Help Send 10 Refugee Children To Summer Camp

Dear Friend,

The end of another school year is upon us. For many fortunate children, summer is a special time when they pack a bag and head away to summer camp. More than just s’mores and a break from homework, camp can be a transformative place where children experience the therapeutic power of the great outdoors, explore new interests, and make lasting friendships.

Our friends at Lutheranch care about the children we at Inspiritus have the privilege of serving, and have offered to provide a unique opportunity for a special group of children cared for by Inspiritus to attend a Lutheranch camp experience where they can grow and heal in a safe space. Your help can make it possible for a child to experience healing & growth and Lutheranch camp this summer!

The group of children invited to this Lutheranch experience have come to the United States unaccompanied, alone and on an often traumatic journey. Inspiritus staff have worked with them to help them adjust to their new lives in Georgia where they have been reunited with family or a family friend, and we continue to work with their households to help ensure the children have access to the support and care they need.

Our partnership with Lutheranch, a Christian camp and conference center located in Tallapoosa, Georgia has become one of these resources. Last year, Lutheranch graciously helped provide funding for sisters *Lucia and Mari to attend a week of summer camp. Recognizing the positive impact camp had when picking them up last year, Family Reunification Coordinator Kari Ellers notes how the girls came back more confident, willing to take risks and try new things, adding, “Camp planted a seed that allowed them to grow…to be reminded of their goodness and ability to dream beyond their current situation.”  

At Inspiritus, we believe every child should have these opportunities to grow and dream and with your generous support, can send 10 children to Lutheranch this summer!

Over the next three weeks, we’ll be introducing you to some of these hopeful new campers so you can get to know them and learn more about how a week at summer camp can make all the difference as we walk with them on their path from surviving to thriving.

Meet Beatriz & Paola:

Sisters *Beatriz and Paula (14 and 17 respectively) are known for their sweet disposition and compassion toward others. Originally from Mexico, the girls have found a new home and community in Georgia with their mother, who has found work on a local farm since arriving to the United States. The horses, chickens, and other livestock on this farm have become a source of joy and comfort for Beatriz and Paula, and as a result, they have cultivated a shared love of animals and intellectual interest in the natural world.

When asked about what they hope to do while at camp, both girls gleamed at the opportunity to ride horses and “learn even more about animals”- a reference to the long list of fun animal facts they’ve absorbed in recent months. While Beatriz is additionally excited to spend time exploring the outdoors and go swimming, Paola is looking forward to spending her time outdoors under a shady tree with a good book.

Although both girls are a little shy by nature, they see camp as an opportunity to spend time with kids their age and make new friends using their English language skills they’ve been working hard to develop this academic school year.

Beyond desiring a week at camp, Beatriz dreams of serving in the United States military and Paola, the National Guard. Having the opportunity to practice English conversation and leadership /teamwork skills in a non-threatening environment at camp will be foundational steppingstones for their vocational journey ahead.

If you would like to empower children like Beatriz and Paula on their path from surviving to thriving, please consider donating to our "Refugee Services: After School & Summer Camp" fund. All donations allocated to this fund will be used to send children to Lutheranch this summer! You can make a monetary donation by clicking the button below.

Thank you for your continued support in empowering those we accompany on their journey from surviving to thriving!

With Gratitude,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director of Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services

Mississippi Tornado Response Update

Dear Friend,

It's been nearly two weeks since powerful storms swept through Mississippi and Alabama on the evening of March 24th, producing 20 tornadoes and tragically taking the lives of over two dozen people. The storm caused catastrophic damages to hundreds of homes and buildings, leaving thousands of residents without power and in need of extensive home repairs. Unfortunately, many of the communities impacted by the tornados lack the economic resources and infrastructure needed to recover on their own. It will continue to take the efforts of local and national Response Teams and supporters like you to help affected residents rebuild their lives.

Since deployment, Inspiritus has been working in coordination with emergency teams, local officials, and our partners to help impacted communities on their road to recovery. Inspiritus-trained volunteers are currently helping survivors in Wren, Mississippi (15-minutes west of Amory), by providing free Debris Removal, Roof Tarping, and Chainsaw services for the most vulnerable homeowners.

Last Saturday, Inspiritus helped to coordinate and provide disaster response safety training to 160 community volunteers, to ensure volunteers can safely support the needs of Survivors in the area. In total, our teams provided in-depth safety briefings and has coordinated the clean-up and debris removal efforts of 376 volunteers, serving over 1240 hours in Wren, MS.

It's critical for our teams to take extra care of not just a Survivor's home, but the person impacted. Many of them are faced with horrific memories and the surmounting feeling of loss and grief after such a traumatic event. Several Inspiritus volunteers are trained to provide spiritual, emotional and social support to help Survivors navigate the difficult road ahead of them. Barbara Yates, a seasoned Inspiritus Disaster Relief Volunteer, recalls the terrifying experience of one of the families we are assisting:

"One of the families we are helping was gathered together in their home when thestorm struck. It was a father and mother, and two children (a teenage boy and his younger sister). The teenager, wrapped himself around his sister, while the entire home was picked up and thrown 100 yards and eventually smashed into a line of trees. Miraculously, everyone lived...but, their home is a total loss. Despite the fact that they could walk away, they are forever changed."

- Barbara Yates, Inspiritus Volunteer

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

• Providing free Chainsaw, Roof Tarping, and Debris Removal services to communities, as needed.

• Providing safety briefings to Spontaneous Volunteers, as needed.

• Providing free Home Needs Assessments.

• Supporting individuals and families impacted by the disaster.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT:

Inspiritus is working to build local disaster response capacities, while also providing direct services to survivors, including:

• Capacity Building: Inspiritus is partnering with local emergency and city/county officials to build local disaster response capacity, as needed.

• Direct Services: Inspiritus staff and volunteers are providing home needs assessments and debris removal services, along with emotional care to bring safety and peace of mind to homeowners requesting assistance. We are directly providing home assessments and debris removal (including chainsawing) to homes and public spaces.

• Spiritual & Emotional Care: 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 partner organizations are providing emotional care, spiritual guidance and critical resources to help impacted individuals recover stronger.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

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. In the meantime, you can learn more about Inspiritus' Disaster Relief efforts and the ways you can get involved by clicking the button below.

