LDRNY Eletter | Eletter Archive

Dear Friends of Lutheran Disaster Response of New York:

Here’s the April 28th 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.

LDRNY & Catholic Charities launch Faithful Response, a free counseling program
Lutheran Disaster Response of New York (LDRNY) and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, announce their partnership on a program that will provide free mental health counseling to Long Island residents still struggling with the emotional, spiritual or behavioral wave effects of 9/11 trauma. The one-of-a-kind innovative program, called Faithful Response, is a faith-based program to match Long Island residents seeking mental health services and support with state-licensed and specialized trauma counselors. The free program is largely geared toward the brave men and women who were involved in rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero, according to Michael Arcari, program director, under the support of both the Lutheran and Catholic churches. "Since church is often the first place many people turn for help, it made sense to have a faith-based program," said Dr. John J. Scibilia, executive director of Lutheran Disaster Response of New York. To read the full story, and download a brochure, go to www.LDRNY.org.

Flood victims warned about black mold
A growing problem in homes affected by the April flooding is black mold. Individuals affected, as well as volunteer crews that may be involved in the recovery efforts, should learn about mold removal. Visit www.LDRNY.org for resources on black mold.

Institute releases findings on Towers collapse
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released its latest findings from the building and fire safety investigation of the World Trade Center disaster. The findings include the final probable collapse sequence for the towers and lessons learned from three other projects: analysis of building and fire codes and practices; occupant behavior, egress, and emergency communications; and fire service technologies and guidelines.  For more, go to http://www.ldrny.org/GroundZero/GroundZero1.asp

Go Bags are a great idea
LDRNY's Go Bag is the most comprehensive disaster-preparedness bag on the market today. The red standard backpack is filled with more than 50 items to help a person survive in the first 24 hours following a disaster or emergency. Items include a flashlight, water, energy bar, whistle, rain poncho, mylar blanket, hand-warmer packet, radio and compass, first-aid kit, toothbrush, hand-sanitizers, ID holder, DNA/fingerprint kit, pen and pad, and much more. The suggested contribution for the Go Bag is $70 each, plus $7.50 shipping/handling, and can be obtained by calling LDRNY at 1-866-864-1600, or by visiting the website, www.LDRNY.org. Click on the red logo on the homepage to get more information and an order form.

Koinonia NYC seeks Faith Walk leaders
On May 14th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Koinonia NYC will offer training for new Faith Walk leaders. Faith Walk at Ground Zero help Lutherans examine the events of 9/11 from a faith perspective of healing and hope. During a three-hour Faith Walk, groups view a video of St. Paul's Chapel ministry; hear stories about the 9/11 and the church's response; view the site from the LDRNY Comfort and Renew Center on the 20th floor, street level and the PATH station; and conclude with a visit to St. Paul's Chapel. Once training is completed, Faith Walk leaders are scheduled on an as-needed and as-available basis.  This is a great opportunity for you to witness to the healing and hope God has brought us since the events of 9/11.  It is an opportunity to share stories and hear stories of visitors from around the world and local NYC area churches. A Lutheran Crusader Grant to Koinonia NYC is covering the training cost for up to 10 new Faith Walk leaders.  If you would like to attend Faith Walk leader training, contact Pr. Ann Tiemeyer,  Koinonia NYC Director, at 212-669-6130 or KoinoniaNYC@yahoo.com. To register, call before May 12.

Lutheran Counseling Center seeks executive director
The Lutheran Counseling Center, a faith-based pastoral counseling center located in the Metropolitan New York area with an annual budget of over $1 million, seeks an executive director to be responsible for overall management and administration of a successful community based counseling center.  A master's degree in Counseling, Healthcare Administration, or related field is required. In addition, significant experience in nonprofit management, preferably in a counseling center or social services organization is essential.  Individual must be an energetic, visionary leader, capable administrator and proven fundraiser with ability to connect with local congregations and Lutheran judicatory leadership. Ability to partner with the community, funders, other faith-based agencies and like-minded organizations is essential.  The position will be available in the fall of 2005.  To apply, send confidential resume/salary expectations before July 1, to Lutheran Counseling Center (Attn: Search Committee Chairperson, John Chabot, Ph.D.) 132 Jefferson Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501, or e-mail SearchLCC@aol.com.

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."

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

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
www.LDRNY.org
Dr. John J. Scibilia, Executive Director (john@ldrny.org)