LDRNY Eletter | Eletter Archive
Dear Friends of Lutheran Disaster Response of New York:
Here’s the Sept. 1st edition of “Comfort & Renew Online,” a weekly e-newsletter provided by LDRNY. If you have something to share, please drop an email to mikki@LDRNY.org.
LDR director reports on Hurricane Katrina efforts
The major need now is the search and rescue for survivors of Hurricane Katrina, according to Heather L. Feltman, director for Lutheran Disaster Response. "Keeping people alive is the primary task this day," said Feltman, who also serves as director for ELCA Domestic Disaster Response.
"Lutheran Disaster Response is identifying retired military personnel, fire fighters and others with search and rescue skills and referring them to appropriate officials" in the federal search for hurricane survivors along the U.S. Gulf Coast, said Feltman.
"Evacuation continues to take place, particularly in New Orleans, which is about 80 percent under water," she said. Recovery work will not begin until flood waters recede, access to power and electricity are restored and conditions are deemed safe for disaster response volunteers, Feltman said.
"We are still collecting information from ELCA synods and LCMS districts," she said. "Information has been somewhat sporadic, but we know many Lutheran church buildings have sustained damage. Hardship grants will be given to congregations and communities at large for health and child care needs, temporary housing, and emotional and spiritual care," Feltman said.
"Financial gifts are urgently needed to help with a flexible, efficient and immediate plan for disaster response," said Kathryn Sime, director, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal.
For more information or to make a donation, go to www.LDRNY.org.
Louisiana native calls Katrina his family’s own 9/11
“I’ve lived in New York for more than 20 years. I’m a native of Baton Rouge. I almost feel guilty saying this, and I mean no disrespect, but this feels like my family’s 9/11. I feel so helpless, like there is nothing I can do.” This is a statement from someone who spoke with LDRNY’s Director John Scibilia after Hurricane Katrina. Scibilia said: “It’s a natural instinct to want to help, to want to do something that will make a difference. And there are tangible, practical and effective ways we can do that. Read the opportunities to volunteer below in this eLetter and go to www.LDRNY.org to learn more ways you can be helpful.”
How you can volunteer for Katrina here in New York
New York Cares is supporting the efforts of the American Red Cross in its response to Hurricane Katrina, by helping spread the word about the need for volunteers right here in New York City. Due to the impact and predictions of Hurricane Katrina, the New York Chapter of the American Red Cross has opened a Call Center to help field calls from across the country in response to this disaster. Volunteers are needed to answer calls between 10 a.m.--10 p.m. every day. Training will be offered each day from 8 a.m. –10 a.m. For more information or to volunteer, please contact the Red Cross directly by emailing volunteer@arcgny.org or calling 212-875-2068.
We remember Beslan school
Sept. 1 marks the first anniversary of the three-day siege on a school in Beslan, Russia. Thirty-two terrorists overtook the school on the first day of classes last year and refused to free their 1,200 hostages despite the heavy artillery stationed outside. LDRNY Coordinator Mikki Baloy has written an essay on this day. Go to www.LDRNY.org and click on Top News.
LDRNY provides prayers for 9/11 services
Since the 9/11 commemoration is on a Sunday this year, LDRNY has provided prayers to be read in church. They’re written by LDRNY’s Deputy Coordinator Pr. Tom Taylor. Pastors and lay leaders may download the prayers from www.LDRNY.org. Click on Top News.
Upcoming Sept. 11 events
For a complete list of 9/11 commemorations, remembrances and church services, visit www.LDRNY.org and click on Top News. The list is updated daily, so send your services or events to Mikki@LDRNY.org.
September is National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month. Find out how you can participate in local activities and prepare yourself and your family in the event of an emergency or visit www.LDRNY.org for more information.
Red Cross posts 9/11 commemoration calendar
The American Red Cross September 11 Recovery Program (SRP) announces the online publication of its 2005 September 11 Anniversary Events Calendar. It includes a list of events planned around the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attacks. The calendar is located on the SRP website at www.redcross.org/september11/help under “Resources,” and it will be updated weekly until Sept. 5.
Book update
LDRNY chapter debuts in book, On the Ground After September 11
Order your copy of On the Ground After September 11: Mental Health Responses and Practical Knowledge Gained, which includes a chapter written by and about LDRNY. For more information, go to www.LDRNY.org.
Update your cell phone for ICE: In Case of Emergency
A new campaign urges everyone with a mobile phone to program an emergency contact number, under the name ICE, into their phones. Doing so will allow paramedics and other first responders to notify your relatives or friends of your whereabouts in an emergency.
Make a gift to LDRNY
LDRNY is grateful for the gifts it receives. If you’d like to make a donation to honor or memorialize someone, send a check to LDRNY at the address below. Tell us who should be notified of the gift, and please provide an address. Thrivent members will have their gift matched.
You may now make a gift to support the work of LDRNY among the hidden victims of Sept. 11 online, thanks to Lutheran Community Foundation’s Charity Finder. Go to
http://www.thelcf.org/donors/charityfinder_details.asp?charity_id=145
Events, programs and training on www.LDRNY.org
You’re reminded to check the LDRNY.org website often for a complete listing of events taking place around Ground Zero and in lower Manhattan, and for programs and training relating to 9/11. They’re listed here: http://www.ldrny.org/comfort/comfort3.asp
Take a planned Faith Walk around Ground Zero
LDRNY partner Koinonia NYC invites you to take a Faith Walk around Ground Zero. Faith Walks are inspirational and educational tours of Ground Zero and surrounding landmarks, encouraging healing and hope in the face of despair. If you’re planning a trip to New York City, or want to read more about others’ experiences, go to www.LDRNY.org. Participants always report back that they liked the Faith Walk. Here is a comment from one person: "It was informative, very moving, and certainly uplifting. In your very kind and thoughtful manner, you put us all at ease. Your friendly way made us all able to participate and enjoy this opportunity."
Helpful sites you may want to visit
• Lifenet www.9-11MentalHealth.org 1-800-LIFENET.
LDRNY contact info
To contact LDRNY, call 1-866-864-1600, or send an email to Mikki@ldrny.org Visit the website for information on any of our programs – www.LDRNY.org.
LDRNY
22 Cortlandt St. 10007
New York, NY
1-866-864-1600
212-406-9736
|