Please join us in prayer for those impacted by this tragic disaster.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Team Libertad Joins Inspiritus

Dear Friend,

Inspiritus is proud to announce the addition of Team Libertad to our current suite of programs aimed at serving Georgia’s Refugee and Immigrant communities. Team Libertad was founded in May 2022 with the purpose of providing resources and assistance to recently detained asylum seekers who are leaving Georgia to reunite with loved ones and wait their day in asylum court.

Comprised of about 100 active volunteers, Team Libertad depends on compassionate individuals from welcoming communities to serve the 50-100 travelers it greets at the airport on a weekly basis. These travelers are individuals seeking asylum who were recently released from the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia. Arriving to Hartsfield Jackson with many emotions and few resources, Team Libertad steps in to welcome them to Atlanta and to help meet any immediate or expressed need such as:

• Access to language interpretation

• Use of cell phones to contact loved ones

• Assistance obtaining tickets and boarding passes

• Guidance through security screening and locating departure gates

• Distribution of travel essentials such as personal hygiene items, food, weather-appropriate clothing, and backpacks

Inspiritus aims to help the individuals we serve to discover their inner strength and resilience. In acting as a resourceful and comforting presence to vulnerable asylum seekers who endured long periods of isolation and hardship, Team Libertad walks alongside these individuals as they find their inner strength to navigate the last step on their long journey to safety. We are thrilled to welcome them to the Inspiritus Refugee and Immigrant Services team!

Want to help welcome asylum seekers at the airport with Team Libertad? Sign up for a volunteer shift at bit.ly/airport-signup.

For questions or more information, contact Andrea Espinoza, Team Libertad Program Coordinator, at andrea.espinoza@weinspirit.org.

Sincerely,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director of Refugee & Immigrant Services

Disaster Team Deploys to Mississippi

Dear Friend,

On the evening of March 24, a powerful tornado cut a devastating path of at least 170 miles across Mississippi and Alabama. Tragically, these communities lost over two dozen lives as the tornado obliterated homes and buildings in its wake. It traveled through Amory, Mississippi, a small town of 7,316 residents situated in the northeastern corner of Mississippi, near the Alabama border. Few buildings remained unscathed, with many requiring extensive repairs.

The 70 mph tornado left downed power lines, uprooted trees, and pieces of roofing and siding throughout the streets of Amory. The town has been operating without clean drinking water as the city’s water treatment plant was directly hit. The people who have lived in the small community their whole lives say they've never seen anything quite like the destruction they're facing now.

Thankfully, there were no fatalities within the Amory town limits, however many residents are displaced, managing numerous injuries, and working to salvage their homes and personal items. According to Police Chief Nicholaus Weaver, “All of the residential buildings in the town have been searched and found clear. Now, it’s about the cleanup. It’s going to be a long process.”

WHAT WE ARE DOING:

Project Tasks & Activities:

Inspiritus volunteer teams will help with debris removal & chainsawing wherever needed most in Amory, with priority on assisting those who are the most vulnerable, families with children, seniors, veterans, and especially low-income households. 

We are also deploying our WOW Cart (from Waterstep) to provide purified water to residents & responders, as needed. 

Teams will conduct rapid home needs assessments, before providing free clean-up, debris removal, and chainsaw services. Our teams will also be prepared to help deploy spontaneous volunteers to assist with home debris removal jobs, as needed.

W

Projected Outcomes:

• Providing chainsaw & debris removal services to communities as needed/available

• Ensuring Access to Inspiritus’ WOW Cart/Water Purification system

• Providing Free Home Needs Assessments

• Support Individuals Impacted by the Disaster

Community Benefit:

Inspiritus is working to build local disaster response capacities, while also providing direct services to survivors.

• Capacity Building: Inspiritus is partnering with local emergency and city/county officials to build local disaster response capacity, as needed.

• Direct Services: Inspiritus staff and volunteers are providing home needs assessments and debris removal services, along with emotional care to bring safety and peace of mind to homeowners requesting assistance. We are directly providing home assessments and debris removal (including chainsawing) to homes and public spaces. We anticipate our services will be able to help 100+ individuals within 2 weeks from the time we responded.

• Spiritual & Emotional Care: Volunteers will be accompanying survivors as they navigate one of the most difficult tragedies and challenges of their lives. In this accompaniment, we walk alongside each individual we come in contact with, helping them to tap into the resilience within themselves. Prayer and spiritual encouragement is often greatly appreciated by many survivors and Inspiritus volunteers often provide this comforting and empowering form of care, when it is welcomed. Hope and hugs are often powerfully strengthening for survivors during their darkest hours.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

As things develop, we will keep you updated on the needs for this Response operation. In the meantime, you can learn more about Inspiritus' Disaster Relief efforts and the ways you can get involved by clicking the button below.

Please join us in prayer for those impacted by this tragic disaster.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

CALL TO ACTION: Asylum Seekers Need Your Help

Dear Friend,

Inspiritus is grateful for advocates like you who help us accompany and speak up on behalf of our most vulnerable neighbors who are seeking refugee and/or asylum in the United States. If you are interested in advocating for asylum seekers, please prayerfully consider this action alert and call to action:

On February 23, the agency for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed a set of new rules pertaining to the asylum process for vulnerable immigrants seeking to enter the U.S. from the Southern border. Current law under the Immigration and Nationality Act explicitly permits any individual with a well-founded fear of persecution to seek asylum from within the U.S. or at a port of entry. This newly proposed rule, entitled “Circumvention of Lawful Pathways”, would automatically disqualify cases from individuals who seek asylum directly at the border.

If this rule is enacted, it will require that individuals first apply for asylum in a nearby country, and then apply for asylum in the U.S. if their case in this initial country was formally denied.

The process is already very difficult or near impossible for some asylum seekers to navigate on their own. For example, the only way individuals can formally apply for asylum is the CBP One app, the platform through which applicants receive confirmation of appointments and additional correspondence. While access to a smart phone or accessible WiFi is an obvious barrier, the app has reportedly experienced widespread technical glitches and is available in only English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.

