News Releases Archive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Wendy Healy: 203-744-6367, wendy@LDRNY.org
or John Scibilia: 1-866-864-1600

9/11 WIDOWS & VICTIMS FAMILIES ASSOCIATION HONORS LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE OF N.Y. & DR. JOHN J. SCIBILIA

NEW YORK, NY – June 19 – The 9/11 Widows and Victims Families Association honored both Dr. John J. Scibilia, executive director of Lutheran Disaster Response of New York (LDRNY), along with the organization, for their ministry, healing resources and support in the aftermath of 9/11.

LDRNY and Scibilia were among several recipients of the award, which included New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and former Mayor Rudolph Guiliani.

The award was given to Scibilia by Jennifer Adams, managing director of the 9/11 Widows and Victims Families Association, and Lee Ielpi, board member of the Coalition of 9/11 Families. In giving the award, Adams said: “LDRNY has made incredible things possible for the 9/11 Widows and Victims Families Association. The group wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you; it would’ve fallen by the wayside.”

Ielpi agreed. “It’s not enough to say, ‘thank you’.” The 9/11 Widows and Victims Families Association’s most important goal is to insure the dignified recovery of loved ones. It also provides accurate information from the site, addresses family hardships and acts as a liaison with the Mayor’s Office, Fire Commissioner and fire unions.

LDRNY has been instrumental in addressing the needs of those affected by 9/11. It’s many programs and services have helped thousands of hidden victims of 9/11, those who not only lost a loved one, but also lost their livelihood, homes or income as a result of the wave effects of the disaster.

It’s programs include: Project LIFE care management in cooperation with Lutheran Social Services of Metropolitan New York, counseling through Lutheran Counseling Center, tuition assistance for Lutheran Schools Association, New Ground day camp, New LIFE Center for the Fujianese population, Comfort and Renew grants for congregations and grass roots ministries in response to 9/11, emergency food assistance, training for caregivers and first responders, pastoral respite and support, and coordination with the 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtables for New York City and Long Island.