LAKESHORE AREA REGIONAL RECOVERY OF INDIANA
▪Restoring Homes ▪ Restoring Hope ▪ Volume 1, Issue II
Special points of interest: • Turn to page 2 to meet LARRI Recovery Specialist Melanie Parker. Go online to take a tour of the GNS office! • Turn to page 5 to read about the AmeriCorps NCCC volunteers and how they are helping LARRI!
Inside this issue: A day in the life: 2 Recovery Specialist LARRI Award Winners
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How YOU can help this month!
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May 2010
LARRI honors ‘Champion’ volunteers By LeAnne Munoz The atmosphere at the Lakeshore Area Regional Recovery of Indiana’s “Champions of Hope” dinner on April 22 at the Hellenic Cultural Center in Merrillville, Ind., was joyous and lively. The dinner brought together about 200 guests, most of whom had donated their time and energy to help those whose lives were devastated in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties by the September 2008 flood. The “Champions of Hope” dinner included stories of laughter, smiles and tears of the people
who survived displacement and the structural damage to their homes, and also from those who donated their time to give back to those who had lost so much. LARRI, funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., was organized after the floodwater receded and has remained a constant source of hope for those whose lives were uprooted by the flood. Executive Director of the Governor's office of FaithBased and Community Initiatives Ike Randolph gave the keynote address at the dinner.
Photo by Robert Kapalka
“LARRI is a model for other [non-profit] places and groups,” said Executive Director of the Governor’s office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Ike Randolph. See: ‘Champion’ Page 3
Keeping mold under control with Flood Control By Kasie Tenbarge
AmeriCorps NCCC
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Letter from the Director
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Anthony Steinke (left) and Flood Control Operator for Illinois Dan Wilnau (right)
Flood Control is a nationwide company that helps people handle any type of natural catastrophe that may occur in commercial or residential properties. Flood Control has been working with LARRI since January
2010 by helping staff members, homeowners and volunteers understand more about mold mitigation, and how to be safe when entering homes potentially damaged by mold. Dan Wilnau, Operations See: ‘Control’ Page 4
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▪ Restoring Homes ▪ Restoring Hope ▪
A day in the life: Recovery Specialist Supervisor Background: Melanie has always had an affinity for nonprofit organizations and has over 30 years of experience in the social service field. After much hard work, she earned a bachelors’ degree in education from DePaul University. Photo by Donna George
LARRI Recovery Specialists, Joyce Matthews (left), Melanie Parker (middle) and Annetrice Seawood (right)
by LeAnne Munoz Meet Melanie Parker, LARRI Recovery Specialist Supervisor. A resident of Merrillville, Ind., Melanie first got involved with LARRI after she was laid off from United Way and Emergency Services in Gary. According to Melanie, she was lucky to be hired at LARRI just as her unemployment ended.
The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee - recognized for its contributions of volunteer teams. Faith Without Borders recognized for their help with the “muck and gut” process. Habitat for Humanity at University of Chicago recognized for providing support to LARRI on a weekly basis. AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps - recognized for providing numerous volunteer teams.
After receiving the case, Melanie makes initial contact with her clients by visiting their homes. She said that while many people are receptive to LARRI, some elderly clients are hesitant to welcome new people into their homes because they have been victim to scams in A typical day on the job: the past. “Once they see what According to Melanie, her job gets done, they have opened varies daily at LARRI’s satellite more than their doors, they have office at Gary Neighborhood opened their hearts,” she said. Services, where she manages two other Recovery Specialists. She beings her 5-day workweek at 8:30 a.m. and ends it around 4:30 p.m., but she never knows who will be coming in and out of the office in between. “We’re a walk-in site, so you never know who is going to show up Photo by Donna George throughout the day,” she said. Gary Neighborhood Services, Inc. As a recovery specialist 300 West Avenue, Gary, IN. supervisor, Melanie handles 219-883-0431 cases given to her by her manager, Kathy O’Day. See: “Day in the life” page 4
Crown Point United Methodist Church - recognized for providing meals and lodging for volunteers Lutheran Church Charities recognized for donating furniture and appliances for volunteer housing. Goshen Mennonite Disaster Services Team - recognized for its efforts since 2009. Nappanee Amish Team recognized for providing skilled volunteers to construction sites. One Brick’s Chicago chapter recognized for its volunteer weekly support since the flood.
Brethren Disaster Ministries recognized for its volunteer work since the flood. John Beebe - recognized for his work to help get assistance for those in need. Dan Cacich - recognized for his efforts to help establish LARRI. Marion Case - recognized for his work on the construction subcommittee. Doreen DiCianni - recognized for her volunteer efforts. Ed Mulder - recognized for his work on the steering and unmet needs committees.