While there are a few exceptions to the proposed rule (such as for unaccompanied minors or individuals with exceptionally grave medical needs), these changes would essentially deny tens of thousands of asylum seekers due process when attempting to exercise their legal right to seek safety. It also will put them back in harm’s way. If passed, these changes would take effect on May 11 and would remain in place for the next two years.

The administration is reversing course on its previous commitment to restoring asylum and it is imperative that we speak out. You can help advocate against these proposed changes by submitting a public comment online by March 27th. Click here to submit your comment.

You can find a template below to use as a guideline.

Hello, my name is [insert name] and I am writing from [insert hometown and state] to oppose the newly proposed changes to asylum policy outlined in “Circumvention of Lawful Pathways.” If implemented, these new changes would severely undermine the ability of vulnerable peoples to seek asylum according to U.S. and international law. The additional barriers these regulations would impose are arbitrary and will only prolong the dangerous circumstances from which migrants are seeking to escape. It is imperative that the U.S. uphold its role as beacon of safety and opportunity for immigrants facing persecution in their home countries and as such, it is critical that we do not close pathways for seeking asylum for the tens of thousands of vulnerable individuals and families for whom humanitarian parole or refugee resettlement is not an option. As a(n) [immigrant, person of faith, volunteer, staff of an immigrant-serving organization, etc.], I implore you to reconsider these proposed changes and find solutions that help restore asylum access, rather than dismantle it.

With gratitude,

Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director of Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services

HungerWalkRun 2023 Was A Success!

Hello Friends,

What an amazing Hunger Walk Run we had this year! Even though it was a cold, somewhat rainy day, so many supporters showed up for Inspiritus, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and local food ministries/pantries.

If you did not get a chance to participate, or even if you did, there's still time to donate. You can still donate until March 31:

We had some very impressive totals:

• $43,135.59 in confirmed online donations

• 21 teams

• 247 registered walkers/runners

And, we had some amazing teams joining us this year.

A huge shout out goes to:

• Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Roswell, GA

• Epiphany Lutheran Church, Suwanee, GA

• Epiphany Lutheran Church, Conyers, GA 

• Faith and Grace Lutheran Church, Decatur, GA

• First United Lutheran Church, & Mt. Zion AME, Kennesaw, GA

• Grace Lutheran Church, Carrollton, GA

• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church/Daily Bread, Woodstock, GA 

• Hats for Hunger, Lilburn, GA

• Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Marietta, GA 

• Inspiritus Refugee Services team, Atlanta, GA

• Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta, GA

• Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta, GA

• Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Douglasville GA 

• Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Johns Creek, GA

• Rivercliff Lutheran Church, Sandy Springs, GA

• Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, Stone Mt., GA

• St. John Lutheran Church, Griffin, GA

• St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA

• St Luke's Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA

• St. Luke Lutheran Church, McDonough, GA 

• Trinity Lutheran Church, Lilburn, GA

Hunger Walk was a great success because of you. We won't know the final totals for at least a month since donations will continue to come in through the end of March. We will be in touch once the final numbers come in!

With Gratitude,

– Mary Armstrong-Reiner
Inspiritus Hunger Walk Coordinator
Call/text at: (309)-212-0888

One Year Later: Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

Dear Friend,

One year has passed since Russia invaded Ukrainian territory, marking the beginning of an ongoing conflict that has forced 6.3 million Ukrainians to flee their country. Since last April’s launch of the Uniting for Ukraine program, around 102,000 Ukrainian nationals were welcomed to the US with the help of highly committed individuals or groups who sign on as their legal sponsors, and organizations like Inspiritus, who provide support to newcomers and their sponsors as they navigate processes like school enrollment, securing employment, and other post-arrival essentials that set them up for success. To date, the Ukrainian Support Services Team at Inspiritus has connected with 384 Ukrainians across Georgia and Alabama.

Photo Credit: Time Magazine

Unlike refugees who come through the formal refugee admissions program, Ukrainians do not currently have a pathway for legal permanent residency, and are instead offered Humanitarian Parole, a form of temporary protected status that while grant authorization and other benefits, does not guarantee a permanent future in the US. Despite these uncertainties, the Ukrainians served by Inspiritus have chosen to turn hardship into opportunity and are on a path toward thriving in their new local communities.

Below are just a few stories of Inspiritus clients whose stories exemplify the resilience and optimism refugees bring with them to the United States.

Meet Sofia Castillo Kozhujovskaya (Atlanta, GA):

Sofia Castillo Kohzhujovskaya is no stranger to moving around. With one parent from Central America and another from Ukraine, she grew up in Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Mexico before eventually moving to Ukraine as an adolescent. While she grew up speaking Ukrainian and Spanish, she grew fluent in both English and Russian while in school. A high school senior when the war broke out, she would eventually earn her high school degree through an online English-language high school equivalency program and graduated while spending five months in a refugee camp in Poland.

Sofia arrived to Atlanta on July 27, 2022 with the help of her sponsor, a friend of her mother’s and former Marine. Sofia describes the Georgians she’s met as “very expressive” and “so polite,” emphasizing the strong level of support she felt from Kristian Dawson, Ukrainian Services Program Supervisor in Atlanta, someone with whom she says she could easily connect.

Very soon after arriving, Sofia kept moving forward with her original plans to pursue higher education and is currently a freshman Psychology major at Kennesaw State University where she commutes to and from Alpharetta a few days a week to take classes and tutor other students in Russian as a work-study job through the university.

Sofia is a self-described “gym rat” and enjoys watching the “Walking Dead” when she’s not working out. She hopes to visit Senoia, Georgia sometime soon, where much of the popular tv show was filmed. While she has professional dreams to become a psychological profiler, the price she currently pays for out-of-state tuition complicates the process. While traditional refugees and asylees are eligible for in-state tuition after one year of residency in Georgia, humanitarian parolees like Sofia are considered international students regardless of how many years they ultimately live in the state.

“As an 18-year-old, my income isn’t much. Having in-state tuition next year would help me work toward my goals in a very big way. Some people, especially older people, want to go back, but the life they had in Ukraine does not exist. This is my life now and I want to stay.”

