus is coordinating volunteers from local communities and afar. People are contacting us from all over the country, and we have volunteers flying in from as far away as Washington and Michigan to help out on the ground. Volunteers are even helping remotely from their homes, supporting Crisis Cleanup requests in Nashville, as well as other opportunities across all three states.

DONATE TODAY: click here

Checks can be mailed to:

Inspiritus
Attn: Disaster Response
731 Peachtree Street NE
Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking below. Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee are in our prayers during this unprecedented time of disaster. Thank you for your prayers and generous support.

Kind Regards,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

This Good Friday: A Message From John Moeller

Dear friends and colleagues,

I hope each of you are looking forward to a long Easter weekend. As a faith-based organization, Inspiritus recognizes Good Friday as a holiday. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the holiday, on Good Friday Christians commemorate the passion, suffering and ultimately gruesome death of their Lord, Jesus Christ, on a cross at the hands of fellow human beings. It is the beginning of a 3 day vigil that chronicles Jesus’ death, burial and culminates with the celebration of His resurrection from the grave.

I find the weekend particularly meaningful because of the suffering and trauma that our staff and I see every day in our shared ministry at Inspiritus with people. At any given time we are either suffering ourselves or suffering with another human being. Our lives, our work and the lives of those whom we accompany are full of struggle. Sometimes the struggle is very dark and grim and death ensues. For sure, death is a very present danger in our work.

While Good Friday is about death, the Easter story culminates in a resurrection. And that’s what I want to draw your attention to this weekend. While our lives are intricately woven together with our clients and together are full of heartache and challenge, we at Inspiritus also get the benefit of seeing life triumph over death. We witness storm victims celebrating their very lives in the midst of losing every worldly possession. We witness children who are placed in our foster care, tenaciously clinging to life with little hope for a healthy future, awaken in the loving embrace of a foster family.

We witness adults who have intellectual or developmental disabilities move from a limited existence to a vibrant life in the care of host home support companions. We witness daily the return of life to the eyes of refugees and asylum seekers who, fleeing death upon their arrival in our presence, could offer nothing but blank stares and weary eyes. We witness ever present smiles and words of gratitude in food bank lines despite the fact that they have to come to make ends meet week after long week. Everyday individuals and families that the world has written off are painstakingly stitched back together, relationships are healed and life is reborn.

Our work is holy. Our work is resurrection work. You and I ultimately believe that life triumphs over death. Let us never forget this truth.

God bless you during this season and always!

Rev. John R. Moeller, Jr

President & CEO of Inspiritus

Day 5: Southeastern Tornadoes & Flood Response Update

Dear Friends,

Last Thursday, a wave of tornadoes rolled across five southern states, leaving at least six people dead and inflicting heavy damage in its wake. Saturday evening, Nashville, Tennessee experienced the fourth worst flood in the state’s history. This flood has taken the lives of six people, and left hundreds coping with flooded cars, apartments, and homes.

Inspiritus has been called in to help in Birmingham, Alabama; Newnan, Georgia; and Nashville, Tennessee. We've been assembling our three responses and want to give an update on the progress in each of these regions:

ALABAMA:

The Birmingham, Alabama tornado destroyed homes and lives, causing major damage to communities across Central Alabama.

Where:

Inspiritus has set up volunteer operations and a housing station at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Birmingham, AL.

Who:

From this site, we will be providing volunteer response services to the communities impacted (such as Pelham and Columbiana).

What:

In Birmingham, we’re coordinating with Southeastern Synod of ELCA and several congregations who are generously providing meals and airport transportation for our disaster response volunteers.

Our disaster relief volunteers are providing free debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, public road clearing, and other assistance as needed.

GEORGIA:

Where:

The Newnan, GA tornado was one mile wide, and had a 170 mph maximum wind speed.

Our teams are currently on the ground in Newnan, GA where we have set up an operations office at the Coweta County Emergency Operations Center. The University of West Georgia has kindly provided 34 dormitory rooms, as well as, dinner for our volunteers during this response.

Who:

Inspiritus staff, Kevin Burgess, and volunteers are helping officials setup and open the local Volunteer Reception Center. Staff have begun to train local county staff and volunteers to conduct Home Damage Assessments across the region. We will assist with coordinating all spontaneous volunteer efforts and support for local families through this center.

What:

In Newnan, GA, Inspiritus is collaborating with local churches and partners, including the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA to prepare to stay on the ground in the weeks ahead to support local families with debris removal and emotional and spiritual care.

Our disaster relief volunteers are providing free debris removal, chainsaw and heavy equipment services, roof tarping, public road clearing, and other assistance as needed.

Yesterday, volunteers brought in much needed tools, provided courtesy of the Atlanta Community Tool Bank.

TENNESSEE:

Torrential rains slammed into the Nashville region Saturday night, causing rivers and creeks throughout 4 counties to flood. This flood event has left six people dead, hundreds rescued from flooded cars and homes, and extensive damages to businesses and homes. It is marked as the worst flood in the last decade.

Where:

Inspiritus disaster relief services have been requested to assist in flood response efforts in the Middle Tennessee region.

Who:

Our disaster relief staff are working closely with local Emergency Management officials, the SE Synod of the ELCA, and our local partners to assess and identify ways to help.

What:

Inspiritus is providing remote volunteers to help with the crisis cleanup phone lines and intake requests for assistance from local homeowners.