Volume 1, Issue II
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‘Champions’
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In his address, Randolph praised LARRI for its quick response and formation in a time of need. According to Randolph, “LARRI is a model for other [non-profit] places and groups.” Randolph said he encourages community leaders to get involved with groups like LARRI before disasters occur, “because [disasters] are the worst time to hand out business cards.” The “Champions of Hope” dinner was a testament to that fact, as everyone gathered to encourage and support one another; even 20 months after the flood took place.
LARRI Director Jane Delligatti said.
to reconstructing homes since the flood occurred.
Slideshows playing throughout the dinner illustrated the devastation created by the flood, from homes knee-deep in water to homes with toxic black mold. Many pictures, however, highlighted the continuous efforts made by churches, youth groups and various individual volunteers to help fix the problem.
One Brick’s Event Manager, Kinga Stepien, said that while her group does not volunteer for the purpose of recognition, they were all honored to be appreciated for their work.
LARRI honored 10 organizations and five individuals during the dinner and managed to raise about $4,100 from the silent auction.
“I think it speaks to the goodness of the people of Northwest Indiana’s nature. It shows they understand the importance of helping others who are less fortunate,”
One group honored for its volunteer work was the Chicago chapter of One Brick, which has been volunteering time and energy
Photo by Robert Kapalka
The room was lit from this single “[Volunteering] is so candle, as the song, rewarding and “Carry Your fulfilling; it’s almost Candle” echoed like a reward itself,” through the room. she said.
The dinner ended with an inspirational candle lighting ceremony, appropriately accompanied by the song, “Carry Your Candle.” The lyric, “Hold out your candle for all to see it; Take your candle, go light your world,” echoed through the room as the flame from one candle slowly illuminated the darkness, a flicker of hope shining through.
How YOU can help this month Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are at the very heart of what we do! Below are featured volunteer opportunities for adults and families:
Photo Provided
Volunteer Coordinator Rhonda Carlson
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“LARRI/AmeriCorps BBQ Build” on June 4. Work begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends with lunch at 1:30 p.m. (Adults)
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Cook meals at home to be brought to our volunteer houses (Everyday; Families)
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Clean homes occupied by volunteers (Weekends; Families)
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Construction at home sites, both skilled and unskilled workers welcome! We will train you! (Monday—Saturday; Adults
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Yard work, cut grass and maintain flower beds at homes occupied by volunteers (Weekends; Families) Please call Rhonda Carlson, Volunteer Coordinator, at (219) 836-1325 or rcarlson@larri.info to sign up for these opportunities. Thank you!
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▪ Restoring Homes ▪ Restoring Hope ▪
Day in the life
Photo by Donna George
Melanie Parker at GNS office.
“They have opened more than their doors, they have opened their hearts,” - Melanie Parker http://www.larri.info
Her role at LARRI: Melanie handles the cases of those in need after sustaining damage to their homes after the September 2008 flood. Her position requires her to visit their homes to investigate the needs of the client and to ask routine questions, but Melanie views her job as more personal. She said she always takes the opportunity on her first visit to allow the client to get comfortable having LARRI in their home. “I like to help people and
Control
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make them feel comfortable; I like to talk the talk and walk the walk,” she said. Melanie works closely with her clients until the construction phase, where she has to let go and let the process continue to flow. “It’s hard sometimes, and I tell my clients to call me if they really need me, but I know the process of letting go is important,” she said. Most memorable moments: Melanie said she cannot choose just one
memory from her time at LARRI, but said she always enjoys seeing the clients’ smiles as the cases are closed. When she sees the reactions from homeowners who have had their homes, and hearts, restored by LARRI, Melanie said she cannot help but feel as though she is in the right place. “When I see what LARRI does, and the reaction I get from clients, I know God has placed me here for a reason.”