Meet Olha Piatak (Savannah, GA):

To say that Olha Piatak is lucky is an understatement. The day that the war broke out on February 24, 2022, she and her friend, Diana, were on a train on a pre-planned trip to the mountains. As panic ensued back home in Kyiv, Olha and her friend were able to safely make it to the Ukrainian-Polish border where they waited for 24 hours with no food or water before being permitted to cross. After staying with a family in Warsaw for a week, Olha and Diana went on to stay with friends in Berlin, parts of Southern France, and Paris for the next eight months. 

Olha taking in the beauty of Downtown Savannah.

Diana’s mother, who had moved to Georgia three years ago, would go on with her husband to formally sponsor the girls through the Uniting for Ukraine program, sending them across the Atlantic to Baxley, GA, a small town about two hours West of Savannah.

In Savannah, Olha was connected to a member of the Inspiritus team, Olha Maney, who helped her get on her feet as a new US resident. “Olha is an amazing person,” she says. “We’re so happy that we met her because she really did care about us. Not only did she help us with preparing documents and so on, she was always asking how we were doing. It is so sweet to realize that people care because you’re new to this country and don’t have many friends or people around.”

Olha has since left Savannah after reconnecting (and falling in love) with a former classmate from Kyiv. After moving to Chicago where her now partner was living, they chose to follow the footsteps of many other young dreamers and moved out to Los Angeles where they are happily living and preparing to take their drivers’ license exam. While Olha used to be a graphic designer in Ukraine, she hopes to combine her business degree and love of baking to eventually start her own line of sugar-free baked goods. Finding a job at a bakery is the next step after getting her license and a car.

Olha’s message for US lawmakers? “Ukrainian people are super hard working and open for opportunities to start and live our life here. Can you imagine a situation where you started a life and you’re thinking about your future and the government is telling you to go back because parole is over? Please do not destroy our plans. We want the opportunity to naturalize.”

Meet Olena Vyshyvanyuk (Birmingham, AL):

Olena Vyshyvanyuk epitomizes what it means to be a servant leader. As soon as it became clear she and her family would be sponsored by an American family in Birmingham, she started to look for employment opportunities that would allow her to help fellow Ukrainians seeking refuge in Alabama.

After learning more about Inspiritus online, conversations with our Ukrainian Services Support team began overseas and continued in-person both as a client receiving services after arriving in November 2022, and eventually as a new staff member who was hired in January 2023 as the Ukrainian Services Case Manager for Alabama.

Olena and her family on Christmas Day in front of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Birmingham.

In little over three months since their arrival, Olena’s family has found a real home in Birmingham. Her husband, with whom Olena shared a fabric business back in Ukraine, is working in alterations currently and has plans to start up his own business again in the future. Her three daughters have quickly made new friends and spend their time after school engaged in various activities from dance, basketball, and art. Of Birmingham, Olena says, “I love the people here. People are really kind, sincere, and always trying to help with open hands. We love the schools here and the weather. Here, it’s not so cold!”

For Olena, helping other Ukrainians with similar experiences serves as an outlet for healing. Her ability to empathize with her clients, along with her fluency in Russian, Ukrainian, and English, similarly offers her clients a sense of trust and connection as they navigate challenges around finding their own housing, employment, etc.

“Inspiritus is doing a great job. We are making it easier for them and they really need help. I just hope we can help more people.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

With no imminent resolution to the conflict in sight, much remains uncertain, including the future of Ukrainians living in the US with humanitarian parole. Below are some ways you can take action to ensure these individuals can continue to live a life of safety and prosperity in the US.

• Call your members of Congress and tell them to support legislation that offers status adjustment for Ukrainians, Afghans, and other populations with Humanitarian Parole. Click here to find your US House Member and Senators.

• Sample Message: “My name is [Insert Name] and I am your constituent from [City, State]. [As a person of faith/a refugee/a veteran/community member], I am asking that you support legislation offers status adjustment for Ukrainians, Afghans, and other vulnerable populations we welcomed through the humanitarian parole program. Without the opportunity to become a legal permanent resident, groups that the US government helped evacuate or otherwise help escape conflict will face uncertainty and insecurity. Congress has historically passed similar bills for vulnerable evacuated populations, and this legislation is similarly needed now. I encourage you to revisit the advancement of an Afghan Adjustment Act and new legislation that can offer similar permanent protections for Ukrainians and others with humanitarian parole.

• Support US sponsorship of Ukrainian nationals and other vulnerable populations seeking safety. Uniting for Ukraine is still seeking US-based sponsors who can commit to providing temporary housing and assistance to Ukrainians willing to relocate to the United States. Ukrainian-Americans and Ukrainian or Russian speakers are especially encouraged to apply. Visit Welcome.US or contact Kristian Dawson, at Kristian.dawson@weinspirit.org for more information.

• Donate to help empower Ukrainians on their journey from surviving to thriving: www.weinspirit.org/donate

With gratitude,

The Refugee & Immigrant Services Team

Inspiritus

New Americans Celebration at the Georgia State Capitol

Dear friend,

We invite you to join Inspiritus, and our partners at the Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies (CRSA), on Tuesday, February 14, for the tenth annual New Americans Celebration at the Georgia State Capitol!

The New Americans Celebration is the annual day of education and outreach for refugees, immigrants and native-born allies. Every year we welcome hundreds of advocates to the Capitol to engage with legislators and promote policy reforms that help ensure immigrants, refugees, and all Georgians may prosper in our home state.

Registration for this event is now open! This event is free but guests are asked to please register in advance through Eventbrite by clicking here.

This year's event will kick off at the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, located at 48 Martin Luther King Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Check in will begin at 7:30 AM and the program will start at 8:00AM. 

If you have any questions, please contact me at sarah.burke@weinspirit.org. Don't miss this chance to show your support for refugees this Valentine's Day!

With Gratitude,

Sarah Burke
Community Engagement Manager

AmeriCorps CEO Presents President’s Volunteer Service Award to Inspiritus Volunteer

Dear friend,

Yesterday, Inspiritus Disaster Relief Volunteer, Philip DeRitis, was awarded the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award by AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. This award is in recognition of more than 650 hours of volunteer service Phil has given to his community through his work with Inspiritus.

Established in 2003, the President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes the important role of volunteers in America's strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities and inspires those around them to take action, too.

The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation.