We are working with partners to identify local unmet needs and will provide updates soon.

HOW TO HELP:

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

If you'd like to volunteer in the Southeastern Tornadoes and Flood response efforts, please contact Sabrina More: sabrina.more@weinspirit.org

Inspiritus is coordinating volunteers from local communities and afar. People are contacting us from all over the country, and we have volunteers flying in from as far away as Washington and Michigan to help out on the ground. Volunteers are even helping remotely from their homes, supporting Crisis Cleanup requests in Nashville, as well as other opportunities across all three states.

DONATE TODAY: click here

Checks can be mailed to:

Inspiritus
Attn: Disaster Response
731 Peachtree Street NE
Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30308

Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking below. Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee are in our prayers during this unprecedented time of disaster. Thank you for your prayers and generous support.

Kind Regards,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Day 1: Preparing to Help After Deadly Tornadoes

A wave of tornadoes rolled across five southern states on Thursday, leaving at least six people dead and inflicting heavy damage in its wake. Fourteen tornadoes alone were reported in Alabama, according to the National Weather Service. All in all, there were 22 tornado reports across Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi. (CNN)

Inspiritus stands ready to help as part of our ongoing commitment to assisting impacted communities with basic needs, stability and safety, and we are currently in touch with on-the-ground authorities and partners in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

Image c/o Patch/Alabama

Your prayers and donations are critical during this time. We could not do the work we do without your generosity. Financial donations to Inspiritus now, or in the earliest days of a response, support us in deploying a team of staff and skilled volunteers to assess need and establish a response program on the ground as soon as it is safe to do so.

Our disaster relief teams are preparing to help lead volunteers in debris removal, chain-sawing, roof tarping, and other supports to damaged homes and properties. Please consider volunteering to help. We will update you soon with details of where and when we could use your assistance.

To stay on top of our latest information, please follow us on our website weinspirit.org and on all our social channels found at the bottom of this email.

We will continue to keep you informed on any plans for an organized disaster response as they develop. Our hearts are heavy for those impacted by these terrible tornadoes. Please join us in prayer for their swift recovery.

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

A Word of Thanks from Assistance Recipients

Dear Friends,

When the CARES Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020 in response to the economic fallout of COVID-19, it provided $2.2 trillion to be distributed among American workers, families, and small businesses who needed it most.

Inspiritus was one of a handful of nonprofits selected to receive CARES funding to distribute to those in need. We have served 4,336 individuals to date through this important funding – helping residents pay their rent, mortgage, and utility bills to prevent evictions following their lost incomes.

However, this outcome was not achieved through CARES funding alone. This amazing work would not be possible without the unwavering support of generous individuals and congregations who rose to the occasion during this extremely difficult time. When our neighbors needed it most, our network of ministries and supporters across Georgia and Tennessee donated the funds to help children and families in their community.

Today, we invite you to hear from some of the individuals who benefited from your generosity (please click on the image below to play):

We invite you to share this video with your friends, colleagues, legislators, and faith-based organizations as you see fit. With your support, Inspiritus will continue to empower individuals and families on their journey from surviving to thriving!

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

For over 90 years, Inspiritus' mission has been to guide individuals and families on a path from surviving to thriving. Inspiritus empowers those whose lives have been disrupted to discover their strengths and resilience, accompanying them as they grow into vibrant contributors to their community. To learn more: weinspirit.org.

Day 18: Hear from Disaster Volunteers on the Ground Now

Volunteers on the Ground in Tennessee

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Three weeks ago, Winter Storm Uri created widespread destruction in Overton County, Tennessee. Inspiritus disaster response teams have been on the ground since the storm, providing residents with free chainsaw services to their homes and property.

So far we've completed:

• 104+ hours of heavy equipment operation

• Over 140 project site assessments

• Over 111 jobs

• Over 1,700 volunteer hours

This rapid response effort would not be possible without the support from our partners: Airbnb, Airlink, Home Depot, Overton County, and Christian Emergency Network.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

If you would like to help empower disaster survivors on their journey from surviving to thriving, come volunteer with us.

We have 2 long-term recovery programs in progress in Southwest Georgia and Cookeville, Tennessee.

We invite you to join us as we help our neighbors recover from the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Michael and the 2020 Middle Tennessee Tornadoes.

• Due to a lack of volunteers in Southwest Georgia, Inspiritus is having to outsource work to contractors…which allows us to help fewer people.

• A lack of volunteers also means that it is taking longer to bring these people home!

If you'd like to volunteer in these recovery efforts in Southwest Georgia and Middle Tennessee, please contact Sabrina More, our Lead Disaster Case Manager / Disaster Relief Volunteer Manager at sabrina.more@weinspirit.org

We will continue to share updates from the ground as our teams assist those impacted by Winter Storm Uri. In the meantime, please follow our social media channels @weareinspiritus for the latest news.

Thank you for your donations. If you haven't given yet, please consider giving today by clicking on the button below. Through your generosity and support, we're bringing hope to the people who need it most.

Gratefully,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Inspiritus is also partnering with Overton-Pickett Emergency Communications to host a Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, March 13th:

We will be checking in volunteers and handling the logistics to efficiently assign project site work orders. If you live in the Overton County surrounding area and would like to join us, please contact Sabrina More, our Lead Disaster Case Manager / Disaster Relief Volunteer Manager at sabrina.more@weinspirit.org