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Director for Illinois, describes the process for proper, professional removal of water and mold mitigation from a home. “We get a call from LARRI about a flooded home, we then go in and remove the water. Once the water is gone and we have a relatively dry structure, we create evaporation using our equipment. Three to five days later, the structure is dry and prepared for reconstruction.” Wilnau
Photo provided
Anthony Steinke & Dan Wilnau
Flood control is a nationwide company that helps people handle natural catastrophe that may occur in commercial or residential properties. For more information, call (800) - 973 - 0041 continues, “There is not a lot of knowledge about the mold-the damage it can do to people’s homes, and can cause them to be sick as well. Mold often results from people doing it themselves– trying to remove water and dry out their basements the best they can.” It is for this reason that Wilnau feels passionately about continuing to help LARRI in reconstruction efforts. In another testament to their willingness to keep people safe, Flood Control
has also done pro bono work for some homeowners affected by the 2008 flood who did not qualify for assistance. Wilnau and Flood Control are currently putting Site supervisors from LARRI through IICRC, Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, water restoration courses. The goal is to make sure job sites are safe for volunteers and contractors going in to do work. For Wilnau, it is all about, “helping to create a safe environment for LARRI to move forward with their work.”
Photo provided
Anthony Steinke explains mold remediation techniques to Purdue camera crew.
Volume 1, Issue II
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AmeriCorps NCCC Volunteer Work Instrumental to LARRI success By Kasie Tenbarge The AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) has been working with LARRI for more than a year to bring teams of volunteers to help with reconstruction. For LARRI, the efforts of the volunteers from NCCC have been instrumental in helping to get people back into their homes. The AmeriCorps experience, however, is much more than being there to cut trim and put up drywall. “The goal for each AmeriCorps team volunteer in the program is to create service-based learning; to learn about the community in which they are working, and to learn about the impact this disaster had on the community. By being a part of this, we are creating that sense of life-long service towards that goal,”
said JJ Trotta, Assistant Program Director for NCCC, North Central Region. Trotta’s job on the regional level is to prep sponsors, such as LARRI and the volunteer teams that will be working onsite, about what it means to work with NCCC. He has helped to facilitate the arrival of five teams of AmeriCorps volunteers that have worked with LARRI. The fifth team is currently on-site through June 11, and is led by June Carlson. Carlson said the best part about working with LARRI is, “The staff at LARRI is very responsive and organized, and this allows us to get a lot of work done.” Her team will work nine to ten hours each day, meeting with LARRI site supervisors and helping with everything from painting to prepping flooring. Like Trotta, Carlson feels that the commitment from the volunteers who are a
part of the AmeriCorps program cannot be overstated. “I would like people to know that this is a huge commitment for team members just trying to do as much good as possible. This is an opportunity for young people to take advantage, especially before going to college, to learn so much about the world and to gain maturity and personal development.” Everyone associated with LARRI, from homeowners affected by the floods to the LARRI staff in the field and in the office, are all so thankful for the help that the NCCC team members continue to provide. Jane Deligatti, Director of LARRI, sums up this sentiment, “We are so fortunate to have the fifth team of AmeriCorps volunteers. They are young, enterprising individuals, all here for the good of the cause. It has been phenomenal working with them, and they are a lot of fun too!”
“The staff at LARRI is very responsive and organized, and Photo provided
allows us to get a
AmeriCorps NCCC volunteers take a break from work for a quick photo
lot of work done,” -June Carlson Photo provided
AmeriCorps NCCC Leader June Carlson
Photo provided
AmeriCorps NCCC volunteers help rebuild client home in Lake Station
LAKESHORE AREA REGIONAL RECOVERY OF INDIANA Lakeshore Area Regional Recovery of Indiana 9200 Calumet Avenue Suite N-510 Munster, Ind. 46321 Phone: 219. 836.1325 Fax:: 219. 836.1546 E-mail: info@larri.info
Lakeshore Area Regional Recovery of Indiana committee is created in accordance with the laws of Indiana with the purpose of coordination of disaster recovery in Northwest Indiana Planning as defined by the State of Indiana, including Lake, Porter and La Porte Counties by sharing information, simplifying residents access to services and jointly resolving cases with natural disaster-caused needs. There are still hundreds of homes in dire need of restoration. New cases come to our attention almost every day. Volunteers of all skill levels are needed to help restore homes to a livable condition. We are in need of construction materials, tools, and housing for volunteer teams. To learn how you can help call: (219) 836-1325 or toll free at (877) LARRI4U. [877-527-7448]
Letter from the Director Our monthly newsletter exists to further the mission of LARRI, which is to assist in recovery from disaster through the coordination of community resources, sharing of information and reconnecting lives to hope, specifically for the survivors of the September 2008 flood. We welcome suggestions for volunteers, clients, etc. that you would like to see featured in upcoming editions of the LARRI newsletter. Forward suggestions to Donna George, communications coordinator, at dgeorge@larri.info. Thanks for reading! Sincerely, Jane Delligatti, Director Lakeshore Area Regional Recovery of Indiana
Photo Provided
LARRI Director, Jane Delligatti