Below Video: Michael Hudak WINK News

Philip DeRitis is one of these individuals.

Phil served all 650+ hours in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. As a storm survivor himself, his motivation to help bring his fellow community members home was personal.

Phil was teaching at a local tennis club when it was forced to close after being destroyed by Hurricane Ian. He lost his home, car and job to the storm. Rather than leave the area, he chose to volunteer with Inspiritus to help others impacted by the devastation.

Phil has inspired so many people that he has been named lead volunteer, and provides training to other volunteers to effectively muck and gut, provide mold sanitation services and complete small home repairs. In addition to his on-the-ground support, he has assisted with administrative tasks and tool and inventory management.

Phil DeRitis receives President’s Volunteer Service Award. Click image above to watch now.

“Anyone who works with Philip walks away with a new skill and a profound sense of hope,” said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. “Not only has he become the go-to volunteer to solve problems, he also embodies the spirit of service communities like Fort Myers’ needs to move forward after disasters. On behalf of AmeriCorps, thank you for volunteering your time and showing that service is a uniting force.”

Even in the aftermath, Phil said his heart remained steadfast and strong as ever.

"It takes faith. To me, it's just about doing the right thing...and having general care and concern for your neighbors."

Inspiritus Disaster Relief teams remain on the ground in Fort Myers, FL empowering storm survivors on their road to recovery by providing free social & emotional support, debris removal, muck & gut, chainsaw, mold sanitation and heavy equipment services.

If you would like to volunteer and join Phil, and the rest of our team on the ground, click here.

If you would like to make a monetary contribution to support our relief efforts, visit www.weinspirit.org/donate

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
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.

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.

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 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.

Inspiritus’ Foster Care and Disability & Health Services programs provide person- centered housing with compassionate and well-trained Foster Care Parents or Support Companions for adults and children with critical needs. The need is great! If you or someone you know might be interested in learning more about becoming a Foster Parent or Support Companion in your home, please contact us or visit our website: weinspirit.org.

Our Foster Care program specializes in serving infants, children, and teens with significant medical, developmental, mental, physical, and/or behavioral challenges. These children often face harsh odds, and need highly qualified, well-trained foster parents to meet their needs so they can begin to thrive. This year, the program has made it possible for 38 medically vulnerable youth in Georgia to receive the care and support they need.

Inspiritus’ Disability & Health Services accompanies adult individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year, Disability & Health Services empowered 82 adults in Georgia by ensuring they have the compassionate Support Companions and homes they need.

Your end-of-year gift will help empower more individuals and families on their journey from surviving to thriving.

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!

Message from the CEO

Dear Friend,

I write to you to share reflections from my recent trip to the Long-Term Recovery Disaster Zones in both Waverly, Tennessee and Mayfield, Kentucky where Inspiritus teams are still actively helping survivors recover more than a year after the storms.

How is the recovery going? I love that question. It indicates that people realize that people and communities are still hurting following the devastating effects of a storm.

The Tennessean reported: The floods were trigged by up to 17 inches of rain falling in just one day. The rain shattered the state record for daily rainfall and sent rivers and creeks surging over their boundaries. According to local officials, a total of 20 people were killed during Middle Tennessee's severe storms and extreme flash floods.

It has been well over a year since the massive flood in Waverly brought a wall of water down Main Street that crashed into Diane’s cute little house. Her son was home that night when the trestle gave way sending a tidal wave hurtling through the town of Waverly, Tennessee, a quaint community one hour west of Nashville. Her son quickly ran upstairs with the dogs and cats and climbed out onto the roof of the house as rescue personnel, helicopters, and boats made their way to their street. They were preparing to rescue him when the young man saw their 87 year-old next-door neighbor through the window standing in his house in chest deep water. The young man on the roof pointed the rescuers to help the man in the house instead.

More than a year later, these two neighbors are still traumatized by the events of that night. Every time it rains, Diane finds herself glued to weather news, wondering, and worrying for her safety and that of her dogs. She wonders if she should leave and head for higher ground. Despite the house being ready for move-in, the next-door neighbor has been unable to return. She wonders if he also still hears the screams of the young mother in the house behind them crying out to anyone who could help, “Please save my baby! Please! Save my baby!!!”

During the Long-Term Recovery, which in many cases can take years, Inspiritus provides free construction management services to homeowners who cannot afford to repair their own home properly. Working with volunteers and skilled trades, Inspiritus helps the homeowner manage the construction project until completion, making sure that even the smallest of details, such as that every nail hole is filled, and the paint job is done to the satisfaction of the homeowner. Along the way, Inspiritus staff and volunteers also support the homeowner and their own healing process.

When I inquired this week, neighbors one street over from Diane said that they still aren’t doing well a year and a half after the flood. Margie and Gene still ponder nearly drowning that night. Gene, age 80, was trapped inside the house. Margie, age 68, attempted to go for help. She recounted the miracle of not drowning in her own back yard.

AFTER THE STORM:

Personal belongings from Margie and Gene’s home (photographed July 2021). Everything had to go...it was heartbreaking

AFTER INSPIRITUS CAME IN AND HELPED:

Margie and Gene’s street after Inspiritus helped them return their home to its former glory (photographed December 2022)

As if that wasn’t enough, it was the events following the flood that brought them to their proverbial knees. The day after the storm, their home was burglarized by looters and on the third day they received notification from their insurance company that their homeowners’ policy had been canceled. However, they literally kept their heads down, working daily scrubbing and re-scrubbing their floors to get the mud out of their house. At some point, once the adrenaline had passed, Margie recalled falling into despair as she wondered what their fate would be. She remembers days where she wasn’t able to get out of bed due to waves of depression.

Somehow, she learned about Inspiritus and mustered the energy to call. Ever since that day, Inspiritus has been on the job, committed to returning her home to its former glory. With their small life savings, she and her husband invested funding into stabilizing the foundation of their house. However, that left no money for the huge repairs that remained. Then they met RJ and Robert. RJ and Robert are the dynamic duo of Inspiritus construction managers assigned to the home. They are helping Margie and Gene manage the renovation project with funds raised by Inspiritus. It’s a historic home that has been in Margie’s family since it was built in 1913. First, the home had to be mucked, gutted, and sanitized to prevent the mold.

Left to Right - RJ (Inspiritus), Margie & Gene (homeowners), Robert, Kevin & John Moeller (Inspiritus)

Teams of professionals and staff have been in the house every week since. The day I was there, volunteers were painting the inside of the house from top to bottom. Seeing the progress brought joy to Margie’s face, and I could hear hope in her voice. A year and a half after the storm, she is allowing herself to begin to look forward to moving back in. While they lost everything in the flood, including many family heirlooms and sentimental items, they celebrate that at least they have a mattress and box spring, and a small plastic table and chairs from Walmart that will give them a place to enjoy meals.

Margie admits that she didn’t realize how damaged SHE was in the storm. There continue to be days that she is caught off guard by a range of emotions that arise within her when she realizes what she has lost. She described a recent experience where she was ready to pull a casserole out of the oven, and in the heat of the moment, realized she didn’t even have any potholders. They were another casualty of the flood. She found herself enraged that at this stage in her life, she didn’t even own potholders. That’s not to mention all the other things that have been lost, like trips and vacations that she and Gene were looking forward to taking in retirement with their nest egg, which has been completely wiped out.

Despite all of that, she finds hope beginning to dwell inside her again. She put it this way to me, “Inspiritus is not merely repairing our house, they are helping us heal our lives. We are grateful to know that they won’t leave until we are whole.” I’m glad she sees it that way because that is our aim. After all, the Inspiritus mission is to guide individuals and families on a path from surviving to thriving. Inspiritus empowers those whose lives have been disrupted to realize their strength and resilience and accompanies them all along the way.

However, I am stunned by how hard this work is and how long it takes. Saturday, December 10th marked the one-year anniversary of the winter tornado that struck Mayfield, Kentucky. I have been there several times over the last year to support our team and check on the community’s progress. This week, I was stunned by how much work still remains. Entire neighborhoods remain vacant ghost towns. Full city blocks of homes have been scraped, the debris removed, and all that remains are concrete slabs and house numbers out front. It’s reminiscent of a moonscape. However, when I talk to residents, the Inspiritus team, and those who have survived, I get a completely different picture. They smile with hope and say all kinds of progress is being made. Homes are being repaired, people are returning to the neighborhood, and the city is drawing up a master plan for a revitalized city.

A tribute to the children, women and men who perished on the night of the deadly storm. Behind the sign once stood a stately, yet modern courthouse. It was completely destroyed in the storm.

An entire neighborhood once filled the frame of this photo. Today, nothing remains but concrete slabs, and memories. The good news is that city is committed to rebuilding. In the foreground, there is a memorial garden. Those baby trees will someday grow up to provide shade to the grandchildren and great grandchildren of the storm. Nothing about this storm will ever be a distant memory.

Clarissa was one particular resident that Inspiritus has helped. She recounted to me how she was a renter when the tornado hit, and on the day after the storm, her landlord informed her that he did not have homeowners’ insurance. It was the second devastating blow in two days. Not only was the home she lived in severely damaged, but there was no hope of it being repaired. However, over the course of the year, she was able to secure a title to the property from the struggling homeowner. Friends, neighbors, and members of the faith community have rallied around her, and Inspiritus just completed the final repairs to her house this week. While it’s been a struggle, she and her grandson are finally happily living in the house that she says, “love built.”

Left to Right - Colin, Sandra, Clarissa (homeowner), Kevin and John in front of the “house that love built”. Inspiritus partners with homeowners to help them rebuild following a storm. Clarissa is one of the fortunate ones. Literally hundreds of individuals and families remain in limbo. A full 1/4 of the population of the city has all but disappeared from the area.

If you are reading this, I hope you will prayerfully consider making a gift to help survivors like these.

Sincerely,

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

Hurricane Ian Survivors & Helpers

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

Refugee Resettlement: Organize a Co-Sponsorship Group!

Dear Friends,

Get involved with refugee resettlement by organizing a Co-Sponsorship Group! 

Inspiritus welcomes hundreds of refugees into Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama each year, but we cannot do this great work alone. Resettlement agencies rely on the support of the community to effectively welcome and set individuals on a path from surviving to thriving.

Inspiritus RIS volunteers from the Zen Garland Order prepare to welcome a newly arrived Afghan family at the Savannah airport.

Co-Sponsorship is a special relationship between a local resettlement agency, a community group, and a refugee family. This type of volunteer commitment is incredibly important to the work of welcome. Co-sponsors bring an essential level of commitment, continuity, and care for the refugees they serve and significantly multiply and extend the services refugees receive.

Although co-sponsorship is a serious commitment, it is also a meaningful way to engage with refugees. The main goal of co-sponsorship is to help refugees adjust to life in the United States and achieve self-sufficiency by being a support system, community guide, and friend during their first 6 months in the U.S. (and hopefully beyond).

What Help Do Co-Sponsors Provide?

Groups must provide at least 8 of the core services listed below. Support will be provided by Inspiritus staff for completing these services.

Pre-Arrival:

• Housing

• Home Set-Up

• Furnishings and Supplies *Furnishings and supplies check lists provided

• Seasonal Clothing

• Stock the Pantry *Culturally appropriate grocery guide provided

• Welcome Meal: *Culturally appropriate food list provided

Post Arrival *All post arrival services will be provided with appropriate interpretation, if needed:

• Airport Pick Up *Airport pick up guide provided

• 24-Hour Home Visit

• Housing and Personal Safety Orientation

• Public Assistance Enrollment (Cash Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP)

• Social Security Card Application

• File for AR-11

• Employment Program Enrollment Follow Up

• ESL Enrollment

• Selective Service Registration

• School Enrollment

• Other Public Assistance Application as Applicable (SSI, WIC etc.)

• Second Home Visit

• Cultural Orientation *Topics and guide provided (coresourceexchange.org)

• Cultural Orientation Assessment *CO Assessment form and guidelines provided

• Transportation to Job Interviews and Job Training

Additional Services the Co-sponsorship Group May Wish to Provide:

• Rental Assistance

• Community Guide

• Grocery Store Orientation

• General Health Orientation

• Financial Education

• Help the family set up a bank account

• English Language Tutoring

• Job Development

• Public Transportation Orientation

• Continued Transportation Assistance

Requirements:

• Must sign a commitment form with Inspiritus

• Must commit to serve for 6 months

• Must commit to a financial contribution to be used by Inspiritus to help refugees

• All team members must attend a co-sponsorship training

• All team members must complete a background check

• Must provide at least 8 core services

Interested in co-sponsoring a refugee family or have questions? Contact Community Engagement Manager, Sarah Burke, at sarah.burke@weinspirit.org.

With gratitude,
Sarah Burke
Community Engagement Manager
Inspiritus

Uplifting Unsung Heroes: Disaster Volunteers

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

Inspiritus: Community Recognition and Awards

John Moeller Named One of Georgia's 500 Most Influential Leaders

AWARD-WINNING IMPACT

Reflecting on the past few years, Inspiritus has emerged through seasons that were filled with both challenges and victories. We want to take this moment to celebrate with you two outstanding acknowledgments that reflect the commitment and perseverance of the people that make this organization great. The success of our work is built on the efforts of our staff, board, volunteers and collaborative partners. Thank you for helping us provide award-winning services to neighbors that need it the most.

John Moeller, President & CEO of Inspiritus, was named one of Georgia’s 500 most influential leaders for 2022 by Georgia Trend magazine. The list of leaders was published in a special annual magazine called Georgia 500. It identifies the state’s most influential leaders across 21 industry sectors focusing on economic development and local investment.  Selections are based on extensive research, nominations, and hundreds of interviews, resulting in a selective guide to Georgians who impact the Peach State. Moeller was named in the non-profit sector.

“I am humbled to be recognized in Georgia Trend’s Most Influential Leaders 2022,” said Moeller, “It is a testament not to me, but to our incredibly dedicated teams. This honor is a reflection of their leadership and commitment to seeing individuals to thriving. I am grateful to our board, staff, volunteers and partners who continue to stand with us. There's no higher calling than to community service."

John Moeller's unrelenting commitment to empowering those we accompany on their path from surviving to thriving is truly an inspiration to the Inspiritus organization, our collaborative partners and the communities in which we serve. Congratulations John!

The feature above reads: Inspiritus, formerly Lutheran Services of Georgia, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting individuals and families across Georgia whose lives have been disrupted by abuse, neglect, torture, economic distress and natural disaster. It provides a mix of services in Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee, among them: refugee and immigrant services, including Afghan Ally resettlement, social adjustment, cultural orientation and legal services; assistance in the wake of natural disaster; and children’s and family services. Including foster homes.

Moeller is an elder in the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church and has pastored several churches in North Georgia. He served 10 years as CEO of Must Ministries in Marietta and another six years heading Action Ministries in Atlanta. He also is an established speaker on topics such as leadership, nonprofit governance, volunteerism and strategic planning.

---

Center for Nonprofit Management Honors Inspiritus' Middle Tennessee Empowerment Programs

Last month, the Center for Nonprofit Management in Nashville held its 29th annual Salute to Excellence Awards, the country's largest nonprofit awards ceremony, bringing together leaders in local business, community, and nonprofit sectors for a night of recognition and celebration at Belmont University’s The Fisher Center for Performing Arts.

Inspiritus is honored to have been awarded The Memorial Foundation 2022 Leadership Award from the Center for Nonprofit Management. With over 145 applications submitted, 30 nonprofit organizations and leaders were recognized as winners and finalists across 13 award categories of excellence. The finalist organizations were comprised of nonprofits large and small in diverse service areas supporting communities across Middle Tennessee. The Inspiritus team is humbled to take part in such an amazing event!

Facebook Video: Inspiritus Middle Tennessee Empowerment Programs' highlight video shown at the 2022 Salute to Excellence Awards Ceremony by the Center for Nonprofit Management (Nashville)

Please join us in celebrating all who make this work possible, yourself included. We are grateful for the compassion and commitment of all who help Inspiritus continue to successfully empower our neighbors on their journeys from Surviving to Thriving.

Sincerely,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Giving Tuesday is Tuesday, November 29 External

Dear Friends,

It's that time of year again! Georgia is coming together for a full day of hope on Giving Tuesday, November 29 (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving).

This year, we're setting a $5,000 goal for this Giving Tuesday. In fact, right now GA Gives is allowing early contributions which will go towards Inspiritus' overall Giving Tuesday goal. Click the link below to donate early, and share it across your social media network using hashtags #GivingTuesday #GAgives:

We're so grateful to all our donors and supporters who help make what we do possible.

With Gratitude,

Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus

Give Hope This Holiday Season

Dear Friends,  

At Inspiritus, our Hope Tree program gives the gift of hope to children in foster care, refugee and immigrant families seeking a new life, and low-income families in our service areas who may not otherwise receive a gift. We partner with local congregations and community organizations to give the gift of hope to those in need. 

With your generosity, our hope is to ensure every individual we accompany receives something special this holiday season, whether that be a warm winter coat or a gift card. But, we can’t do it alone.  

We invite you to join us in our mission to empower to every person we accompany on their journey from surviving to thriving this giving season. Outlined below are ways you can give: 

Inspiritus Middle Tennessee Empowerment Services: Nashville, TN 

• Inspiritus Middle Tennessee is collecting coats & Visa, Walmart, or Amazon gift cards! Our goal is to collect 50-100 coats & 20 gift cards for children, families, and individuals enrolled in our programming.

• All coats will be distributed throughout the winter to individuals seeking food assistance from the Inspiritus Pantry.

• Physical donations can be dropped off at: 1628 Rosa Parks Blvd. Nashville, TN 37208 M-F
  8am-noon. You can also mail your donations to the same address by December 12th.

• If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Christmas fund, we will use the funds to purchase needed winter coats. You can send donations to: www.weinspirit.org/donate and select "Hope Tree". Please include “Middle Tennessee Empowerment Donation” in the comment section.

Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services: Nashville, TN 

• Inspiritus’ Refugee & Immigrant Services is growing! In 2022, we expanded our RIS programming to Nashville, making this our first year resettling refugees in Tennessee!
  Our goal is to collect 65 coats & 40 Visa, Walmart, or Amazon gift cards for families and individuals enrolled in this programming!

• All coats will be distributed throughout the winter to newly arrived refugees. Gift cards will be distributed to teens in the Kiswahili community led by a local pastor.

• Gift Cards: Not all of our families are necessarily in need of a coat, but they’re definitely in need of support to make Christmas special given the financial hardships they face every day. The kids we serve in our Unaccompanied Minors program really benefit from getting a gift card that helps them choose something special for themselves especially since family dynamics might be different because of limited family reunification options.

• You can sign up to donate a coat or gift card here.

• Please mail gift cards and coats to: Hope Tree INSPIRITUS 297 Haywood Lane Nashville, TN 37211 by December 12th.

• If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Christmas fund, we will use the funds to purchase needed winter coats. You can send donations to: www.weinspirit.org/donate and select "Hope Tree". Please include “RIS Middle Tennessee Donation” in the comment section.

Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services: Atlanta, GA 

• Inspiritus Atlanta is collecting coats & Visa, Walmart, or Amazon gift cards! Our goal is to collect 55 gift cards & 395 coats for families and individuals enrolled in our programming!

• All coats and gift cards collected will be distributed to newly arrived refugees and immigrants in Atlanta, GA.

• Gift Cards: Not all of our families are necessarily in need of a coat, but they’re definitely in need of support to make Christmas special given the financial hardships they face every day. The kids we serve in our Unaccompanied Minors program really benefit from getting a gift card that helps them choose something special for themselves especially since family dynamics might be different because of limited family reunification options.

• You can sign up to donate a coat or gift card here.

• Please mail donations to Hope Tree INSPIRITUS 731 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30308 by December 12th.

• If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Christmas fund, we will use the funds to purchase needed winter coats. You can send donations to: www.weinspirit.org/donate and select "Hope Tree". Please include “RIS Atlanta Donation” in the comment section.

Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services: Birmingham, AL 

• Inspiritus’ Refugee & Immigrant Services has also expanded to Birmingham, making this this our first year celebrating Hope Tree in Alabama! Our goal is to collect 40 Visa, Walmart, or Amazon gift cards & 100 coats for families and individuals enrolled in this programming!

• All coats and gift cards collected will be distributed to newly arrived refugees and immigrants in Birmingham, AL.

• Gift Cards: Not all of our families are necessarily in need of a coat, but they’re definitely in need of support to make Christmas special given the financial hardships they face every day. The kids we serve in our Unaccompanied Minors program really benefit from getting a gift card that helps them choose something special for themselves especially since family dynamics might be different because of limited family reunification options.

• You can sign up to donate a coat or gift card here.

• Please mail donations to Hope Tree INSPIRITUS 117 Southcrest Drive Ste. 104 Birmingham, AL 35209 by December 12th.

• If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Christmas fund, we will use the funds to purchase needed winter coats. You can send donations to: www.weinspirit.org/donate and select "Hope Tree". Please include “RIS Birmingham Donation” in the comment section.

Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services: Savannah, GA

• Inspiritus Savannah is collecting coats! Our goal is to collect 84 coats for our newest neighbors. All coats collected will be distributed to newly arrived refugees and immigrants in Savannah, GA.

• You can sign up to donate a coat or gift card here.

• Please mail donations to Hope Tree INSPIRITUS 106 Oglethorpe Professional Court, STE C Savannah, GA 31406 by December 12th.

• If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Christmas fund, we will use the funds to purchase needed winter coats. You can send donations to: www.weinspirit.org/donate and select "Hope Tree". Please include “RIS Savannah Donation” in the comment section.

Inspiritus Children & Family Services: Metro Atlanta & Northwest GA 

• Inspiritus’ Children & Family Services is collecting Walmart gift cards! Our goal is to collect 50 gift cards for children and families enrolled in our programming.

• All gift cards will be used to purchase Wishlist gift items for youth and be distributed to foster parents as a holiday token of appreciation!

• Gift card donations can be sent to: Inspiritus P.O. Box 1091 Hampton, GA 30228 by December 12th.

• If you prefer to make a monetary donation to the Hope Tree Christmas fund, we will use the funds to purchase needed gift cards. You can send donations to: www.weinspirit.org/donate and select "Hope Tree". Please include “Foster Care Donation” in the comment section.

If you have questions, please reach out to Sherise Boston, Operations Manager, at Sherise.Boston@weinspirit.org or 404-875-0201 (ext. 1010).  

Thank you for the meaningful ways you and your congregations live out your lives as people of faith. Inspiritus is blessed to partner with you as we accompany the most vulnerable among us on their journeys from surviving to thriving. 

Also, be sure to join us for #GivingTuesday - the Global Day of Giving on Tuesday, Nov 29, 2022. 

We're proud to be a part of this global celebration of giving through GAGives. In this time of uncertainty, there's a fundamental truth that gives us hope - that together we can do extraordinary things. 

Save the date and be sure to bookmark this link: 

https://www.gagives.org/organization/Inspiritus 

With Gratitude, 

Virginia Spencer 
Chief Development Officer 
Inspiritus

Hurricane Ian Survivors and Helpers

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

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:

• Airbnb

• Airlink

• AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams (ADRT)

• AmeriCorps NCCC

• Anthem Church

• Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

• Christian Emergency Network (CEN)

• Christ in Action

• Church by the Sea

• Church of the Nazarene

• District 6960 SW Florida Rotary

• Florida Division of Emergency Management

• Florida VOAD

• Home Depot Foundation

• International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)

• The Jesus Alliance

• Lee County Emergency Management

• Lowe's

• Mennonite Disaster Services

• Mission on Wheels

• Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)

• Rothrock Foundation

• The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

• The Lutheran Church of the Missouri Synod (LCMS)

• The United Methodist Church

• Toolbank USA

• Tunnel to Towers Foundation

• Volunteer Florida

• WaterStep

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

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:

• Airbnb

• Airlink

• Church of the Nazarene

• Florida Division of Emergency Management

• Home Depot Foundation

• International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)

• Lee County Emergency Management

• Lowe's

• Mennonite Disaster Services

• Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)

• The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

• The Lutheran Church of the Missouri Synod (LCMS)

• The United Methodist Church

• Toolbank USA

• Tunnel to Towers Foundation

• WaterStep

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